Michael Stanton- FLA- Rookie- Stanton may be picking up some plate discipline. This month he has struck out 12 times in 50 ABs, after fanning 30 times in 86 July ABs. He has also walked 9 times in 59 PAs, contrasted to 10 walks in 96 PAs last month. That undoubtedly contributes to Stanton’s .400 average this mo nth, but to be honest the major part of that is his .455 BABIP. However, there may be a more real impact in his homer rate, with 5 already this month, only 2 shy of his July total. If Stanton is maturing this rapidly his potential, which is huge, will be reached very early.
Prince Fielder- MIL- Cold- With only 1 homer in his last 23 games, Fielder might be starting to press a bit. He has struck out 7 times in his last 4 games and is just 3-for-21 in his last 7 games. With 25 homers on the season he is in danger of not getting to 30 if this pace continues. He has drawn 7 walks in that 7 game span so he shows a possibility of turning it around, but it has to happen soon for Fielder to maintain his value down the stretch.
Matt Holliday- STL- Cold- Holliday followed up a 9-game hitting streak by going hitless in consecutive games. It’s nothing to be worried about. He has dropped his K rate from 17.4% last year to 15.9%, which would be a new career low. That probably has something to do with Holliday maintaining a .300+ average despite what would be a career low .320 BABIP. He is making his own luck.
Chris Young- ARI- Idea- Although he has only 1 homer in his last 9 games, Young has collected 5 doubles in that span. That could be an indicator that a power surge is on the horizon. With a respectable .271 average helping get Young’s OBP to .341, giving more opportunities to steal, he could be a solid double threat down the stretch.
Jonathan Broxton- LAN- Hot- Following up on yesterday’s item, Broxton looks even closer to returning to being the closer. He pitched a perfect 9th inning in a non-save situation, picking up a strikeout and throwing 7 of 9 pitches for strikes. Broxton is earning another shot and will likely get it.
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