Andy Pettitte (SP—Yankees) Although he didn't factor into the decision on Sunday in his return, Andy Pettitte looked like he hadn't missed any time at all. He hasn't pitched in more than two months and he pitched six strong innings, allowing 1 earned run on three hits, a walk with two strikeouts. Perfect timing for Pettitte's return as the Yankees head into the post-season and Pettitte is able to sharpen his skills on the mound. There aren't too many pitchers tougher than Pettitte at the end of the season and in October. For the season, Pettitte is 11-2 with a 2.81 ERA. If Sunday's performance is any indication that Pettitte is well and ready to go, owners should feel more than secure to get Pettitte back in there.
Peter Bourjos (OF—Angels) For the most part Peter Bourjos has been underwhelming since coming up for the Angels and taking over centerfield. However, on Sunday, Bourjos hit his fourth home run of the year and almost has his batting average for the season above .200. But for now it sits at .195. Bourjos does have some decent pop in his bat as he is a candidate to hit double digits in home runs some day. But it's his speed that is his best weapon as he has stolen as many as 50 bases in a season in the minors. However, to date, he has only been able to steal five bases on the Major-League level. Why? Well, in order to steal a base, you need to be on base and with a OBP of .231, that is a rare occurrence for Bourjos. Plus with an EYE of 0.13, it doesn't appear that there is much promise that those opportunities will improve. For next year, Bourjos shouldn't figure into any owners plans come draft day. If he is able to show more on-base consistency, his value could get a big boost with his stolen base potential
Mark Ellis (2B—A's) Really nice day on Sunday for infielder Mark Ellis. Ellis went 3-for-3 with two runs scored, two RBI, two walks and hit his 4th home run of the year. Ellis has been quite the hitting machine of late having hit in 16 of his last 18 games. For September, Ellis is batting .426 having notched 26 hits of which just six have gone for extra bases. No, the slugging percentage is not great for Ellis at .347 on the year. But he has good plate discipline with an EYE of 7.0 and can be a good stop gap as a middle infielder while he remains this hot. Over the past four games, Ellis has been batting in the number 3 hole in the lineup which has afforded him more offensive opportunities. He could be a nice addition for owners pushing to the home stretch.
Scott Kazmir (SP—Angels) Ugly, ugly season for Scott Kazmir. Kazmir has managed only eight wins so far this year with some significant time spent on the DL. He's 5.99 ERA would be the highest ERA of his career if the season were to finish today along with the 23 home runs allowed which ties his season high. And while we expect Kazmir to battle control issues (BB/9 of 4.87), we usually see a healthy amount of strike outs to offset some of the walks. However, this year Kazmir's K/9 of 5.73 is disappointing to say the least. The velocity on his fastball (90.7) is the lowest of his career and going forward, fantasy owners have to be concerned about his potential for being a continual injury risk. Years ago, the Mets organization were concerned that Kazmir's slight body frame would not be able to withstand the torque and effort of throwing his fastball so hard. These concerns seem to bear some weight as he has proven to have a had arm issues year in and year out. In 2011, approach Kazmir with caution. He is enticing because of the potential for strikeouts but unless he is able to get his velocity back up to where it once was, he may prove to a real risk for next season.
Mike Aviles (SS—Royals) The season is coming down to the wire and owners are looking for whatever edge they can find. If you've got one of the elite shortstops in baseball, you are set. If not, and you are looking for someone to give you a little boost, Mike Aviles may fit the bill. Aviles has been hitting the ball very well of late. Despite going 0-for-4 on Sunday, Aviles is hitting .375 for September with four home runs. He has struck out only three times in 48 at bats this month and is batting .308 for the season. He has the ability to hit a ball out of the park and the ability steal a base once in a while but with four games this month where he has had 3 hits, he is a good option at short while he remains hot.
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