Cliff Lee- TEX- Caution- Lee’s heavy usage the past two seasons may be catching up with him. The Rangers have treated Lee far better than did the Indians, Phillies and Mariners. With 20 starts if 110+ pitches last year and 9 more before he joined the Rangers this season, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Lee fall victim to fatigue down the stretch.
Desmond Jennings- TB- Rookie- It didn’t take long for manager Joe Maddon decide he wanted to take a look at the phenom outfielder. Jennings made his major league debut ,ast night, going 0-for-3. Jennings was the team’s top prospect according to Baseball America’s preseason rankings and while his average of .278 wasn’t what was hoped for, he still showed excellent speed, stealing 37 bases. Tampa Bay may be looking to both finalize their postseason roster (even if it take an “injury” to someone to get a player like Jennings on it) as well as get a handle on what their 2011 outfield will look like. This could result in Jennings getting more playing time than anticipated, particularly if he can help them win enough games to end up with the AL East title.
Lucas May- KC- Rookie- With Jason Kendall out the rest of the year, May will get some playing time for the Royals, splitting catching duties with Brayan Pena. May came over form the Dodgers in the Scott Podsednik deal and has shown he can hit and hit with power. Overall in the minors this season, May has a .283 average with 16 homers in 375 ABs. He also posted a .306 average at AA in 2009. If you are in need of a catcher at this late point in the season, May could provide a boost.
Jonathan Albaladejo- NYY- Rise Value- Albaladejo was among Yankee callups yesterday and could get some significant work in as the team rests regular bullpen pitchers in preparation for the postseason. Albaladejo had a breakthrough season at AAA, picking up 43 saves and striking out 82 batters while walking just 18 in 63.1 IP. He adjusted his pitching repertoire this season and found a combination that had much more success than previously. He has the potential to give better than average production from the bullpen down the stretch, compared to other middle relief/setup men.
Carlos Carrasco- CLE- Rookie- In yesterday’s outing against the White Sox Carrasco continued the improvement he had shown in recent minor league starts. Although his BB/0 ratio at AAA had risen slightly this year overall to 2.75 from 2.57, it had been on a downward trend recently. In his last 5 starts Carrasco had walked just 3 batters in 33.1 IP while striking out 30. With a quality start last night and the fact he has a set place in the Cleveland rotation the rest of the way, Carrasco could be a productive addition for your staff.
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