Derek Holland - I thought Ron Washington should have yanked Holland after 7 strong innings yesterday, and definitely after allowing a single with one out, over 110 pitches, and with a lefty in the bullpen. Instead, a two-run Cano HR takes away the quality start that Holland did deserve, and leave him with a much less spiffy pitching line for the day. Holland was hit hard at times yesterday, but his stuff was very good on the whole. The nice little velocity bump he's enjoying this year has him missing even more bats than before (swinging strike% of 9.9 vs. 8.2 in 2010), and his solid minor league control seems to be surfacing here in the early going. He definitely does appear to be a breakout candidate, and should be considered a worthwhile mid-rotation starter in all formats with some sizable upside potential.
Hank Conger - It's slow and painful, but perhaps Mike Scioscia is being forced out of his "defense-only" mindset for backstops. Hank Conger picked up his third straight start behind the dish yesterday, rewarding his manager with a double, a homer, and 3 RBI's in the 7-2 win. Even at just 23, Conger is by far the most qualified of the three Angel catchers offensively, offering a solid AVG, patient approach, and moderate power with some hope for more growth in the latter area. Conger and J.P. Arencibia of the Jays could quickly vault into the upper echelon of catchers in their rookie seasons, so even though Conger's playing time is still somewhat in doubt he is becoming a worthwhile 1st catcher in AL-only formats, and a solid 2nd in mixed leagues.
Sergio Santos - The two lefties (Thornton and Sale) have combined to allow 16 runs in 12 innings thus far, blowing 5 of 6 save chances in the process. In the meantime, converted IF Sergio Santos has fanned 11 men in 8 2/3 without being scored upon, so would it be all that surprising to see Santos get the next White Sox save opportunity? Santos has closer-worthy stuff, featuring a 95 mph fastball, a solid slider, and even a decent changeup. His control is the only black mark against him thus far....well, that and inexperience since he has only thrown 89 professional innings total as of today. Still, the Sox have to try something with their pen since they've converted only 1 out of 7 save chances thus far, and that makes Santos worth a speculative pickup in most formats right now.
Josh Beckett - I'll try to stay objective with a player that I just plain don't care for, but there are some minor areas of concern in an otherwise stellar start for the transplanted Texan. Buoyed by what would be the highest GB% of his career by a long shot, Beckett has only allowed five hits and a run over his last fifteen innings against two very good offensive clubs, walking 3 and striking out 19. The one sliver of concern that I have, and it's only April so I'll certainly reserve judgment until it warms up a bit, but Beckett's velocity is down another percent or so in 2011 after dropping by a similar amount last year. That in itself could be an issue, but unlike last year his changeup speed is staying constant, so he's losing some separation there. It obviously isn't hurting him thus far, and perhaps it never will.....it's just something I'm keeping an eye on. The results have been terrific regardless of my concerns, as Beckett has been close to unhittable the past two outings. With the Angels twice, Twins, and Orioles coming up for him, Beckett should continue to provide solid production from one of the top two spots in your rotation, but his velocity does bear a bit of monitoring.
Alex Gordon - Three more hits for the longtime Royal prospect, as Gordon continues to swing at (and hit) everything early this season. His swing% is up over 50, but his contact rate has also jumped (over 80%). Power is up, and the BABIP of well over .400 is only about 70 points high given his LD rate. Hopefully this is another age-27 bustout for a kid that seemed destined to be the offensive centerpiece of the first Royal playoff team in decades. For all we know, that could be happening now....it's not like the AL Central is loaded. If I had to put money down, I'd be willing to vote for an .800+ OPS for Gordon at season's end.
