Ricky Romero SP (TOR) - Earlier in the year I warned about Romero wearing down as the season went long and not to get overwhelmed by his early season peripherals (as I did last season). Well after posting a 3.15 K/BB ratio in April, Romero has posted just a 2 K/BB ratio in May. After striking out more than a batter an inning in April, Romero is striking out just .77 batters per inning in May. Now, Romero is a fine young pitcher with a bright future, particularly keeping his consideration to keep the ball on the ground. I'm just saying now might be the time to sell high (after allowing just 1 ER against the Yankees on the road to lower his ERA to 2.91) on a pitcher who posted similarly dazzling peripherals in April last season only to falter down the stretch. Considering how the peripherals have already fallen off in May, 2011 is shaping up to be an awful lot like 2010 for Romero.
Joaquin Benoit RP (DET) - After Valverde pitched the last two nights, the Tigers used Benoit to close out a one run game. He did so successfully allowing 1 hit and no walks. Benoit has been a disappointment out of the pen so far this season. However, there is light at the end of the tunnel for Tigers fans and those of you looking for a pickup in holds leagues (Benoit has been reinstated as the main setup man). Yes, Benoit entered the game with an ugly 7.02 ERA, but he hadn't pitched nearly that bad. His FIP was just 3.26 as Benoit sported a solid 2.80 K/BB ratio. Moving forward Benoit won't be as unlucky (.364 BABIP, 48.9 LOB%) and his K/9 of 7.56 is likely to rise considering his history. He should post an ERA around 3 from now until the end of the season.
Matt Joyce OF (TB) - Joyce continues to swing a hot bat as he hit his 8th homer of the season last night. Joyce's power is for real. His .259 ISO is only slightly higher than his career mark of .246. The same can be said for Joyce's HR/FB% of 16.7 compared to his career mark of 14.5. Where we should expect Joyce to regress is in the batting average department. Joyce entered last night's play with a .357 batting average, despite being a career .269 hitter. How is Joyce doing it? Well, he is leading the league in BABIP with a .411 mark. Considering Joyce's ISO is not much higher than his career mark and that his current EYE of .58 also shows no improvement over his career mark, there's no reason not to expect Joyce's BABIP to fall in line with his career average of .306. When that happens the batting average will drop off dramatically.
Zach Britton SP (BAL) - Britton turned in another quality start last night, but his peripherals continue to be subpar. In 6 innings Britton allowed only 2 ER but he gave up 9 hits and 2 walks while striking out just 2. Britton's ERA now sits at a sparkling 2.35, but I suggest, as other writers in this space have previously, that owners curb their optimism and consider selling high. He entered last night's start with a strand rate of 83.3% (which is sure to be higher after factoring in last night), which is certainly unsustainable - particularly considering Britton's subpar 5.03 K/9. Don't be surprised if Britton struggles from here on out.
Denard Span OF (MIN) - In my mind Denard Span is one of the game's most underrated players. After a 3-4 night last night Span boasts a .301/.375/.387 line, and he is really locked in right now. Span's EYE is currently a career best 1.05 and his LD% is sitting at a phenomenal 21.9%. Both of those figures suggest Span can hold his .300 batting average for the duration of the season. While Span might not overwhelm you with speed, his RS and SB opportunities will remain consistent throughout the season due to his high average and ability to draw a walk (10.8 BB%). Get Span now before the runs scored numbers start to pile up for him as I suspect they will as the Twins get healthy and Morneau and Young breakout of their slumps.
