Alexei Ramirez SS (CHW) - Entering the season, Fantistics had Alexei Ramirez as a top 5 SS with the only concern surrounding him being his lack of plate discipline. However, Ramirez has shown more patience this year (BB% up to 8.5 from 4.3). As a result, he has been able to drive the ball better - career highs in LD% (19.9) and FB% (38.6) have led Ramirez to post a career best ISO of .165. Next in line is the HR/FB%, which currently sits at 8.8 % (1.8 percentage points below Ramirez's career mark); expect that to rise towards a career high mark soon. The improved EYE, and in turn slugging, leaves me with no concerns regarding Ramirez from here on out. Our own Drew Dinkmeyer stated Ramirez could be in line for his best year yet a little over a week ago, and I'm convinced that is what we will see.
Brandon Morrow SP (TOR) - Morrow was another pitcher, like Scherzer, who struggled last night (6 ER in 5 IP, 2.20 WHIP) despite some solid peripheral numbers (9 K's, 2 BB's). He has an astounding 11.66 K/9 and K/BB ratio of 3. Entering last night's game he had an FIP of just 2.26 despite an actual ERA of 4.38, which now sits at 5.11. While there's no guarantee Morrow will reach his potential, the ceiling is really high here when you consider his K rate for a starter combined with improving control. Make a move for him now, and those of you who have him should definitely stay patient.
Carlos Santana C (CLE) - Santana showed signs of breaking out last night, going 3-3 with 2 doubles. He scored twice and also drove in two runs. Santana has been a very patient hitter this season as evidenced by his 17.8 BB% (near the top of the league) and extremely low swinging strike percentage of 6.6%. He has chased pitches outside of the zone just 14.3% of the time, which is amazing when you consider that the league average is more than double that at 29%. It's no surprise Santana boasts an elite EYE of 1.03. Perhaps this hasn't led to the desired results yet, but when you combine Santana's athletic gifts with his amazing plate discipline there's no reason to not believe he'll be a top 5 catcher from here on out.
CJ Wilson SP (TEX) - Wilson continues to surprise and impress me. He struck out 10 batters in 6.2 IP last night but did not receive a decision. Wilson, who made an impressive jump from reliever to starter last season, has been even better this season. Simply put - Wilson is above average in the three main categories I use to evaluate pitchers: 7.83 K/9, 2.89 BB/9 and 45.2 GB%. Also, Wilson's current HR/FB% of 8.3% is below league average for the third consecutive season (6.3, 5.3 the previous two seasons). Wilson will continue to be a reliable fantasy starter throughout the season.
Yunel Escobar SS (TOR) - Escobar went 2-2 last night with a homer and 3 walks. At a position where offensive numbers go to die, Escobar is re-emerging as a solid SS option after a very disappointing 2010. He now has an EYE above 1, which isn't all that surprising seeing as how Escobar has had an EYE of at least .95 since 2008. This makes me think Escobar's current .300 average is sustainable, especially considering his ISO is back to .136 - right where it was in 2009 when he broke out for the Braves. Escobar doesn't provide much in the speed department but will finish the year with 10-15 homers, a .285+ BA and should be a large contributor in the RS department.
