JP Arencibia C (TOR) - The Blue Jays got rolled last night, and JP Arencibia was the lone bright spot as he blasted 2 solo homers. Arencibia has solid power (now 14 homers and a .215 ISO) that should continue throughout the season. Unfortunately, his terribly low batting average of .215 is also likely to continue. Arencibia hasn't been very lucky on balls in play (BABIP of .253), but that really isn't that low especially when you consider his poor .27 EYE and atrocious 12.8 LD%. So, enjoy his power as it's not a fluke; just be aware the low batting average isn't a fluke either.
Trevor Cahill SP (OAK) - After three straight quality starts to begin July, the vaunted Yankee offense got to Cahill big time as he allowed 10 ER in just 2 innings of work. After a game like that, it's often tough for an owner to sit back and look at the big picture, but there are some encouraging signs regarding Cahill's rest of season production. First of all, his strikeouts have jumped up as many anticipated (I'm pretty sure our own Drew Dinkmeyer touched on this in a pre-season podcast) would happen: K/9 at 6.68 from 5.40 last season. Secondly, Cahill has managed to maintain his elite GB rate from a year ago, posting an impressive GB% of 56.4%. Cahill's only problem this year has been a BB rate that has increased by about 1 per 9. If he could get that sorted out, you are looking at a guy who could post an ERA in the low 3's rest of season given his skill set and home ballpark.
Felix Hernandez SP (SEA) - Felix gave up 6 ER in 6.1 IP last night, and with his ERA up to 3.47 some owners are wondering, what's up? It's not that a 3.47 ERA is bad, but for a guy coming off a year with a 2.27 ERA in a time where pitchers are putting up better and better numbers, it's a bit disappointing. Truth be told, though, owners have nothing to worry about rest of season as Hernandez's skills are still there. Last season he posted an FIP of 3.04 and xFIP of 3.14; those numbers this season are nearly identical at 3.11 and 3.11 respectively. Look for Felix's ERA to come down steadily as the season wears on.
Desmond Jennings OF (TB) - The much anticipated arrival of Desmond Jennings is finally here, as Tampa's top hitting prospect is getting called up to be the regular left fielder. Jennings main asset is his speed. He stole 52 bases in 132 games in 2009, 37 bases in 108 games last season and had 17 steals in 89 games this year. Jennings has the on base ability that gives him the opportunity to utilize that speed as he has consistently posted double digit walk rates throughout his minor league career. Also, at age 24 Jennings' power is starting to develop; he had 12 homers in 89 games prior to his call up. He is definitely worth a look in all leagues, and at the risk of making a lazy comparison, think of Jennings as Carl Crawford lite for the time being.
Nelson Cruz OF (TEX) - Cruz had a huge night last night going 4-4 and amassing a whopping 8 RBI's. Cruz has tremendous power. He has a .272 ISO, and since getting full time playing time in 2009, Cruz's worst ISO the past three seasons is an impressive .258. Cruz's raw power is evidenced by his high HR/FB%'s. He has a career 17.1 HR/FB%, and currently his HR/FB% is above 21% for the third time in four years (although one of those years - 2008 - was a small sample size). The only downside to owning Cruz this season has been a reduction in EYE (just .26 this year), which has hurt his on base ability and subsequently his BA and RS and SB opportunities.
