Gerald Laird: Prior to his last two games in which he has gone 3 for 6 with 2 walks, Laird had been mired in a 1 for 34 slump. Laird's breakout 2006 season of 7/22/.296 was partially luck driven, .269 BHIP%. His contact rate of 78% and batting eye of .22 show that a batting average correction is probable. On the positive side, he displayed nice power and a high fly ball rate, 46%. Manager Ron Washington said that he has faith that Laird can handle the everyday job and at 27-years old, he is at the peak age for power, while playing in a very favorable home park. If you drafted him, as uncomfortable as it has been so far, he is worth holding onto. If someone in your league has dropped him, he would make a nice pickup.
Jay Payton: The Orioles seem committed to using Payton as their left fielder, as he has started 6 consecutive games. Payton doesn't hit for power and has average speed so he will not offer much help in those categories. He does make exceptional contact, 91% in 2006, but the three-year decline in his batting eye, .77/.52/.41 is troublesome. He has some use in AL-only leagues, but should be avoided in mixed leagues.
Richie Sexson: Sexson is off to another slow start, a .158 average in his first 57 AB. This is nothing new, in April of 2006 he hit .213 with just two home runs and followed it up by going 4/14/.198 in May. He final numbers at season end, 34/107/.264, were right in line with his career norms. All 9 of his hits have been for extra bases, 3 home runs and 6 doubles, so there is nothing wrong with his power. A 15% hit rate is severely depressing his batting average. If you own him, stick with him and if an owner in your league has soured on him, now would be a good time to buy low.
Alex Gordon: By now everyone is aware of Gordon's slow start, 2/5/.159. In addition to being bad, 67% contact rate and a .30 batting eye, he is also a victim of bad luck, .105 BHIP% prior to yesterday's game. The Royals seem committed to giving him an extended shot at hitting his way out this mess. If he starts making better contact and draws some walks, he should be ok. He is beginning to show a better a batting eye, .67 in the last week, and should be able to build on yesterday's game of 2 hits and 3 walks in 5 plate appearances.
Brandon Wood: When the Angels should have called Wood up last week, they opted for Kendry Morales instead. Now with Chone Figgins expected back early next, they inexplicable call Wood up now. Manager Mike Scioscia said that the call up was probably a short-term thing. Wood was hitting well in Triple-A, 3/12/.323, but the 71% contact rate raises red flags. If Triple-A pitchers can make him miss that much, imagine what major league pitchers will do to him. In his first start, he went 0 for 4 with 2 K's.
There are over 100 player news blurbs posted in the member area each morning, members can read the rest of today's player news by clicking here: www.fantistics.com/baseball00/. Not a member? Join today: www.fantistics.com/join/join.php3
