Adam Dunn is in a power drought. He has not hit a HR since April10th, 12 games ago and his HR/AB ratio has dropped to 19.3. Over the last two years, Dunn averaged a homerun for every 13.6 and 14.0 AB in 2005 and 2006, respectively. He also has been consistent in his HR totals with 40 each season as well. But if you've been watching Reds games lately, you'll see Dunn look clueless at the plate and striking out at incredible rates. He already has 28 strikeouts in 88 plate appearances at a rate of a strikeout for ever 3.1 PA's. Basically, if you go to the game, you're going to see Dunn strikeout at least one time. Digging even deeper into Dunn's numbers shows he's actually putting up some better numbers in other categories than in year's past. His FPI is 0.74 this season, compared to 0.65 last year and 0.71 in 2005. His average, although not as important, is still almost 40 points higher at .273 than last season end of the year total. So what can we expect for the rest of the season? I think you know where this is going - 0.70 FPI and an improved HR-rate, but I would not be surprised to see him continue on this strikeout streak.
Consistency remains the problem for the young lefty, but when Zach Duke lives up to his potential, you get outings like last night. 7.0 IP, 6 hits, and 1 ER. It was his 3rd quality start in 5 games for Duke, who did not factor into the decision. His strikeout totals have been low, with just 6 K's in 26.0 IP for a K/9 of 2.08. He has never been a big strikeout pitcher, posting a K/9 of 4.9 this season and forecasted to hit 6.4 this season. He's the kind of guy that will get added and dropped a lot in your mixed league, but definitely should be picked up in all NL-only leagues at this point.
Lots of Rockies broke out of slumps yesterday, but Willy Taveras officially broke out of his early-season slump with a 5-for-6 day, 2 runs scored, and an RBI. He actually raised his averaged from .192 to .259 in one day. Taveras hasn't been on base that much, so he hasn't had a chance to steal. But even with a sub-.300 OBP going into yesterday's game, Taveras still attempted 7 stolen bases this season and successfully converted 4 of them. 40+ stolen bases isn't out of the question for Taveras. He has rising value, especially if you need stolen bases. He's only owned in less than half of all fantasy leagues as of this morning.
Tim Hudson pitched a dominating 8.0 IP and recorded 12 K's. Unfortunately for Hudson owners, he was sent out for the 9th inning and a few singles later, was hit up for 3 ER and did not factor into the decision. He gave way to Bob Wickman who ended up blowing the save and the game for the Braves. Aside from that last inning collapse (which had me so frustrated I had to leave the house for a few minutes), Hudson has been great this season. All of those pre-season predictions of Hudson being "back"looks to be true. He's 5-for-5 in quality starts and is posting a 1.22 ERA and sub-1.00 WHIP.
Ryan Theriot got a rare start at SS on Wednesday and could have increasing position eligibility in your league. He's been swinging a hot bat lately, hitting .339 with 10 runs scored and 5 SB. With Cesar Izturis and Ronny Cedeno both hitting well below the Mendoza Line, Theriot could get more starts at SS. He has NL-only value for now, but with 2B/3B and possible SS eligibility, Theriot becomes more valuable in all leagues. This is an interesting situation to keep an eye on going forward.
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