Julio Lugo: The Red Sox have dropped the struggling Lugo, .201 batting average in 264 AB, to the bottom of the order. There doesn't seem to be much wrong with Lugo's skill set, 86% Ct% and .67 BB/K. A low LD% of 15% and BHIP% of .171 can take part of the blame for his troubles. Once those rates normalize, his batting average should rise and he will return to the top of the order, which will allow him to become even more of a force on the basepaths, a perfect 19 for 19 in stolen bases this year.
Ian Kinsler: In his sophomore season, Kinsler has showed nice power growth, 13 home runs in 238 AB vs. 14 in 423 AB last year, fully supported by a rising FB%, 49% vs. 44% last year. His low batting average of .235 is being depressed by a .186 BHIP% and he has actually shown growth in his BB/K, .76 vs. .63 in 2006, while maintaining a similar Ct% of 84%. He should continue to hit for power and there could be some nice batting average upside.
Marlon Byrd: After looking at Byrd's underlying numbers, .35 BB/K, 81% Ct%, and a 51% GB%, it is hard to get excited about his .364 batting average in 88 AB. The high average is more the product of good fortune, .409 BHIP%, rather then solid skills. His underlying numbers are more in-line with his previous major league record. Expect a big drop-off in the very near future.
Miguel Tejada: Tejada is going to try to play with a small, non-displaced fracture in his left wrist. Coming into this season his power was in a three-year decline, 2004/2005/2006 home run totals of 34/26/24. This year the decline is accelerating, just 7 home runs in 284 AB. Pain and injury in his wrist could further negatively affect his power. Without much speed, he just becomes an empty, high-average hitter.
Daniel Cabrera: Cabrera continues to be an enigma, 5-8 with a 5.20 ERA. He has cut back on the walks, 4.3 BB/9 down from 6.3 BB/9 last year, but it is still too high. It also seems to have taken a toll on his K/9, 7.1 down from 9.6 last year. A 66% is inflating his ERA and the 14 home runs allowed in 97 innings is high for a pitcher with a 49% GB%. He is still just 26 years old and the potential ground ball/strike out package is tantalizing. It is just that he has hurt many a fantasy owner waiting for it to happen.
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