Christian Guzman: After missing all of all of 2006 with an injury and being slowed by a hamstring injury early this year, Guzman has been red-hot, 1/8/.336 in 134 AB.. Although he is not stealing bases, just 2 in 2 attempts, the 5 triples show that there is still some serious speed in his legs. Guzman is making good contact, 87%, but it wouldn't hurt if he took a few more walks, 7% BB. He is taking advantage of his speed by hitting the ball into the ground, 60% GB%, and legging out some hits. The .321 BHIP% hints at some batting average downside, but there is some nice skills backing up his high average. He would become much more valuable if he started stealing bases again; he had 28 in 2000 and 18 in 2003.
Chris Sampson: Sampson continues to put up good numbers, 6-5 with a 3.36 ERA, with subpar skills, 3.7 K/9, 2.5/BB9, and a 43% GB%. He is benefiting from a high strand rate of 77% and a low BHIP% of .222. Once those two indicators begin to normalize, look for his ERA to go north.
Doug Davis: Despite having a 4-7 record, Davis is putting up a good ERA of 3.48. However there is some warning signs lurking beneath the surface. His K/9, 2005/2006/2007 numbers of 8.4/7.0/6.6, and BB/9, 2005/2006/2007 numbers of 3.8/4.5/4.6, are trending in the wrong directions. An 80% strand rate is masking the trouble of a too high BB/9 of 4.6.
Corey Hart: After getting caught 8 times in 13 steal attempts last year, Hart has improved his technique leading to 10 thefts in 11 tries. If he continues to see regular playing time, he can become a big contributor in that category.
Bob Wickman: Since returning from the DL on May 16th, Wickman has converted all 5 of his save chances. However, with such a low K/9 of 5.9 and elevated BB/9 of 4.6, it is hard to believe that this kind of success will continue. Once the low BHIP% of .222 normalizes and some more fly balls leave the yard, he has allowed just 1 despite having a 44% FB%, Wickman could be in for some rough times. Those in mixed leagues should own Rafael Soriano as insurance.
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