Kevin Gregg: If Manager Fredi Gonzalez is going strictly from skill sets, Gregg, 9.4 K/9, 3.6 BB/9, and a 40% GB%, is a much better choice than the recently acquired Armando Benitez, 8.4 K/9, 4.6 BB/9, and a 38% GB%, to close. Whether it is Gonzalez or higher ups in the organization, at times this season, the reliever with the best skill set has not been the closer, as Gregg has better skills than the since traded Jorge Julio and rookie Henry Owens.
Prince Fielder: Fielder is making a very good case for joining the elite major leaguers in terms of power, leading the National League in home runs with 20. Since arriving to the majors in 2005, there has been huge growth in several key areas, 2005/2006/2007 numbers of .12/.47.60 batting eye, 71%/78%/80% Ct%, and 28%/39%/43% FB%. What is even scarier is that he is putting up great numbers, 20/46/.294 in 2007, with room to grow even further in those categories.
Ryan Braun: Braun continues to impress with 3 home runs, 8 RBI, and 2 steals in his first 12 major league games. There are some potential problems, as he has struck out 13 times in 45 AB and has drawn just 2 walks. He did exhibit great contact skills, 91% Ct%, and a superb batting eye, 1.36, in Triple-A this season, so those underlying numbers should improve as he adjusts to major league pitching.
Rajai Davis: The Pirates called up the speedy Davis and he should see time in center field against left-handed pitchers, cutting into Chris Duffy's playing time. Davis has some serious speed, 27 steals in 53 Triple-A games this year. He was caught 9 times, so there could be some early problems trying to steal off of major league catchers. Davis showed that he knows how to get on base, .318 batting average, .84 batting eye, and an 87% Ct% in the minors this season. He will not get enough playing time to be used in mixed leagues, but is an option in NL-only leagues.
Chris Duffy: Much was expected of Duffy this year after he stole 23 bases in 24 tries during the second half of last season. So far this season he has been a disappointment, 2/17/.241. The 10 thefts in 12 tries shows that he still knows how to steal a base, but poor plate patience, .40 batting eye, and a low Ct% of 82%, has prevented him from getting on base enough to take advantage of his speed. It has not been his entire fault, as a .221 BHIP% has also hurt his chances to get on base. His value takes a hit with Rajai Davis being called up to the majors, which should put Duffy on the bench against southpaws. Considering his splits against LHP/RHP of .208/.252, it might not be such a bad idea.
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