Chris Duncan - Chris Duncan didn't start again last night, but he did come in as a pinch-hitter in the ninth inning and singled home two runs to make the game tight at the finish. Duncan is leading the Cardinals in SLG this year, which is no small feat with Big Al in the house. Much of the credit can be given to Tony LaRussa, who keeps Duncan away from as much left-handed pitching as he can given the roster limitations that he has. If you can handle having a 2/3 to 3/4-time player on your squad, Duncan is steadily proving that he isn't a one-trick pony.
Scott Hairston - I know that Jeff Salazar got the start last night in place of the demoted Carlos Quentin, and I also know that I expect Quentin to return before the end of the year. That being said, Scott Hairston has an opportunity now to prove himself at the big league level, something that he has only received once in his career, which is strange given his pedigree. Hairston isn't a great on-base guy, but he does have power. He managed an ISO of close to .200 in his first big league action at age 24, and his career minor league ISO is .249. He absolutely deserves the playing time despite his glovework, and even if he doesn't get it at first he has much more upside than Jeff Salazar. Keep an eye on him the next few weeks, and if you have an open reserve slot he's a nice gamble right now.
Wandy Rodriguez - I have no idea what sort of offseason regimen Wandy Rodriguez went through, but the guy I'm watching now bears no resemblance to the guy wearing the #51 that I watched last season. Rodriguez is walking half the batters that he walked last year, and he's posting his best K rate since rookie ball in 2001. Suffice it to say that that's unusual. Even more unusual is the fact that he's pitching so much better at home, given the fact that the LF fence is shorter than most slow-pitch softball fields. With the relatively weak schedule that he's facing the rest of the way, it's hard not to ignore the first six years of his career and recommend him for the remainder of the season. I wouldn't have him on a long leash however.....the first sign of control troubles and I'd be looking for a trading partner.
Carlos Quentin - Carlos Quentin was sent back down to AAA yesterday, which is a huge disappointment for a guy that appeared to be major-league ready two years ago. I would be all over his owner right now trying to pry him away.....his value can't possibly get any lower than it is right now, and his minor league numbers, home park, and raw tools make him one of the surest bets to eventually succeed that you can find. Even in single-season leagues I'd try and find some room for him....he'll be back before you know it.
Brandon Phillips - From can't miss prospect to bust and back again, Brandon Phillips is keeping things interesting this year by finally making that power spike that everyone expected about three or four years ago. Phillips' ISO has blossomed from the .150 range the past few seasons to .210 in the first half this year, and with the 15 SB's thrown in he has an outside shot at a 30/30 season. Phillips is still only 26, and with his outstanding defense, power, and speed, the only wart left on his game is the complete lack of plate discipline. It's something that will keep him from being an elite bat, but it doesn't seem to be enough to keep him from being a borderline star.
