Jarrod Saltalamacchia: In his first 137 career AB, Saltalamacchia is off to a nice start, 4/12/.285. At just 22 years of age, there are a few warning signs that suggest some rough spots in the near future. An inflated .290% BHIP%, combined with a subpar 80% Ct% and .37 BB/K, point to batting average downside. After showing some early power, he has just two extra-base hits, both doubles, in his last 58 AB. He remains a nice prospect, but for the near future, his downside is bigger than his upside.
Corey Hart: After a slow start, Hart is proving that the power that he displayed last year, 9 home runs and 13 doubles in 237 AB, is legitimate, 14 home runs and 17 doubles in 289 AB. He has shown impressive growth across the board, 2006/2007 Ct%'s 75%/80%, BB/K's .29/44, and FB%'s 41%,/47%. After being caught 8 times in 13 tries last year, he has also improved his stolen base skills, 16 steals in 19 tries, giving him a very nice power/speed package.
Dan Uggla: Uggla is having a nice follow-up season, 19/61/.256, to his impressive 2006 rookie season, 27/90/.282. The growth in his power, he has also smacked 38 doubles this year, is supported by a rising FB%, 2006/2007 FB%'s of 42%/50%. On the negative side, a regressing Ct%, 73% vs. 80% in 2006, and a stagnant BB/K, .39 in both seasons, backs up the decline in his batting average. Owners of Uggla can enjoy the power, but will have to live with a low batting average.
Shane Victorino: After being caught 3 times in 7 stolen base attempts last year, Victorino has come out of nowhere in 2007 to swipe 30 bases in 33 attempts. Although he has shown improvement in his BB%, 7.8% vs. 5.5% in 2006, he could exercise better plate patience to get on base to take advantage of his biggest skill. A nice little bonus is the 11 home runs in 384 AB. With a 91% success rate, expect Victorino to keep running and piling up stolen bases.
Mark Loretta: There is talk that the Mets are interested in acquiring Loretta to fill the starting second baseman void created when Jose Valentin broke a bone in his shin. The soon-to-be 36 year old Loretta still maintains his excellent contact skills, 91% Ct%, and plate patience, 1.33 BB/K, but provides no speed, 1 SB in 2 attempts, or much power, 2 home runs in 283 AB. With the increase in playing time, he won't hurt you in NL-only leagues, but he will only provide an empty batting average.
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