Cameron Maybin: In his second major league game, the 20-year-old Maybin connected for his first major league home run off of Roger Clemens yesterday. Maybin has outstanding potential as a five-tool player, but prior to being called up, he had only 17 AB above Single-A and in Single-A, where he has spent the bulk of this season, his contact rate was only 72%. For now expect a lot of strike outs.
Danny Richar: Richar has struggled, 1/6/.174 with 2 caught steals in 3 attempts in 46 AB, since being installed as the starting second baseman for the White Sox. On the plus side, he has shown good plate discipline, 9/7 BB/K, and a decent contact skills, Ct% of 85%. If he can maintain his current approach at the plate, a few more balls should drop in for hits, .166 BHIP%. There is some batting average upside, but don't expect any power or speed.
Edison Volquez: Volquez is likely to be called up to start on Tuesday against the Orioles in Baltimore. In his two previous trials with the Rangers, Volquez has been hit hard, 1-10 record with a 9.20 ERA. However he is still only 24 years of age and displayed a great skill set at two levels in the minors this year, 9.6 K/9 and a 2.9 BB/9 in 58.1 Double-A innings and an 11.8 K/9 and 3.8 BB/9 in 38 Triple-A innings. His BB/9 is still a little high and he needs to tame the longball, 10 home runs allowed in 46 major league innings and 9 allowed in Double-A this year. He is worth watching, but not using until he proves that walks and home runs allowed will not be a problem.
Jason Smith: Smith swatted two two-run home runs in Oakland last night. When given a chance to play, Smith has shown good power, 15 career home runs in 470 AB, but with poor contact skills and plate discipline, 66% Ct% and a .17 BB/K in 2007, a low batting average will accompany the power.
Garrett Olson: The Orioles moved Brian Burres to the bullpen in order to keep Olson in the starting rotation. In 4 starts, Olson has been hit hard, 6.38 ERA, while displaying poor control, 8.8 B/9. His 7.4 K/9 with the Orioles and 8.4 K/9 in 128 Triple-A innings shows potential, but he needs to be avoided until he improves his control.
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