C.J. Wilson: Since the trade of Eric Gagne, Wilson has picked up two saves, although neither was a typical save situation for a closer. For the first one he pitched 1.2 innings and for the other he came into to face one left-handed batter after Joaquin Benoit threw 2.2 innings of shutout ball. Wilson has a good skill set to close in Texas, 8.8 K/9 and a 53% GB%. However his high BB/9 of 4.3, his batting average splits against right-handed batters/left-handed batters of .095/.256, and the general bias against southpaw closers makes Joaquin Benoit the better bet for saves going forward.
Joaquin Benoit: Even though C.J. Wilson has picked up both saves since the trade of Eric Gagne, Benoit would seem to be the better choice going forward. His underlying numbers, 9.4 K/9 and a 2.5 BB/9, are closer-worthy. A three-year uptrend in his GB%, 33%/37%/40%, shows that he is adjusting well to pitching in homer-happy Ameriquest Park. This is a good time for mixed-leaguers to pick up Benoit and stash him on reserve.
Scott Baker: It is looking more and more like Scott Baker has arrived as a major-league starting pitcher, 3.63 ERA in last 8 starts with just one poor outing in Chicago. His 4.88 ERA is being inflated by a 61% strand rate. He is using pinpoint control, 1.7 BB/9, and a good 6.7 K/9 for success. A high FB% of 42% still makes him vulnerable to the longball, but it is improved from last year's 47% mark. For those who like to play it safe, you may want to bench him for starts in places like Texas or Chicago.
Jason Kubel: In his second season, Kubel's skills have improved, 2006/2007 K/BB's of .27/.41, Ct%'s of 79%/81%, and FB%'s of 31%/34%, and his minor league record shows that he is capable of more. Getting greater loft on the ball has improved his power, 8 home runs and 8 doubles in 220 AB in 2006 vs. 9 home runs and 17 doubles in 290 AB. At 25 years of age, he has yet to reach his prime, so despite his power being just league average now, it could further develop. His .245 batting average is being depressed by a .211 BHIP%, but he will also need to keep improving his approach at the plate before he becomes a contributor in the batting average category.
Alex Rodriguez: It would be hard to find any fantasy owner of ARod who is not happy with his numbers this year, 35/104/.296. Believe it or not, there is actually some nice batting average upside as his BHIP% is just .227. His massive power is actually supporting that big of a difference in his batting average and BHIP%. With a little more luck, he should finish the season well north of a .300 batting average.
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