Robinson Cano: Now in his third season, it is looking like Cano can thrive as a bad ball hitter, 2005/2006/2007 batting average's of .297/.342/.311 and BB%'s of 3%/4%/5%. He used good contact skills, Ct%'s of 87%/89%/86%, and power, 11 home runs and 32 doubles in 421 AB this year, for success. At just 24 years of age, his power is still growing, but he will need to get some more loft on the ball, 53% GB%, before he takes the next step. His 6 triples is proof of above average speed, but he has yet to develop into a threat on the basepaths, 9 caught steals in 17 career attempts.
Nick Markakis: After a strong second-half in his rookie year, 14/41/.311, Markakis' sophomore season has been a bit of a disappointment, 11/65/.291. He has regressed a bit in his contact skills, 2006/2007 Ct%'s of 85%/82%, while his plate patience has remained flat, 2006/2007 BB%'s of 8%/9%. It is surprising that he has not built on the power that he displayed in the second-half of last year as his FB% has grown from 29% to 38%. He is just 23 years of age, so his body could still be maturing. The power should be arriving soon. One area where has shined in on the basepaths, 13 steals in 15 attempts.
Melky Cabrera: It looks like Cabrera is going to develop into a force on the basepaths. He did swipe 12 bases last year, but was caught 5 times. His five triples in 2007 shows the raw speed and the 9 for 11 in steals displays an improved technique.
Johnny Damon: Damon has not let injuries and troubles at the plate affect his work on the basepaths, 19 of 21 in steals. Besides the speed, he still maintains excellent plate patience, 13.3% BB%, and good contact skills, 84% Ct%. It is his power that his waning, just 6 home runs in 358 AB and an increase in his GB% to 50% this year from 41% in 2006. The aches and pains have not helped, but he turns 34 years old in the off-season, so this could be a new level. A depressed .238 BHIP% hints at upside in his .251 batting average to go with the speed, just don't expect the power to return to previous levels.
Alex Rios: In his fourth season, the 26 year-old Rios is flashing some nice numbers, 20/64/.302 with 10 steals. The growth in power, already a career-high in home runs, is fully supported by incredible gains in his FB%, 2004/2005/2006/2007 FB%'s of 23%/31%42%/47%. With 5 triples and a 77% SB%, it would be nice if he ran more often, but fantasy owners of Rios can't complain.
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