Orlando Hernandez: Last night's debacle against the Braves, 8 ER in 3 innings, was long overdue for Hernandez. Coming into the game, a ridiculously low .144 BHIP% was depressing his 3.32 ERA, which shot up to 3.75. His 7.8 K/9 is solid, but a high 3.8 BB/9 and 50% FB% have to be of some concern. The highs walks and fly balls is a lethal combination, he has allowed 22 home runs in 144 innings and if his BHIP% even remotely normalizes, it will mean even more men on base. Don't be surprised if he has another outing like last night's before the season is over.
Chris Seddon: The Marlins must not have much depth in their minor league system if they gave Chris Seddon, 6-10 with a 4.64 ERA in Double-A, a start last night against Washington. Predictably the results were not good, 7 ER in 3 innings. His peripherals, 6.3 K/9 and a 3.2 BB/9, were just decent for Double-A and certainly scream that he is not ready for the major leagues. Avoid him in all formats.
Tom Glavine: Glavine has indicated that he would like to return to the Mets for the 2008 season. While his overall numbers in 2007 are good, 13-6 with a 3.95 ERA, his underlying numbers; 4.1 K/9, 2.9 BB/9, and a 42% GB%, indicate and his .234 BHIP%, combined with a 73% strand rate and an 8.1 HR/FB, confirm that good luck is heavily involved in his season. Don't count on what will be a 42-year-old Glavine to duplicate these numbers next season.
Conor Jackson: In his second full-season Jackson has shown growth across the board, 2006/2007 Ct%'s of 85%/87%, BB/K's of .74/1.00, and FB%'s of 41%/43%. While his power has improved, 15 home runs and 26 doubles in 485 AB last year vs. 13 home runs and 27 doubles in 385 AB this year, it is still just league average. He may or may not develop into a power hitter, but with his size, 6'2, 225lbs, skill set, and being just 25 years of age, it is worth speculating.
Troy Tulowitzki: It has been a nice rookie season for Tulowitzki, 21/82/.292. What is even more impressive is that has shown gains in the second-half in several key categories; first-half/second-half home run 8/12, doubles 10/12, Ct%'s 77%/81%, and batting average .281/.304. The only area where has regressed is plate patience, 9%/7%. Some of the power may be aided by the thin air of Colorado, home/road home runs 13/8 and doubles 17/9, but he is still just 22 years old, an age where power is still developing. Look for further improvement in 2008.
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