Nyjer Morgan: Over the last 11 games, Morgan has shown nice speed, 7 steals in 9 attempts. He is already 27 years of age and with no power, 1 home run in 86 AB with the Pirates and 0 home runs in 164 Triple-A AB, he will need to make better contact and work counts, 83% Ct% and a .54 BB/K, to go along with his high 61% GB% to take advantage of his speed. If you are desperate for steals, use Morgan for the rest of this week.
Chase Utley: Despite missing time with a broken hand, Utley is having another monster season, 22/101/.336 in 512 AB. While it may appear that his power is down, 32 home runs last year, it has actually improved, as his 47 doubles has already outpaced the 40 that hit last year in 146 more AB. His big power and improving contact skills, 2005/2006/2007 Ct%'s of 80%/80%/83%, is leading to a high average that is only slightly inflated by a .279 BHIP%. Utley is in his prime years, he turns 29 in December; expect another big year in 2008.
Chris Snyder: Snyder's improving power, 13 home runs and 20 doubles in 317 AB, is fully supported by a three-year uptrending FB%, 29%/33%/45%. He is also showing nice gains in his contact skills, 2005/2006/2007 Ct%'s of 73%/79%/80%, but a depressed .224 BHIP% is holding down his .259 batting average. Snyder, at age 26, is just two years older than Miguel Montero, and right now is the better hitter.
Norris Hopper: Hopper has taken advantage of injuries in the Reds' outfield to put up nice numbers, .338 batting average and 14 steals in 293 AB. He plays well to his skills, 90% Ct% and a 57% GB%, to take advantage of his speed. However with no power, 0 home runs, and a very inflated .336 BHIP%, expect his batting average to significantly drop next year. It would be very surprising if he was a full-time player in 2008.
Yunel Escobar: Escobar is having a successful rookie season, 5/28/.331. He has a good approach at the plate, 86% Ct% and a .62 BB/K, but with below average power, not much speed, 3 caught steals in 8 tries, and an inflated .314 BHIP%, expect a big decline in his batting average in 2008.
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