I feel like Adrian Gonzalez has quietly lived up to his fantasy expectations, but doesn't quite get the credit he deserves. First, let me give you his preseason projected line: FPI of 0.71, 28 HR, 91 RBI, 88 R, .306 avg, .523 slg. His actual performance with a little less than a month to go in 2007: 0.65 FPI, 26 HR, 83 RBI, 84 R, .282 avg, .503 slg. He's slightly off on average and slugging, but a decent month of September should see him exceed his forecasted RBI, runs, and HR total for the season.
You know what you're getting with Khalil Greene. His FPI for the last three years has been spot-on the same number (which should make 2008's predictions pretty easy). From 2005 through 2007, he has posted an FPI of 0.51, 0.53, and currently at 0.52. His power is just as consistent, averaging a HR/AB during the same time period of 29.1, 27.5, and currently 25.7. Same story with OPS, .722, .738, and .741. He is currently 5 HR over his career high total, but that's mostly due to more AB and less injuries this season.
Keep staying away from Sergio Mitre. Just when you think it can't get an uglier, Mitre finds a way to make fantasy owners cringe. He allowed three runs and could only get 2 outs in the first inning. In fact, after loading the bases, he started to pitch against the Nationals pitcher Tim Redding. After throwing two straight balls, Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez was so disgusted with Mitre, he was pulled in the middle of the AB. Kind of embarrassing to be pulled when you're facing the opposing pitcher, heh? His last win came on July 29th and he only has one QS in his last 9 outings. Mitre is scheduled to pitch against the Braves next Monday, but it wouldn't shock me at this point for the Marlins to go with a call-up in his place.
With every game a must-win in the tight NL Central, Ted Lilly provided his team with a quality start that led to his 14th win of the year. Its amazing what the move from the AL to the NL can do to a pitcher's career. One more win will tie his career high for wins and his 3.85 ERA is easily the lowest of his career (in years where he recorded at least 100 IP). His K/9 has remained consistent over his career, hovering in the 7.4 to 7.9 range over the last 5 years (with one exception a couple of years ago). This season, Lilly posts a 7.5 and has 149 total K's.
Brian McCann hasn't quite emerged as the fantasy catcher we drafted back in March, but he has been putting up some solid numbers recently. Since August 1st, McCann is hitting .303 with a 0.63 FPI, a HR/AB of 24.4 and an OPS of .825. For the season, he is posting a 0.58 FPI, .277 Avg, .790 OPS, and a HR/AB of 25.9. Perhaps his power is down slightly and his FPI is off from his preseason projection of 0.76. But with the exception of Jorge Posada, Victor Martinez, and perhaps a healthy Joe Mauer, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better all-around fantasy catcher going into 2008. On a side note, he left Wednesday's game in the 8th inning with an ankle contusion. Consider him day-to-day.
There are over 100 player news blurbs posted in the member area each morning. Members can read the rest of today's player news by clicking here. Not a member? Join today.
