Manny Parra: In 2007 Parra put up impressive numbers in Double-A, 9.0 K/9 and a 2.9 BB/9, and in Triple-A, 8.7 K/9 and a 2.4 BB/9, before coming up to the big leagues where he put up big K’s, 8.9 K/9, but struggled with control, 4.1 BB/9. The year he is still fighting his control problems, 10 BB’s in 18.1 innings, and it is reflecting in his ERA, 5.40 ERA. The talent in there for success, but he will need to reign in the walks before he finds consistent success.
Ricky Nolasco: After a decent rookie season in 2006; 4.82 ERA, 6.4 K/9, and a 2.6 BB/9, Nolasco looked like he was on his way to be being an effective starting pitcher. However injuries made 2007 a lost season. His 5.91 ERA this year shows that he still a work in progress
Skip Schumaker: Could the LaRussa/Duncan magic be working with hitters also? This season the Cardinals took a 28 year-old, non-prospect, with modest major league numbers and inserted him at the top of the order. So far, Schumaker has made LaRussa look like a genius, 1/6/.324. To date, he has been showing the skills of a good leadoff hitter, 1.11 BB/K and an 87% Ct%. The good contact skills is something he has displayed at the major league level, 2006/2007 #’s of 89%/89%, but the plate patience is something new, 2006/2007 BB%’s of 8.5%/4.3%. Since he doesn’t offer any power, he will need to maintain the gains in his batting eye for continued success.
Adam Laroche: Laroche is keeping up his reputation as a slow starter, 1/3/.117 in 60 AB. Looking at his previous two Aprils, 4/12/.200 in 2006 and 3/11/.133 in 2007, it is actually starting to make sense to ignore him in drafts and then target him as a mid-season acquisition.
Jim Edmonds: Edmonds is a case study of a player rapidly losing his skills as he progresses into his late 30’s, 2004/2005/2006/2007 home runs of 42/29/19/12 and batting averages of .301/.263/.257/.253. His once elite plate patience is now just ordinary, 2004/2005/2006/2007/2008 BB%’s of 17%/16%/13%/10%/8%. Moving his home address to spacious Petco Field has certainly not helped, 1/5/.204 in 54 AB.
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