David Murphy: Considered the least of the three prospects acquired from the Red Sox for Eric Gagne, Murphy is putting together a breakout season, 10/46/.293 and 20 doubles in 263 AB. Since he has never shown this kind of power before at any level, an argument can be made that this is a fluke. However, with 286 PA, this is nearing a half season of production at the major league level and at the age of 27, he is at the right age for a power breakout. This looks to be real.
Brandon Wood: With Chone Figgins coming off the DL today, Wood is heading back to Triple-A. His numbers, .125 batting average in 68 PA, 3.0% BB%, and a 67%, clearly show that he is not ready for the major leagues.
Chone Figgins: Figgins, who, outside of 1 appearance on May 21st, has been out since May 3rd, will be activated from the DL today. Any lingering effects from the hamstring injury will impact Figgins’ most valuable fantasy commodity of speed. On the plus, the injury has had over a month to heal.
Erick Aybar: Aybar, who has been out with a finger injury, could begin a rehab assignment next week. Prior to the injury, Aybar was putting up decent numbers, 1/16/.270 with 5 steals, but he doesn’t offer any power and cannot take a walk, a paltry 1.3 BB%. If he doesn’t start exercising much better plate patience, pitchers will never give him anything good to hit. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Macier Izturis continue to get the bulk of the playing time at shortstop after Aybar returns.
Joaquin Benoit: Benoit has been dropped to third in the bullpen pecking order. After having an outstanding season last year, 2.85 ERA in 82 innings, fully backed up by impressive skills; 9.6 K/9 and 3.1 BB/9, Benoit is having a hard time finding the plate this year, 7.0 BB/9. Even if he reigns in the walks, he won’t be out of the woods, as his 55% FB% and his tiny home park are a lethal combination.
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: www.fantistics.com/baseball00/. Not a member? Join today: www.fantistics.com/join/join.php3
