Richie Sexson: There are rumors floating around that the Mariners are about to release Sexson. The 33 year-old Sexson is a player in decline, but he still has above average major league power, 9 home runs in 205 AB. The problem is that his contact skills have dropped to such a low level, 68% Ct%, that you are almost guaranteed to have a low batting average, .220 this year.
Mark Buehrle: Buehrle is picking his game up, going 8 innings in each of his last three starts while allowing a total of just 4 ER. Since Buerhle is not a big strike out pitcher, 2006/2007/2008 K/9’s of 4.3/5.2/5.1, he will need good control, BB/9’s of 2.1/2.0/2.5, and continue to induce ground balls, 49% GB% this year. The increase in walks could be a problem down the road, but they have yet to rise to a dangerous level.
Kyle Davies: How does a pitcher with such mediocre peripheral numbers; 4.4 K/9. 4.4 BB/9, and a 40% GB%, produce a sparkling 1.46 ERA in 24.2 innings? The answer is a ridiculous 89% Strand rate. It will not last, a shelling is just around the corner.
Daniel Cabrera: While Cabrera has shown some improvement in his walk totals, 2006/2007/2008 BB/9’s of 6.3/4.8/3.8, they are still at an unacceptable level and it has been at the expense of the strike out totals, K/9’s of 9.6/7.3/4.8. Don’t be fooled into thinking that he is making progress.
Nick Blackburn: Blackburn, who missed his last start due to elbow soreness, threw a 15 minute bullpen session and reported no problems. He should be good to start tomorrow’s game against Arizona. He has good results so far this year, 5-4 with a 3.87 ERA, but is a classic soft-tosser, 4.8 K/9, so he will need to maintain his pinpoint control, 1.6 BB/9, and ground ball inducing ways, 45% GB%, for continued success.
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