Jason Schmidt: After getting hit in the leg with a line drive, Schmidt’s rehab assignment has been extended past the original June 10th date. Since he has not pitched that much since 2006 and is now 35 years of age, it is hard to gauge what effect inactivity, age, and injuries will have on his skills. The last time that he was healthy, which was in 2006, his numbers were still good, 3.59 ERA and a 7.6 K/9, but since his control was shaky, 3.4 BB/9, and he is not a ground ball pitcher, 37% GB%, any erosion in the K/9 could lead to trouble.
Cha-Seung Baek: Baek has replaced the injured Shawn Estes in the Padres starting rotation. If he can get his peripheral numbers back to last years, 2007 K/9 of 6.0 and a 1.7 BB/9 vs. 2008 K/9 of 5.1 and BB/9 of 3.6, he could find success. In any event, pitching his home games in stingy Petco Park will certainly help.
Ryan Zimmerman: The small tear in Zimmerman’s left shoulder has landed him on the 15-day DL, with the move being retroactive to May 26th. If he takes a cortisone shot, he should be able to return when eligible. Prior to missing the last 7 games, Zimmerman had just one home run in his last 10 games, so the shoulder was most likely affecting his power.
Cody Ross: Ross had an incredible month of May, 10 home runs in just 50 AB. His .210 average is being held back by a .122 BHIP%, so if given more playing time, expect good power and some batting average upside.
John Smoltz: Bobby Cox plans on splitting the closer duties between Smoltz, Manny Acosta, and Rafael Soriano. Despite blowing his first save opportunity in 2008, Smoltz has succeeded in this role before, 144 saves in 157 chances from 2002 to 2004, and has the best skills; 8.6 K/9, 2.1 BB/9, and a 45% GB% as a starter in 2007, of the three.
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