Aramis Ramirez was 1-12 in his last 3 games but stopped that mini-skid with a huge statement yesterday as he blasted homeruns in the 7th and 9th inning, the latter being a game-winner against the cross-town nemesis White Sox. Ramiez is having an All-Star caliber season once again as he’s hitting .290 with 12 HR, 47 RBI and 50 R. His ISO is down from his career average by about 24 points, which reflects in his HR total, but he does have 19 2B for the year (almost on pace with 2007). Ramirez has always been a stronger 2nd half player and I think that trend will continue once again in 2008. Look for a stronger last three months from him as I expect him to get close to 30 HR, but not exceed that mark.
Edinson Volquez had yet another quality outing yesterday and this time it came against the almighty Yankees. Volquez tossed 7 strong innings, allowing just 2 ER on 7 H with 1 BB and 5 K’s. He has now thrown 11 QS and has not allowed more than 3 ER in an outing all season. Volquez seems to have turned a bigtime corner in his career but his BB/9 of 4.50 is still very high. I have said all season that I feel like that BB ratio will bite him but it simply hasn’t. His BHIP isn’t ouirageously low at .260 but that is significantly lower than his career number. I’m unsure whether this is simply an incredible first half or if he’ll continue this all season, but my gut and his career numbers tell me he’s in for a drop off in production in the 2nd half. How big the drop off might be is the real question.
Kyle Lohse tossed his 7th straight quality start last night against Boston as he allowed just 1 ER and 2 BB on 6 H in 6 IP with 4 K. Lohse also got the win, which improved him to a ridiculous 9-2 on the year. I say it’s ridiculous because Lohse has never surpassed 14 victories as a starter, a number he may beat out by late July this year. He has been very solid lately for the Cardinals and the biggest factor is a BHIP that is 20 points lower than 2007 and vastly improved control (1.21 WHIP as opposed to 3-year AVG of 1.53). Lohse has always had the talent to be a solid No.3, possibly a No. 2, and he could legitimately be having a breakout in 2008 as most of his peripherals have shown improvement. I’m high on selling because of previous inconsistencies, but only for a pitcher who is all but assured to give you consistency in both ERA and WHIP, as well as W’s.
Chase Headley has started his major league career with a four game hit streak and also blasted his 2nd HR last night in a 2-4 performance. The young slugger’s BA is up to .375 and he has the two homers with 2 RBI and 2 R. Although it is a small sample, Headley has not shown good patience thus far with 6 SO in just 16 AB, but he is a young hitter and strikeouts are certainly expected. Headley has been showcased many times before in our prospect central and I’m pretty high on the kid. I picked him up in two leagues where I could use a backup 3B and I think that’s the spot he belongs for this season unless you can use him at UTIL if you have an injury or are very weak.
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