Clete Thomas: Although he has shown speed in the minors, 15 steals in 19 attempts in Triple-A this year, Thomas is not stealing bases at the major league level, 2 steals in 129 PA. He knows how to take a walk, 11% BB%, but without power, 0 home runs, and poor contact skills, 77% Ct%, it won’t matter unless he starts running.
Eric Hinske: Hinske is providing serious power, 14 home runs and 15 doubles in 264 PA, and with an improved approach at the plate, 2006/2007/2008 BB%’s of 11%/13%/12% and Ct%’s of 71%/71%/78%, he deserves a higher batting average than his current .261 mark. A .200 BHIP% is not helping his cause. If he can ever solve southpaws, 1 home run and a .167 batting average in 36 AB this year, he could be an all-star.
Jhonny Peralta: Peralta is displaying the kind of power, 15 home runs and 25 doubles in 359 PA, which he did in his rookie season of 2005, 24 home runs and 35 doubles. It is a huge boost to get that kind of power out of the middle infield, but just be aware that his approach at the plate, 6% BB% and a 79% Ct%, means you will most likely have to live with a low batting average, .257 this year.
Jose Vidro: At this point in his career, Vidro provides very little power (5 home runs in 278 PA), no speed, (1 for 2 in steals), and poor plate patience (6% BB%). He still makes good contact, 87% Ct%, and with a depressed .191 BHIP%, there is some upside to his .214 average, but you will be getting nothing else of any value from him.
Miguel Cairo: With the release of Richie Sexson, Cairo could pick up some AB playing first base against left-handers. He could be good for some steals, 4 for 5 this year in just 103 PA, but offers no power; his last major league home run was back in 2005. With an 86% Ct% and a .208 BHIP%, there is also some nice potential batting average upside from his .216 batting average. If you need some steals in AL-only formats and can plug him into your middle infield, he could be a decent pickup.
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