Pablo Sandoval
Sandoval had his contract purchased by the Giants on Wednesday. It seems unlikely that the minor league catcher will supplant Benji Molina, but he could see quite a bit of time between catcher and first base as the Giants continue to look toward 2009. Sandoval had an impressive .350/.392/.578 line in 448 at-bats between High-A and Double-A, but considering his youth (he just turned 22 this week) and lack of experience at higher minor league levels, he’s probably only keeper and NL-only league worthy at this point. He also drew just 31 walks this year, so he’s a bit of a hacker, something big league pitchers will exploit. Still, the 3-for-5 game Saturday should’ve got your attention.
Chris Young
We’ve been waiting for Young breakout this year and it’s finally upon us. The underachieving center fielder went 3-for-5 against Houston on Saturday, including a grand slam off Brandon Backe. Young is now 10-for-23 in his last five games, including home runs in each of his last two. Young has stolen a disappointing nine bases this year in addition to the mediocre (but improving .241 AVG), but recent comments from manager Bob Melvin indicate that he could turn the Arizona SB threats loose a bit more of the final part of the season. Something to keep in mind if you’re lacking in that area.
Andre Ethier
After sitting out the previous night against lefty Manny Parra, Ethier returned to right field and the second spot in the order on Saturday, going 1-for-3 with a two-run homer against Dave Bush and the Brewers. We have to figure at this point that Ethier will ride the pine against most lefties, but while he’s hitting just .205 vs. same-side pitching this year, Ethier did bat .279 against them a year ago. Still, Juan Pierre is hitting .355 versus southpaws so Joe Torre won’t ignore him completely. Consider this a strict platoon, though I still see Pierre getting the occasional nod against a right-hander if Torre “goes with his gut” – whatever that means.
Jayson Werth
Werth hasn’t taken the RF job away from Geoff Jenkins completely, but .262/.356/.480 is better than .242/.301/.388 by a country mile and perhaps someone will alert Charlie Manual to the fact. Werth, when he plays, is hitting in between Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley, practically guaranteeing that he’ll see more fastballs than most hitters. Werth’s .748 OPS vs. RHP isn’t very notable, but it’s still better than Jenkins’ .727 and Werth is a guy with some actual upside who could be even better than he has been given regular playing time. Let’s see if the Phillies soon agree.
Chris Dickerson
No love yet from Fantistics for C.D., so here you go. Well actually, considering he is a 26 year-old tasking the big leagues for the first time after a minor league career AVG of .258 with a homer every 38 at-bats, we aren’t talking about the next Griffey here. Still, he can run (26 SB in 97 G this year) and Dickerson was batting a solid .287/.384/.479 in Triple-A this year with 11 HR and the 26 SB, there is some upside here perhaps. Long term he’s more a #4 OF, but considering he’s 6-for-17 for the Reds this year with a 100% XBH (ok, sample size I know…), Dickerson is worth a gamble.
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