Omar Infante - Infante is tearing it up right now, showing huge jumps in LD%, BB rate, and contact% this year with the Braves. This is a guy that had 52 extra-base hits in Comerica Park as a 22 year old, but one bad year the next season has pigeonholed him as a "utility guy" unfortunately. I think he can be better than that, and seeing as how he's getting consistent playing time right now and is eligible everywhere but 1B and C, well, I think he's worth a spot in most formats. He's still only 26, so for him to sow a bit more power now wouldn't be all that surprising.
Brad Penny - Penny's return from the DL went well superficially, as he only allowed one hit and one run in five innings, but it was against the Giants, he walked three, and he didn't fan anyone. Penny's velocity is down the past two years, his K rate is down significantly, and his control has worsened. In short, that gaudy ERA and W/L record last year might confuse the Dodgers into thinking he's an ace, but as far as I'm concerned he might be the right-handed Barry Zito. Calling me pessimistic would be a severe understatement.
Lastings Milledge - Milledge has been one of the few bright spots for the Nationals of late, hitting 419/486/871 for the month of August after rapping a couple more singles last night against C.C. Sabathia. Milledge is making better contact this season but hasn't shown much progress anywhere else except on the basepaths, but this is a 23 year old getting his first extended stretch of consistent playing time, so a bit of adjustment is probably to be expected. He's still a great bet to be an above-average OF over the long term, and a possible All-Star caliber player to boot. At present he is a viable low-end OF option in most formats, especially when he's hot (like right now, for example).
Paul Maholm - Maholm was outstanding last night, scattering five hits and three walks while striking out ten in seven innings against the Phils. He's gone at least six innings in 17 straight starts, posting quality starts in eight of his last ten. There's no velocity increase or control improvement to pin his improvement on this season, he's just striking out an extra batter per nine and that factor has vaulted him into the "mid-rotation starter" category. His stuff isn't good enough to avoid the occasional stinker, which certainly limits his ceiling, but there are far worse options out there.
Aaron Heilman - Heilman was dominant last night in picking up a 2-inning save against the Marlins, utilizing a new delivery for just the second outing. Those two outings have resulted in zero baserunners and four K's out of the eight batters faced, and they've probably given him the inside track on save opportunities while Billy Wagner is on the shelf. The likely saves and very solid K rates make Heilman a nice pickup in all formats right now.
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