Chad Tracy: Tracy could wind up being the big loser in playing time with the acquisition of Adam Dunn. For the time being he is safe, but once Justin Upton returns, it would take the longshot move of putting Mark Reynolds at 2B in order to keep Tracy in the lineup on a regular basis. That would be a big blow to fantasy owners of Tracy. He hasn’t shown much power lately, just two extra-base hits in his last 38 AB, but with a 50% FB and as he is regaining strength in his knee, it seems like a power outburst is right around the corner.
Aaron Heilman: It has been a rough season for Heilman, 2-7 with a 5.74 ERA. While he has shown a big improvement in his strike out totals, 2006/2007/2008 K/9’s of 7.6/6.6/10.1, it has come at the expense of his control, BB/9’s of 2.9/2.1/4.2, and ability to induce ground balls, GB%’s of 45%/45%/42%. This new approach is obviously not working, 2006/2007 ERA’s of 3.62/3.03. Using Heilman at this point is a very risky proposition.
Eddie Kunz: Kunz should see some save opportunities until Billy Wagner returns from the DL. Kunz had a 4.7 BB/9 in 48.1 Double-A innings. Don’t expect his control to get better against more discerning major league hitters. Picking him up for a few potential saves is not worth the risk of the damage that he can do to your ERA and WHIP.
Chris Perez: Chris Perez has picked up a couple of saves in the past week. With a very unsettled bullpen, he easily can be in line for more opportunities. With an 8.9 K/9 and 44% GB% in his first 27.1 major league innings, Perez is showing nice potential to succeed as a closer in the future. However, he will need to improve his control, 5.0 BB/9, to find consistent success, especially if his .203 BHIP% begins to normalize. If you are desperate for saves, he is not a bad spec, just be aware that there could be some damage to your ERA and WHIP. Also being a rookie, manager Tony LaRussa will probably pull the plug on him as a saves source rather quickly if he struggles.
Adam Wainwright: Wainwright is scheduled for a third rehab appearance in Triple-A tomorrow. If all goes well, the Cardinals could bring him back by the weekend. There is speculation that he could be installed as the closer. With his skill set; 6.1 K/9, 2.0 BB/9, and a 48% GB% in 13 starts this year, Wainwright is a good bet to succeed in any role.
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