AL Player Spotlight - 4/29/2009

Phil Hughes (SP - Yankees) - Hughes looked great on Tuesday night against the Tigers. In his first start of 2009, Hughes posted a quality start of 6.0 IP, 0 ER, 2 H, 2 BB, 6 K, and the W. He remained right on track from his stellar start to 2009 on the minor league level. Down there, Hughes started three games and had a 1.86 ERA, WHIP of 1.03, and 19 K's in 19.1IP before being called-up to the big leagues. Hughes will get another start on Sunday against the Angels and if he hasn't been grabbed in your league, deserves the claim right away. Hughes has been one of those "impact-prospect" names that have floated around for quite some time. Francisco Liriano (SP - Twins) - Tuessday's outing was definitely a good sign for Liriano owners, who continue to ride his roller-coaster start to 2009. At this point, he seems to be flip-flopping between QS and blow-ups. Yesterday's outing was the QS, with 6.2 IP, 2 ER, 7 H, 3 K, and 2 BB. He still hasn't earned the W and remains at 0-4 for the year and 2-for-5 in the QS. His low K total is a little cause for concern and deserves a little flag as something to watch over the next few weeks. In 28.3IP in 2009, Liriano is posting a modest 6.35 K/9. Compare that rate to his 2008 pre-injury rate of 7.93 in 76 IP and his 2006 rate of 10.71 in 121.0 IP. Liriano hasn't had much continuity on the mound, so it might take him some time to settle-in, but watch those K totals in the coming weeks. Kevin Millwood (SP - Rangers) - The Kevin Millwood resurgence continues. Converting his 4th quality start in 5 outings this season, Millwood earned his 2nd win of the season to even his record at 2-2. He went 8.0 IP and scattered 10 hits which giving up 2 ER, 2 BB, and striking out 5. That brings his ERA to 2.13, WHIP to 0.97, and a K/BB of 2.75. While this has been a great run forMillwood, I just don't see the comparison to Cliff Lee like others are predicting. I have a hard time believing that the 34-year Millwood with a 5.2 K/9 will continue to flirt with Cy-Young type numbers and post an ERA of about half of his yearly average during his tenure with the Rangers. He's a sell-high candidate if I've ever seen one. Jim Thome (DH - White Sox) - If you've been using Thome in your utility spot for the potential power, keep him out of your lineups until at least Friday. This injury is heel-related, but you have to assume that atThome's age (38), he'll have plenty of injury concerns throughout the long 162 season. Thome is a tough fantasy player to own, because his position eligibility is limiting and he becomes a hindrance during interleague play. With that said, he has 545 career HR and hasn't hit less than 30 in a season since 1995. Jason Bay (OF - Red Sox) - Bay is quietly having a nice start to the 2009 season with the Sox. He already has 5 HR and is hitting .359 with 19 RBI, 18 Runs, and 2 SB. That's good for a 1.226 OPS and a .523 OBP. A healthy Jason Bay in a solid lineup might be the perfect storm for a rebirth of Jason Bay. It certainly seems to be working that way so far. I don't expect the SB production to continue, but I will gladlyforego the speed for an overall FPI of 0.80+ (he's currently at an incredible 1.12 for April). There are over 100 player news blurbs posted in the member area each morning. Members can read the rest of today's player news by clicking here. Not a member? Join today.