Jordan Schafer: Schafer is mired in a 1 for 21 slump. The rookie is making the jump from Double-A, where he showed great plate patience, 14% BB%, moderate power, 10 home runs in 297 AB, and poor contact skills, 70% Ct%. Since he struggled making contact against Double-A pitchers, it is not surprising that he is striking out more against major league pitchers, 57% Ct% in 40 AB. If he continues to struggle, Schafer will most likely go to Triple-A, where he would benefit from more seasoning.
Jo-Jo Reyes: Reyes was recalled to take Tom Glavine’s spot in the Braves rotation. He allowed 5 ER in 5.2 innings against the Pirates yesterday. Last year he showed a potentially good strike out/ground ball approach, 6.2 K/9 and a 49% GB% in 113 innings but poor control, 4.1 BB%, and some bad breaks, .319 BHIP% and a 67% strand rate, led to a poor 5.81 ERA. Keep an eye on the walks, if he can rein them in, he could be useful in NL-only leagues. For now Reyes is the Braves 5th starter, but with super-prospect Tommy Hanson lurking in Triple-A, he better pitch well if he is going to stay there.
Mike Pelfrey: Pelfrey will miss at least his next start because of tendinitis in his arm. He had a breakout 2008 season, 13-11 with a 3.72 ERA due to his ability to keep the ball on the ground, 49% GB%, and improvement in his control, 2007/2008 BB/9’s of 4.8/2.9. However, he won’t take it to the next level unless he can make more batters miss, 2008 K/9 of 4.9.
Craig Monroe: Monroe saved his roster spot with a monster game against the Braves yesterday, 2 home runs and 6 RBIs. The 32 year-old still has some pop in his bat and only playing against left-handers should minimize the strike outs. He is best used in NL-only leagues that allow daily transactions. Make sure he is active anytime the Pirates face a southpaw.
Ian Snell: Snell shut out the Braves over 7 innings yesterday allowing just 4 hits while striking out 3 and walking 3. Until last season, the improvement in Snell’s skill set, 2006/2007 K/9 of 8.2/7.7, BB/9’s 3.6/2.9, and GB%’s of 43%/46%, had him on the path to becoming a top starting pitcher, but it all fell apart in 2008, 5.42 ERA in 164.1 innings. Snell couldn’t find the plate 4.9 BB/9 and when he did, batters were hitting the ball hard, 25% LD%. Despite yesterday’s performance, he is still having problems with his control, 9 walks in 17 innings, which makes it very hard to trust him.
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