Brian Bannister: Bannister pulled himself from Wednesday game after 5.2 innings due to shoulder discomfort, although he expects to make his next start. He has been very effective, 3-1 with a 1.80 ERA in 5 starts, despite having very average skills, 5.1 K/9, 3.6 BB/9, and a 42% GB%. A very fortunate 85% strand rate and .208 BHIP% are heavily contributing to his success, so don’t be fooled into thinking his is staff ace material. There could be some rough times ahead for Bannister.
Luis Vizcaino: The Indians signed Vizcaino to a contract and he should be up with team within a couple of weeks. With a growing FB%, 2006/2007/2008 #’s of 36%/46%/50%, Vizcaino was a bad fit for Colorado last year, 5.28 ERA in 46 innings. If he can keep the walks in check, which based on his recent history is unlikely, 2006/2007/2008 BB/9’s of 4.0/5.1/3.7, his impressive dominance, K/9’s 9.9/7.4/9.6, could land him in a valuable role in an unsettled Indians bullpen.
Shane Loux: With John Lackey and Ervin Santana coming back, Loux will go to the bullpen. In 6 starts, Loux was mediocre, 2-2 with a 4.64 ERA, with mediocre skills, 3.6 K/9, 2.7 BB/9, and a 50% GB%. Not that he ever had any fantasy value, but moving to the bullpen gives him even less value.
Lucas French: The Tigers called up French from Triple-A, where he was impressive in 6 starts, 2.91 ERA, 7.7 K/9, and 2.4 BB/9. Based on his full season in Double-A last year, 9-11, 4.02 ERA, 4.7 K/9, and a 3.2 BB/9, it is doubtful that the 23 year-old is ready to contribute at the major league level. Add in that he will be working out of the bullpen and you can safely ignore him in all formats.
Nate Robertson: Roberston was placed on the DL retroactive to May 4th with a lower back strain. He should be out a couple of more weeks. Banished to the bullpen this year, Robertson has not made a case to return to the starting rotation, 6.30 ERA, 6.3 K/9, and a 5.4 BB/9 in 10 innings. His control has been trending in the wrong direction, 2006/2007/2008 BB/9’s of 2.9/3.1/3.2, and the rest of his skills are not that impressive, K/9’s of 5.9/6.0/5.8 and GB%’s of 47%/45%/45%. You can safely ignore him in all formats.
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