Hanley Ramirez: Ramirez, who has been nursing a bruised wrist, returned to the starting lineup yesterday against the Cubs, which is very good news for the Marlins and his fantasy owners. At 25 years of age, he has still not even entered his power prime years, but he still blasted 33 home runs last year. The major improvement in his walk rate, 2006/2007/2008 BB%’s of 8%/8%/14%, will not only give him better pitches to hit, it will also get him on base to take advantage of this speed, 35 steals in 47 tries last year.
Max Scherzer: According to Scherzer a small mechanical adjustment helped his command during his sparkling performance against the Brewers on Friday, 6 innings, 0 ER, 7 K’s, and just 1 walk. His high amount of strike outs, 13.4 K/9 in Triple-A and a 10.6 K/9 with the D’Backs last year, combined with an improving GB%, 2008/2009 #’s of 42%/46%, gives him a chance to be special, but he will need to cut back on the free passes, 2008/2009 BB%’s of 3.4/3.9.
Hong Chi Kuo: The Dodgers placed Kuo on the DL with a left elbow problem. When healthy, Kuo has outstanding skills, 10.8 K/9, 2.4 BB/9, and a 46% GB% in 2008, but he has had trouble staying healthy throughout his career. His fragile arm does not allow him to be a starter and with Jonathan Broxton in front of him in the bullpen, he value is limited to NL-only leagues.
Fred Lewis: The Giants have dropped Lewis from the leadoff spot to sixth in the order. Given his poor contact skills, 2008/2009 Ct%’s of 73%/61%, Lewis was never a good fit at the top of the order. Moving down in the order will increase his RBI opportunities and decrease his stolen base chances.
Dan Uggla: Uggla didn’t start in yesterday’s game because of tightness in his hamstring and is day-to-day. He has some nice pop in his bat, 2006/2007/2008 home runs of 27/31/32, and improving plate patience, BB% of 7%/10%/13%, but his decline in making contact, Ct%’s of 80%/74%/68%, means his .260 batting average from last year is as good as it will get, .220 in 85 AB this year.
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