Mark Reynolds - Reynolds continued his hot hitting with a pair of doubles yesterday against the Braves, continuing a hot streak that has seen his AVG climb to a respectable .263. His BABIP is a good 70 points higher than you'd expect, and the ball has been flying out of the park nearly twice as often as you'd think when he hits a fly ball. In short, I continue to be suspicious of any guy that strikes out almost 40% of the time....his slumps are going to be huge. To me, Reynolds is a definite sell-high candidate....24 extra-base hits already notwithstanding.
Carlos Ruiz - Ruiz walked, doubled, and stole a base yesterday for the Phils in a 9-6 win over the Nationals. Ruiz has been very disappointing the past few years for Philadelphia, but there's quite a bit more potential in him than I think most people realize. Two of his last three years in the minors ('04 and '06) he posted ISO's around .200, and his BB:K ratio has always been very solid...something that's normally an excellent indicator of overall hitting ability. Ruiz has gotten off to a hot start despite the DL stint this year, but without a lot of press you might be able to grab him on the cheap. I think he has quite a bit of upside.
Jonny Gomes - With the possible long-term absence of Joey Votto, Jonny Gomes is one guy that I could see endearing himself to Dusty Baker with his power and speed. I doubt that Baker is going to play two catchers every day like he did yesterday, so someone is going to have to pick up that extra playing time. Gomes has started out his Cincy career hot, and warrants a pre-emptive pickup in deeper leagues as the Reds sort the playing time out.
Leo Nunez - I'm a big fan of the "closer-in-waiting" guys, and Nunez is one that has caught my eye since day one this year. Nunez came on to finish up yet another shaky outing by Matt Lindstrom for his first save of the year, and although Lindstrom has only blown two saves he has a ERA over 6.00 and is walking almost a batter an inning. Lindstrom received the dreaded "vote of confidence" yesterday, so he's certainly on shaky ground as the Marlins' closer. Nunez is likely the next guy in line, and bears watching in deeper formats already.
Andy LaRoche - The younger LaRoche just keeps on hitting with another single and double last night against the Astros. LaRoche's AVG is up to .307, ad his .360 BABIP is actually a bit low given his LD% of 30.2. He's valuable enough with this sort of performance even if the power never comes, but I'd bet a bit more is on the way on that front as well, as LaRoche is just 25 this season. You may still be able to get him cheaply.
