Chris Duncan: The Red Sox sent the newly acquired Duncan to Triple-A. Prior to the deal, Duncan had been mired in a horrible slump, just 1 hit in his last 31 AB, so a stint in Triple-A to regain his swing and confidence might be just what he needs. The only good thing that you can say about Duncan this year is that he still knows how to take a walk, 14% BB%. His once formidable power, 2006/2007 AB 280/375, home runs 22/21, and doubles 11/20, is now below league-average for the second year, 2008/2008 AB 222/260, home runs 6/5, and doubles 8/15. With poor contact skills, 74% Ct%, if Duncan is not hitting for power, his batting average will suffer, .225 this year, and with a high amount of ground balls, 50% GB% this year, he won’t hit for much power. With those negatives and a lack of anticipated playing time with the Red Sox, you can safely avoid him in all formats.
John Danks: Danks, who is dealing with a blister and a circulatory problem on and in his left index finger, is on track to start Monday against the Twins. He possesses a nice ground ball/strike out package, 7.8 K/9 and a 47% GB%. The only thing holding him back from taking it to the next level, 8-6 with a 3.98 ERA this year, is control, 3.4 BB/9.
Andruw Jones: If you own Andruw Jones in fantasy league, the chances are you got him for nothing, which makes the return of his power, 14 home runs in just 185 AB, a very nice bonus. However, as usual, Jones has been a batting average liability, .227 this year. His .147 BHIP% is even low from his usual standards, 2006/2007/2008 BHIP’s of .213/.193/.174, so expect some batting average upside, but Jones’ will never be a contributor in that category.
Hank Blalock: Blalock is showing some nice power this year, 19 home runs in 282 AB. Despite having a poor approach at the plate, 5% BB% and a 78% Ct%, Blalock’s power and depressed .199 BHIP% gives him potential batting average upside from his current .255 number.
David Murphy: The 27-year-old Murphy is beginning to reveal himself as a pretty average player, 8/26/.285 in 214 AB. Despite playing in a hitter-friendly home stadium, his power is slightly-above league average and with 4 caught steals in 10 attempts, he is not a consistent speed source. Murphy does know how to take a walk, 11% BB%, but with a 78% Ct, he will need to either hit for more power or make better contact, if he is going to be a consistent contributor in the batting average category, as his current .287 BHIP% hints at some downside.
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