Bill Hall: According to Manger Don Wakamatsu, the newly acquired Hall will see playing time all around the infield, which would boost his value if he qualifies for MI in your fantasy format. With the season that Hall was having in Milwaukee, 6/24/.201 in 214 AB, it hard to believe that things could get any worse. It wasn’t that long ago, 35 home runs and 39 doubles in 537 AB during the 2006 season, that Hall was a big-time power threat. However since then his power has declined, 2007/2008/2009 AB of 452/404/214, doubles of 35/22/12, and HR of 14/15/6, with a decline in his skills, 2006/2007/2008/2009 BB% of 11%/8%/8%/8%, CT% of 70%/72%/69%/66%, FB% of 48%/41%/40%/43%. It is looking like 2006 was a fluke. Without the power, you are left with a hitter who swings and misses too much, 2007/2008/2009 batting averages of .254/.225/.201.
Ramon Castro: Castro has not been as bad as his .234 batting average in 128 AB would indicate. He has some decent pop, 6 home and 6 doubles, and good plate skills, 11% BB% and a 78% Ct%. There could be some batting average upside if his .205 BHIP% begins to normalize. Although his playing time is limited, you could do worse than Castro as your 2nd catcher in AL-only leagues.
Derek Jeter: At the age of 35, Jeter is having a big season, 15/54.331 with 21 steals in 486 AB. Although his skill set is relatively unchanged, 2007/2008/2009 BB% of 8%/8%/9%, CT% of 84%/85%/87%, and GB% of 56%/58%/55%; his BHIP% is slightly elevated from his historical range, 2007/2008/2009 BHIP% of .312/.297/.322, so you may see some batting average downside the rest of the way.
Rajai Davis: Given some regular playing time, Davis has been a huge bonus in the speed department, 26 steals in 32 attempts in just 238 PA. If he can maintain the gains that he has made in his approach at the plate, 2008/2009 BB% of 4%/9% and Ct% of 81%/83%, he should see enough playing time to continue being a major help in the stolen bases category.
Alex Rios: The 28 year old Rios’ power has been declining, 2006/2007/2008/2009 AB of 450/643/635/465. Doubles of 33/43/47/28, and HR of 17/24/15/15, when he is at an age where it should be increasing. With his skills relatively unchanged, 2006/2007/2007/2008 BB% of 7%/8%/7%/6%, Ct% of 80%/84%/82%/81%, and FB% of 42%/44%/38%/40%, expect the current version, which is just league average power, going forward. One area where Rios will help is in the speed department, 20 steals in 23 attempts.
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