Garrett Atkins: The complete decline of a power hitter to a back up or minor leaguer has been completed for Atkins, 2007/2008/2009 AB’s 605/611/351, Doubles’ 35/32/12, Home Runs’ 25/21/9, and Averages’ .301/.286/.228. Without any real change in his approach at the plate, 2007/2008/2009 BB%’s 10%/6%/10%, Ct%’s 84%/84%/84%, the only explanation could be that with an increasing GB%, 31%/37%/42%, and decreasing HR/FB%, 11%/10%/7%, Atkins is just not hitting the ball as hard as he used to smack it. It is rare for this to happen to someone in his power prime years, he turns 30 in December, but it does happen and the results are usually an early exit from the major leagues.
Casey McGehee: He may not have come with the can’t miss prospect status, but the soon-to-be 27-year-old McGehee has put together a very impressive rookie campaign, 16/66/.299 in 354 AB. Because it has been over a full-year, the power seems real and combined with his approach at the plate, 9% BB% and an 81% Ct%, McGehee should have a full-time job with the Brewers next season. This could be a late-bloomer who turns into a productive major league player.
Adam Wainwright: Wainwright showed some big skills improvement, 2008/2009 K/9’s 6.2/8.2, BB/9’s 2.3/2.6, and GB%’s 46%/51%, and it has translated to even better numbers from his fine 2008 season, 11-3 with a 3.20 ERA in 2008 vs. 19-8 with a 2.63 ERA. At 28 years of age, Wainwright is in his prime years, so if you own him in a fantasy league, protect him and enjoy another solid season in 2010.
Nyjer Morgan: With no power, 3 home runs in 469 AB, Morgan is one of those speed guys, 42 steals, with skills right on the borderline between starting and being a reserve, 8% BB%, 84% Ct%, and a 54% GB%. If he could make a little bit more contact or draw a few more walks, he would be a legitimate starter. What he has working against him is age, he is already 29 years of age, and his stolen base technique, 17 caught steals, although a good number of those were pickoffs.
Rich Harden: Although Harden retains some serious dominance, 10.9 K/9. The injuries seem to have taken a toll, 4.3 BB/9 and a 4.09 ERA. Even though he turns just 28 years of age in November, his injury history and control makes him someone hard to trust in 2010.
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