Franklin Morales: It is looking like Huston Street will be out for a least the entire month of April, which gives Morales a shot to rack up some saves. No matter how good his strike out/ground ball package looks, 9.2 K/9 and a 50% GB% in 2009, especially in Colorado, it is hard for any pitcher to succeed with such poor control, 5.2 BB/9. If you don’t want to damage you team ERA and WHIP, look elsewhere for saves.
Aaron Rowand: Rowand has started the first two games for the Giants and is batting leadoff. Outside of decent power, 15 home runs and 30 doubles in 499 AB in 2009, there is nothing in Rowand’s skill set, 5% BB% and a 75% Ct%, to suggest that he can have a successful season, especially as a leadoff hitter. Early in his career, Rowand sported some speed, but based on the last two years, 6 steals in 11 attempts; it looks like the days of the 32-year-old Rowand being a steals threat are long gone. If one of the backup OF steps up, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Rowand lose his starting gig at some point this season.
Barry Zito: Zito had an impressive start to the 2010 season, 0 ER, 5 K’s, 1 BB in 6 innings against the Astros last night. However his 2009 skill set, 7.2 K/9, 3.8 BB/9, and a 38%, is not exactly a recipe for success. Considering that his control has never been below the acceptable 3.0 BB/9 for his entire career, don’t count on him suddenly finding the strike zone. Let someone else roster this risky pitcher.2007/2008/2009 ERA’s 4.53/5.15/4.03.
Wandy Rodriguez: Rodriguez didn’t have the best start to 2010, 3 ER, 4 K’s, and 4 BB’s in 6 innings against the Giants last night, but based on the last two seasons, 2008/2009 K/9’s 8.6/8.5, BB/9’s 2.9/2.8, and ERA’s 3.54/3.02, he is in the upper echelon of major league starting pitchers. At 31 years of age, there is no reason to think that Rodriguez will decline from the standard he has set since 2008.
Lance Berkman: Since there is still no timetable for Berkman’s return from his left knee injury, you may be upset if you paid full price for Berkman on draft day. When healthy, the 34-year-old’s power still rates among the best in baseball, 25 home runs and 31 doubles in 460 AB last year. Keep on eye on his progress and if they give him a reasonable timetable for his return, you may be able to pick him up on the cheap from an impatient fantasy owner.
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