Elvis Andrus: At just 21 years of age, Andrus is already showing skills, 13% BB% and a 56% GB%, that will maximize his biggest asset, speed. The final piece to the puzzle is making better contact, 81% Ct, but there is plenty of time for that develop. His .305 BA is being help by a ridiculous 455 BHIP%, so expect BA downside, but he will give you steals, 17 steals in 24 attempts, just don’t expect any power, 0 HR and 5 Doubles in 167 AB.
Jered Weaver: The 27-year-old Weaver is showing outstanding across the board skills growth, 2008/2009/2010 K/9’s 7.7/7.4/9.9, BB/9’s 2.8/2.8/2.5, and GB%’s 33%/31%/37%, and it is translating into good numbers, 4-2 with a 3.36 ERA. His FB% is still on the high side, 2008/2009/2010 FB%’s 46%50%/45%, so he is vulnerable to the longball, 8 HR allowed in 61.2 innings this year, but the improved dominance and control helps him limit the damage.
Shaun Marcum: With a 4-1 record and a 2.82 ERA in 10 starts, Marcum looks like he is all the back from the Tommy John surgery he had last year. A 74% strand rate and .189 BHIP% is helping him, but there are also solid skills, 7.1 K/9, 2.0 BB/9, and a 43% GB%, behind his numbers. He should be owned in all formats.
Justin Smoak: It has been a rough start for Smoak, 4/12/.173 in 104 AB. He didn’t hit for power in Triple-A, 2 HR in 50 AB this year, so the lack of power shouldn’t be surprising, just 7 extra-base hits, but with his size, 6’4 and 220 lbs, the power should come as his body matures. A .141 BHIP% is not helping, but his 82% Ct% is inline with his minor league performances, so either the Ct% or power will have to improve for a consistent, productive BA. The one impressive skill so far is his plate patience, 14% BB%. At 23 years of age, he has a bright future, but at this point he shouldn’t be on a contending fantasy team’s roster.
Curtis Granderson: Granderson should be activated from the DL today and move right back into the starting lineup in the number 2 hole, at least against RHP. So far, Granderson has not hit for the power, 2 HR and 2 Doubles in 80 AB, than he did last year, 30 HR and 23 Doubles in 631 AB. Once his gets on track, his growing FB%, 2008/2009 FB%’s 41%/49%, and more inviting RF porch at home, should translate in a good number of home runs.
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