Rajai Davis: Davis certainly knows how to steal a base, 11 swipes in 12 attempts, but without power, 1 home run in 103 AB and a 52% GB%, his approach at the plate, 5% BB% and an 81% Ct%, is not helping his speed game. He is already 29 years of age and previous work, 2008/2009 BB%’s 4%/7% and Ct%’s 81%/82%, suggests that you shouldn’t expect improvements in his ability to get on base. He is worthy of using in mixed league just because of the steals, but you have to wonder how many more he could have if he could work counts and make better contact.
Andruw Jones: Has the 33-year-old Jones rediscovered his speed, a perfect 5 for 5 in steals, from the late 1990’s? Given his age, lack of triples, none in his last 414 PA, and injury history, it is more likely that the savvy veteran is picking his spots carefully and getting good opportunities. Any steals from Jones is a bonus but don’t expect a return to his days of 20+ steals.
Brett Gardner: It is early in the season, but if Gardner can maintain the growth that he has shown so far in his skills, 2008/2009/2010 BB%’s 6%/9%/12%, Ct%’s 76%/84%/89%, and GB%’s 48%/49%/58%, he could be in for a big season. He already has 13 steals in 14 attempts with a .346 BA. His current skills are perfectly suited to take advantage of his speed, which more than makes up for his lack of power, 1 HR in 94 PA. Curtis Granderson is out for about a month and with Gardner’s ability to handle LHP, 2009/2010 AB’s 55/25 and BA’s .291/.370, he will be in the lineup most days and if he keeps the skills growth, he won’t become a part-time player when Granderson returns.
Shin Soo Choo: With just a 30% FB% and an18% HR/FB%, don’t count on Choo being a big source for HR. Last year he hit just 20 in 685 PA with a 36% FB% and a 13% HR/FB%, so even the 4 he has now in 121 PA may be pushing his luck. Possessing that kind of power, Choo should be making better contact, 2009/2010 Ct%’s 74%/72%, although his plate patience, 2009/2010 11%/16%, helps to mitigate some of the damage from the poor contact. However, these are not the skills of a 300+ hitter, as his BHIP%’s, 2009/2010 %’s .302/.344, have really helped his BA, 2009/2010 #’s .300/.307.
Austin Jackson: On the surface it looks like Jackson has been a complete player, 1/9/.369 with 8 doubles, 3 triples, and 5 steals in 133 PA. However, his unsustainable .440 BHIP% combined with a poor 71% Ct%, tells you that a prolonged slump is coming for the rookie.
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