Nate Schierholtz: Schierholtz’s improved approach at the plate, 2008/2009 BB%’s 5%/10% and Ct%’s 80%/87%, has led to playing time and success, 1/5/.362 in 69 AB. With a 48% GB%, it is not surprising that his good power is unevenly distributed, 8 doubles and 1 HR. His inflated .300 BHIP% says that some average correction is coming, but he should still able to hit for a good average. At 26 years of age, he is just entering his power prime, so if he can some more loft on the ball, you could see a contribution from Schierholtz in the HR category.
Todd Helton: Helton can still work a count, 13% BB%, and put the ball in play, 85% Ct%, but you have to wonder why pitchers would walk him when he is doing such little damage, 0 HR and 4 doubles in 107 PA. Prior to this season his power had been in decline, 15 home runs and 38 doubles in 645 PA, but so far this year, the power has been so bad, that his grip on the starting first base job could be in jeopardy. At 37 years of age and with his history of back problem, it is more likely this is the end of the road for Helton rather than a bad slump.
Jason Hammel: Hammel, who has been out with a groin injury, is expected back on Wednesday to start against the Phillies. After showing a nice skill set last year, 6.8 K/9, 2.1 BB/9, and a 46% GB%, Hammel was expected to be a solid starting pitching option, but that has not been the case so far, 0-2 with a 9.16 ERA in 4 starts. Some really bad breaks, 49% S% and a .403 BHIP%, can take part of the blame, but Hammel will have to cut back on the walks, 3.9 BB/9, before you want to consider using him in your league.
Brad Hawpe: Hawpe, who has been out with a quad injury, is expected to be back on Monday. Hawpe consistently puts up good power numbers, 2007/2008/2009 AB’s 516/488/501, HR’s 29/25/23, and Doubles’ 33/24/42, and despite subpar contact skills, 73%/72%/71%, the power and plate patience, 13%/13%/13%, seems to be enough for him not to hurt you in the batting average category, .291/.283/.285. He should have a roster spot in all fantasy formats.
Charlie Morton: Believe it or not, but there are very good skills, 8.2 K/9, 2.8 BB/9, and a 44% GB%, behind Morton’s disaster numbers, 1-5 with a 10.30 ERA in 6 starts. He is not helping himself with gopheritis issues, 7 home runs allowed in just 25.1 innings, but he is also suffering from extremely bad luck, 45% S% and a .329 BHIP%. In addition to his S% and BHIP% correcting, a ridiculous 30% HR/FB should also normalize. There could be much better days ahead for Morton to the point where it is worth it to stash him on your reserve list and activate him after a couple of good starts.
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