Nick Markakis- BAL- Idea- Markakis has gone 4 games without a hit after opening the season with 2 multihit games. His average now stands at .238. This could be a good time to buy low if you need some help in the average category. His BABIP this year is .231 and his Batting EYE during these past 4 games is 1.00. Fantistics' projection for Markakis is .295 with 16 homers, which can be a boost if you can find an owner who is bailing out early.
Yoenis Cespedes- OAK- Rookie- Opposing pitchers are exploiting Cespedes' lack of selectivity, putting only 41.5% of the pitchers in the zone. One side effect of this is that his number of HBP (3) equals the number of walks he has taken. So, despite a K% of 39.3%, Cespedes has an OBP of .429. A BABIP of .375 is undoubtedly contributing to that also. However, his willingness to take one for the team might force pitchers to be a little finer with him. That could help give him better pitches to hit.
Drew Smyly- DET- Rookie- Drew Smyly makes his major league debut today with only one pro season under his belt. The 2010 second round pick pitched at High A and Class AA ball last year. He has advanced skills, which is why the Tigers have tabbed him for the number 5 starter. He struck out 130 and walked 36 in 126 IP last season. Smyly also is a ground ball pitcher and his 2 homers allowed in 2011 shows that. Learning at the major league level is still a risky proposition and at the bottom of the rotation his potential reward isn't worth it right now.
Joe Nathan- TEX- Cold- First, the good news. Nathan still has yet to give up a walk and has struck out 5 in his 4 appearances covering 4 IP so far this season. Now, the bad news. He had his first blown save and his second loss of the year, allowing 3 runs on 4 hits in the 9th against Seattle. This leaves Nathan with a 9.00 ERA in 2012. The sample size is very small and there are some factors that are extreme right now. his BABIP is at .364 and his GB% is way down at 16.7%. It's too early to panic yet, but all of Nathan's appearances have been in Arlington and he does need to get the ball on the ground more to have success there.
Ian Kinsler- TEX- Great Player- Kinsler celebrated his new contract extension by going 2-for-5 with a homer and a double. It is Kinsler's 3rd homer of the season. He is also hitting .304 after 6 games, despite an unlucky .222 BABIP. His Batting EYE is an astounding 2.00 in the early going. Kinsler so far is living up to predictions of a monster year.
Follow me on Twitter all season - @fantisticspaul
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