JA Happ (SP-TOR)- Happ earned a no decision in yesterday's start against the Tigers despite allowing just one run on four hits and three walks in 7.1 innings of work. He struck out seven and lowered his ERA to 4.68, while his record remains at 9-10. Happ's 4.13 FIP and 3.93 xFIP (both best of career) indicate that he has pitched better than his numbers might initially indicate, and he has been able to maintain a strong strikeout rate since being acquired by the Blue Jays last month (8.62 K/9). His 44.3 percent ground ball rate is also a career best, and his 16.8 percent line drive indicates that his BABIP of .308 should be a little bit lower. Owners could expect his HR/FB ratio is regress to a percentage closer to his 10 percent career ratio. His skills have improved this season, and we might finally see that benefit him down the stretch.
Alex Cobb (SP-TB)- Cobb delivered a complete game shutout on Thursday night against the A's to improve his record to 8-8. He allowed four hits and two walks in the nine innings while striking out eight and lowering his ERA to 4.32. Cobb's numbers may look mediocre, but a 3.40 FIP and 3.61 xFIP suggest that he can assist fantasy owners down the stretch. His ERA is somewhat bloated because of a below average strand rate of 65.9 percent, and his BABIP of .315 is somewhat high considering his strong ground ball rate (57.6 percent). He has been extremely unlucky, and he is available in 79 percent of ESPN leagues and 85 percent of Yahoo leagues. His strikeout rate of 6.50 K/9 won't see much improvement despite producing a rate greater than 9.0 K/9 in the minors, as his 6.9 percent swinging strike rate is below average. However, his matchup against the Rangers in Texas is not as favorable.
Chris Iannetta (C-LAA)- Iannetta went 3-for-6 with two strikeouts, two RBI and a run scored in the Angels 14-13 win over the Red Sox last night. He has improved his slash line to .236/.342/.425 after a strong month in which he has hit three home runs to improve his season total to six. Because of a year filled plagued with injuries, Iannetta is barely owned in any league as of this moment, and he could be a fit for owners in any league looking for help at the catching position. He has produced a HR/FB ratio of 17.1 percent in his short time this season. While he will not provide the best batting average, Iannetta will certainly help in OBP league considering his career 13.9 percent walk rate. He has show reverse platoon splits this season, but that looks to be a BABIP (.136) fluke as he has always produced just as well against left-handed pitchers.
Alfredo Aceves (RP-BOS)- Aceves was knocked around by the Angels in last night's game and blew his seventh save of the season. He allowed five runs on six hits, two home runs and a walk while striking out a batter in an inning of work. Aceves saw his ERA jump to 4.60, and his 4.23 FIP and 4.31 xFIP suggest he has only been slightly unlucky. Considering his ability to go multiple innings, and the return of Andrew Bailey might lead Bobby Valentine to make a change at the closer's position. Aceves' improved velocity and ability to throw five different pitches might have him compete for a rotation spot next season. His fly ball tendencies and 10.8 percent HR/FB ratio have lead to a number of these blown saves, and owners should be pleased that his ERA remains at 4.60 considering his .273 BABIP though he has been somewhat unlucky with a 69.2 percent strand rate. It might be in the organizations best interest to restore some of Bailey's original value as a closer, and these melt downs might for Ben Cherington's hand.
Ian Kinsler (2B-TEX)- Kinsler went 1-for-3 with three runs scored, two walks, a strikeout and a RBI in the Rangers 10-6 win over the Twins last night. He has improved his slash line to .266/.339/.431 for the season, and has 14 home runs and 20 stolen bases to round out the year. While he has provided another productive season for a second baseman, owners have to be a little disappointed in the season Kinsler has turned out in 2012. He his likely to fall short of the 30 stolen base he swiped last season, and he is on pace to finish the season with 18-21 home runs after reaching a career high with 32 in 2011. Part of this is a simple regression in his HR/FB ratio from 12.5 to 7.8 percent, but Kinsler has also seen a 6 percent drop in his fly ball rate to 41.1 percent (a career low). However, a higher line drive rate (22.2 percent) has resulted in a .282 BABIP, his highest since 2008.
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