Nick Blackburn- MIN- Cold- In the two months since we last discussed Blackburn's horrible season, things haven't gotten any better. His ERA of 7.33 has some bad luck built into it, with a BABIP of 3.26 and LOB% of 63.8%. However, Blackburn still has an FIP of 5.98, so even with average luck he would be someone to avoid. With a K/9 of 3.95 there doesn't look to be much room for improvement. He is not one to look at as a significant comeback player for 2013.
Felix Hernandez- SEA- Hot- Hernandez is enjoying arguably his best season of his career, with his highest K/9 rate (8.70), lowest BB/9 rate (2.20), lowest HR/9 rate (.55) and lowest FIP (2.86) of any full season he has had in the majors. Hernandez has also been efficient, only topping 110 pitches 7 times this year, less than half what he had done at this time last year. This means he is less likely to suffer the final month swoon he did in 2011.
Chris Iannetta- LAA- Hot- Iannetta has 3 homers in 37 ABs since returning from the DL late last month. He has also drawn 10 walks while striking out 11 times. If you don't need average and especially if your league counts OBP, Iannetta can be an asset down the stretch.
Brian Dozier- MIN- Drop Value- Dozier's rookie season has been less than successful and the Twins sent him to AAA Rochester. There are hopeful signs, however. His 6 homers and 9 steals project to double digit numbers in both categories over a full season. With better luck (.267 BABIP) Dozier would have a better than .234 average and likely more opportunities to steal. Dozier's Batting EYE did improve as the season went on but his .28 is still far below what he did in the minors. He still has potential to contribute to a fantasy team, but needs a little more seasoning and better luck when he comes back.
Jeremy Hellickson- TB- Hot- After consecutive non-quality starts it was looking like regression to the mean might be kicking in for Hellickson. Then he got hot again last night, although he had the misfortune of pitching against the perfect Felix Hernandez. Hellickson only allowed a single run in 7 IP, on 5 hits and a walk. However, he only struck out 1 batter, emphasizing how much of Hellickson's success this year in terms of ERA has been due to luck. His FIP of 4.96 isn't impressive and a 5.65 K/9 ratio doesn't make for a finish to the season that you can depend on.
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