Robert LaFromboise- SEA- Rookie- LaFramboise came from nowhere to join the Mariners' bullpen yesterday. He isn't on anyone's top prospect list that I can find. LaFramboise did make a big jump last year in strikeout rate, fanning 87 in 79.1 IP across three minor league levels. He also posted ERAs of 1.01 at AA and 1.59 at AAA after marks from 3.10 - 4.51 in his previous 4 seasons, where he advanced a level per year. Those ERAs last year have BABIPs of .231 and .282 behind them, though. LaFramboise doesn't look to have long term value behind him. He made the majors, which is something few people can say and that will be good enough.
Jeff Francoeur- KC- Hot- Francoeur owns a 7-game hitting streak, in which he has gone 8-for-27 with a homer. With a .321 BABIP and .286 average, his early season is looking almost like a carbon copy of his 2011 campaign, when he hit .285 with a BABIP of .323. So this level of production is potentially sustainable, although with more normal luck he is likely to approach his .254 projected average.
Rick Ankiel- HOU- Hot- Ankiel hit his second homer of the season, which was also his second hit of 2013. He has truly been an all or nothing player this season. In his other 16 PAs he has struck out 14 times and hasn't drawn a walk. Obviously if he can't get better control of the strike zone, the occasional homer isn't going to prevent him from losing a job.
Yunel Escobar- TB- Cold- Escobar has an average of half a Mendoza, an even .100. However, a .136 BABIP is an easy explanation for that. A good sign is that he has drawn 4 walks, a pace almost twice that of a year ago. If he can sustain his Batting EYE like that his projected .272 average with 10 homers is well within reach. He represents a buy low opportunity.
Jose Reyes- TOR- Hot- Even after a 1-for-5 yesterday Reyes is hitting .406. As you might expect his BABIP is inflated, at .444. Reyes does own a 7-game hitting streak and has stolen 4 bases already on the season. Even if the average isn't sustainable he is giving Toronto what they wanted in a leadoff hitter and his projected .298 average and 42 steals are assets.
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