Tim Lincecum-SF-Cold- When Lincecum needed 148 pitches to throw a no hitter that was a sign that his stuff wasn't back to form yet. Although only 52 of those pitches were balls he still allowed 4 walks in his 9 IP. Monday he threw twice as many strikes (52) as balls (26) but was hammered. Those 78 pitches only got him through 3.2 IP as he was charged with 8 runs on 9 hits and a walk. Lincecum has several years of heavy usage. His FIP may be a decent 3.64, but I wouldn't attribute his two disappointing seasons to simple bad luck. I fear that he may be headed down the path of Dontrelle Willis and having his number of pitches catch up to him.
Vic Black- PIT- Rookie- Black was called up to take Jason Grilli's roster spot and could see some significant bullpen work, although not at the end of games. Black's fastball can hit triple digits. At AAA Indianapolis he has maintained his strikeout power with a 13.11 K/9 ratio. His main problem had been control but his BB/9 is at 3.34, which is a career low. Black has the potential to grow into a closer so is a decent pick in keeper leagues and could provide some value in deep NL leagues the rest of the way this year.
Taylor Jordan- WAS- Hot- Jordan didn't turn in a quality start but it was still solid as he allowed 4 ER (5 overall) on 9 hits and a walk while striking out 4 in 7.2 IP. Jordan has struck out 4 batters in each of his last 2 starts, continuing a slow upward progression while maintaining superb control. Jordan had never pitched above Class A ball prior to this season but made short work of High A and AA before getting inserted into the Washington rotation. He doesn't seem out of place.
Juan Pierre- MIA- Drop Value- Pierre and Justin Ruggiano are not starting any more as the Marlins want to see what their highly touted youth can do. Pierre is only batting .243 but his .263 BABIP indicates he could have some significant positive regression to the mean if he were to get playing time. With 18 steals in 72 games Pierre also could contribute in that category if he got an opportunity. If something happens in the trade world and Pierre goes elsewhere he could be a sleeper for the last couple of months.
Shelby Miller- STL- hot- A few extra days' rest seems to have rejuvenated Miller. After giving up 10 ER in his last 3 starts before the Break across 12.2 IP he threw 6 shutout IP last night. Miller only allowed 3 hits and a walk while striking out 6. He only threw 85 pitches, 62 of which were strikes. Miller has only thrown more than 110 pitches 3 times this season. He seems to be managed properly as far as workloads for a 22-year-old are concerned.
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