Giancarlo Stanton- MIA- Cold- Stanton has cooled off since the calendar flipped to July. He is 2-for-18 in the early days of the month, with no extra base hits. Stanton has drawn 5 walks in 5 games already this month, which is one more than he did in the 18 games he played in June. The odds are that Stanton will be wearing another uniform by the time the calendar changes again, despite some reports. Until that point, opponents may pitch around Stanton. He could actually end up being a buy (relatively) low guy if he is available before a trade happens.
Jake Westbrook- STL- Hot- Westbrook had the good fortune to pitch against the Marlins yesterday. He allowed 1 run on 3 hits and no walks to lower his ERA to 2.78. However, Westbrook failed to strike out a single batter in his 7 IP. His K/9 has dropped to 3.57 and his 4.17 FIP puts up warning signs in a big way. Expect Westbrook to have a significant drop in production in the second half.
Edward Mujica- STL- Hot- Mujica got right back on the save opportunity horse after it threw him Thursday. One night after he blew his first save of the season, Mujica threw a perfect 9th inning to earn his 22nd save of the season. He struck out 2 of the 3 batters he faced so there was apparently no residual effect from his performance of the night before. That's how Fantistics' Walter Kuberski called it.
Jay Bruce- CIN- Cold- Bruce started July hot, going 2-for-3 with a double on the first of the month. In 3 games since then he is hitless, making him 2-for-15. Part of it is that Bruce has continued to be a strikeout machine, fanning 7 times. He needs to get a handle on the free swinging or his average will plummet.
Ike Davis- NYN- Rise Value- Davis was recalled from AAA Las Vegas, where work on his swing was deemed successful. He went .293 with 7 homers in 75 ABs. Davis was 3-for-5 with 2 runs, 2 RBI, a walk and a strikeout in his first game back. David had a BABIP of .300 in his minor league exile, so his average wasn't inflated with luck. His power numbers and 17 walks are also good signs that he is ready to produce again at the major league level.
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