Dan Straily- OAK- Hot- Straily finished his season with a loss but it was a quality start. It was only the 4th quality start in his last 12 outings as he has gone through some regression to the mean. Straily ends the season with a 3.96 ERA and 4.04 FIP, so luck didn't impact him that much in the end. His 1.24 WHIP was an improvement over the 1.32 he posted in a small 39.1 IP with the A's last year. The ERA/FIP differential was much improved as he had a 3.89 ERA and 6.48 FIP last year. His K/9 and BB/9 were not changed much. The biggest difference was a drop in HR/9 of 2.52 to 0.95. This year is more of a show of what Straily can do as you look at him for 2014.
Avisail Garcia- CHA- Hot- Garcia hit his 3rd homer in 6 games yesterday, giving him 7 for the season. His raw power is what could give him significant value in the majors and he seems to have harnessed it in the majors. Garcia's average of .293 has been supported by a .357 BABIP, so don't expect a repeat of that next year without similar favorable luck.
David Price- TB- Hot- Price looked more like his old self in his last regular season start. He struck out 8 in 7 IP, allowing 2 runs on 6 hits and no walks. He finishes the year with a 7.45 K/9, down significantly from his 8.74 mark of a year ago. Price wasn't as lucky this year. His WHIP also hardly budged, going from 1.10 to 1.11. Price gave up more hits while walking fewer compared to a year ago. The drop in velocity and strikeouts is troubling looking towards 2014. Price only threw 5 starts with 110 or more pitches this season. However, after throwing 14 such games in 2012, 21 in 2011 and 14 in 2010 damage may have already been done. Price will turn 29 next year and he could deteriorate rapidly.
J.P. Arencibia- TOR- Stats- The Blue Jays aren't happy about Arencibia's sub-Mendoza line average this season. However, a good part of that is attributable to bad luck visible with a .233 BABIP. They are openly talking about finding a replacement for 2014. If so, they could miss an opportunity for a rebound and retaining a catcher capable of hitting 20 homers.
Will Middlebrooks- BOS- Hot- Middlebrooks slugged 2 homers and knocked in 7 runs, giving him 6 homers and 17 RBI this month. He has 17 homers in 360 PAs this season and definitely is showing the power wanted in a corner infielder. He should have that path clear for him in 2014.
Follow me on Twitter all season - @fantisticspaul
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