Thursday, July 21, 2005
The Question That Has to Be Asked
Is Vlad really hurt? There really isn't any obvious indication that he is, other than the sore wrist he's been battling, but we've seen him play with bumps and bruises before in Montreal. Could the wrist be something worse? He told the Press-Enterprise that his wrist problems were from taking too many swings. OK, maybe, but here are the (not-so-obvious) facts: Since 2001, Vlad has batted no lower that .270 in any month when he wasn't hurt to the point of having to go to the DL (.143 in June '03 and .224 in May '05). So far in July, his AVG is .172. Secondly, Vlad has one of the best arms in the game, yet he's been DH twice in the last 6 games, which some argue takes a hitter even further off his game. I'm not saying a trip to the DL could be imminent, but I'd watch Vlad very closely.
Lack of Response
I've used line after line here trying to get owners to heed to the nickel's worth of free advice I'm giving on John Lackey. Currently, he's owned in just 2/3 of ESPN mixed leagues. This is a pitcher with 41 K and 5 BB in his last 5 starts (32.1 IP). Yes, I realize his ERA in those starts is a mediocre 4.45, but he's a tick away from being A-class. The last time Lack fanned less than 5 in a start was April 22. That's 15 starts with 5+ Ks. And for the record, in only 4 of those did he walk at least 3. That adds up to an excellent K/9 of 9.0 and K/BB of 2.81, which could start paying big dividends in the W column on a first-place team. The WHIP is a little high, but his Sunday's performance @ MIN shows what he can do (7 IP, 10 K, 0 ER). Continue to ignore Lackey at your own peril.
Seeing the Forest and the Trees
Those of us who picked Chone Figgins up off the scrapheap in late May when other less-talented, less-patient owners waived him can presently smile and nod and do a little Miss America wave (all the while remaining decidedly manly during said wave). Chone hit 30 SB for the year on Tuesday night and hit the road toward 40 with another on Wednesday night. And, oh yeah, he's hitting .318 in July to boot. His July OBP is .384 and 7 BB and only 4 K, that good hitting can be expected to continue. Do know this though--you might want to sit him against LHP because he's only hitting .175 from the right side this year (and, logically, 28 of his 31 SB have come against RHP considering the higher OBP). Figgins remains an excellent target for his excellent speed, good bat, and position eligibility.
The Pen is Mightier
If you needed a reason to like this Angels bullpen, which has the highest K/9 in the AL and is 2nd in K/BB only to Cleveland, just watch them pitch. Solid. K-Rod is top-shelf (but of course very hard to trade for), Scot Shields has achieved former-"Octavio Dotel" status in middle relief, becoming a universally owned set-up man, even in shallow leagues. If you've been here recently at all, you know I'm still high on Brendan Donnelly, and the numbers back me up, although he hasn't pitched much lately with the starters doing as well as they are. And, also don't forget about Joel Peralta, who's had a bit of a rough stretch of late, but he's still shown he has what it takes to be a solid reliever. The only weak spots are Kevin Gregg and Esteban Yan, who've been good before.
Mending Wings: A Toss is Not a Throw
Kelvim Escobar "tossed" this week, according to the OC Register, his first step in getting back after elbow surgery. I would only be a little optimistic about this, as Scoiscia made it clear that he was tossing more than actually throwing. Best guess estimate still has him back in August, which may or may not be soon enough to help your team. For now, he's off the radar. Dallas McPherson is coming along and could be back as early as next week, but a rehab assignment is probably in his future and that hasn't been scheduled yet. He should start swinging any day now and the trainers and D-Mac will go from there.
Knick-Knack-Paddy-Whack to the Playoffs?
The Angels rank 11th or worse in HR, AVG, OBP, and OPS in the AL. They've managed to manufacture enough runs to fall in the middle of the pack, thanks to 82 SB (good for 3rd in the AL) and other knick-knacky, but very important, things that unsuccessful clubs don't do, like leading MLB with .306 average with RISP. If the power outage continues--and with this team, only Vlad strikes me as someone with raw power to burn--can the Angels knick-knack all the way to the World Series? Might be tough. Will the starters have to continue to pitch as well as they have to get the Angels over the hump? Pundits always say good pitching beats good hitting, and this year, the Angels will be the perfect example if they advance.
The Thundering Herd
The Elephant Men are now the closest competitor in the Halos' rearview mirror in the AL West. They passed Chuck Norris and Co. and will now be a threat to make a charge (as they demonstrated with a series win in Anaheim). It's interesting when you look at the A's, because in a lot of ways, they look like this Angels club--only 42 million dollars cheaper. The thick of a pennant race isn't exactly the time to talk payrolls, but it is interesting that with Guerrero, Anderson, Finley, Cabrera and the rest of the Halos currently have a .729 OPS while the A's and their anemic offense have managed a .731. Oh well, as Biggie used to say, "Mo Money, Mo Problems" (the Yankees would agree). Bottom line--Halos have more Ws. That’s all that matters. For the Angels, Matt Allen--ESPN.
Lack of Response
I've used line after line here trying to get owners to heed to the nickel's worth of free advice I'm giving on John Lackey. Currently, he's owned in just 2/3 of ESPN mixed leagues. This is a pitcher with 41 K and 5 BB in his last 5 starts (32.1 IP). Yes, I realize his ERA in those starts is a mediocre 4.45, but he's a tick away from being A-class. The last time Lack fanned less than 5 in a start was April 22. That's 15 starts with 5+ Ks. And for the record, in only 4 of those did he walk at least 3. That adds up to an excellent K/9 of 9.0 and K/BB of 2.81, which could start paying big dividends in the W column on a first-place team. The WHIP is a little high, but his Sunday's performance @ MIN shows what he can do (7 IP, 10 K, 0 ER). Continue to ignore Lackey at your own peril.
Seeing the Forest and the Trees
Those of us who picked Chone Figgins up off the scrapheap in late May when other less-talented, less-patient owners waived him can presently smile and nod and do a little Miss America wave (all the while remaining decidedly manly during said wave). Chone hit 30 SB for the year on Tuesday night and hit the road toward 40 with another on Wednesday night. And, oh yeah, he's hitting .318 in July to boot. His July OBP is .384 and 7 BB and only 4 K, that good hitting can be expected to continue. Do know this though--you might want to sit him against LHP because he's only hitting .175 from the right side this year (and, logically, 28 of his 31 SB have come against RHP considering the higher OBP). Figgins remains an excellent target for his excellent speed, good bat, and position eligibility.
The Pen is Mightier
If you needed a reason to like this Angels bullpen, which has the highest K/9 in the AL and is 2nd in K/BB only to Cleveland, just watch them pitch. Solid. K-Rod is top-shelf (but of course very hard to trade for), Scot Shields has achieved former-"Octavio Dotel" status in middle relief, becoming a universally owned set-up man, even in shallow leagues. If you've been here recently at all, you know I'm still high on Brendan Donnelly, and the numbers back me up, although he hasn't pitched much lately with the starters doing as well as they are. And, also don't forget about Joel Peralta, who's had a bit of a rough stretch of late, but he's still shown he has what it takes to be a solid reliever. The only weak spots are Kevin Gregg and Esteban Yan, who've been good before.
Mending Wings: A Toss is Not a Throw
Kelvim Escobar "tossed" this week, according to the OC Register, his first step in getting back after elbow surgery. I would only be a little optimistic about this, as Scoiscia made it clear that he was tossing more than actually throwing. Best guess estimate still has him back in August, which may or may not be soon enough to help your team. For now, he's off the radar. Dallas McPherson is coming along and could be back as early as next week, but a rehab assignment is probably in his future and that hasn't been scheduled yet. He should start swinging any day now and the trainers and D-Mac will go from there.
Knick-Knack-Paddy-Whack to the Playoffs?
The Angels rank 11th or worse in HR, AVG, OBP, and OPS in the AL. They've managed to manufacture enough runs to fall in the middle of the pack, thanks to 82 SB (good for 3rd in the AL) and other knick-knacky, but very important, things that unsuccessful clubs don't do, like leading MLB with .306 average with RISP. If the power outage continues--and with this team, only Vlad strikes me as someone with raw power to burn--can the Angels knick-knack all the way to the World Series? Might be tough. Will the starters have to continue to pitch as well as they have to get the Angels over the hump? Pundits always say good pitching beats good hitting, and this year, the Angels will be the perfect example if they advance.
The Thundering Herd
The Elephant Men are now the closest competitor in the Halos' rearview mirror in the AL West. They passed Chuck Norris and Co. and will now be a threat to make a charge (as they demonstrated with a series win in Anaheim). It's interesting when you look at the A's, because in a lot of ways, they look like this Angels club--only 42 million dollars cheaper. The thick of a pennant race isn't exactly the time to talk payrolls, but it is interesting that with Guerrero, Anderson, Finley, Cabrera and the rest of the Halos currently have a .729 OPS while the A's and their anemic offense have managed a .731. Oh well, as Biggie used to say, "Mo Money, Mo Problems" (the Yankees would agree). Bottom line--Halos have more Ws. That’s all that matters. For the Angels, Matt Allen--ESPN.
Monday, July 11, 2005
What Was That?!
According to the Elias Sports Bureau, only twice in MLB history had a team as far below .500 as the Mariners gone on the road to sweep a team as far above .500 as the Angels (to give you an idea of how long it's been, the last team to do it was the St. Louis BROWNS). This past weekend, it happened for a 3rd time. The Angels plated 13 runs in the 4-gamer but allowed 33, 21 of those by the starters. After laying that egg, the Halo AL West lead is down to only 5 games. A division that most declared over isn't so over anymore. That's why I chuckle when people say a division is over in June or early July. Still a lot of baseball to play, and the loss of Kelvim Escobar will still have plenty of time to rear its ugly head. The Angels are still the favorite (have you seen Texas' rotation?), but Yogi would tell ya it ain't over.
Mirror Master?
Bartolo Colon's first half of 2004 made owners go out and buy milk and batteries (6-8, 6.38 ERA, 76 K). BC's first half of 2005 has been much, much better (11-5, 3.42 ERA, 89 K), even with Thursday's thrashing vs. Seattle (6 IP, 7 H, 7 ER). Could this be a sign of a terrible 2nd half for him? We could see a little slip. In 3 of his last 6 starts (all at least 6 IP), he's only fanned 3 or less. What's kept him afloat (and could continue to) is his miniscule walk total. Even with 3 walks on Thursday, he's only allowed 6 free passes in his last 9 starts. That's a BB/9 of 0.8--fan-smackin-tastic. If he's only going to continue to fan only 5.5 per 9, his walks will have to stay that low, but a 3.87 K/BB ratio is going to give you great success most of the time. Forget Thurday--for now.
Flipping Statistical Analysis the Byrd
Speaking of riding low K totals to success, the 2nd most productive SP for the Halos in the first half was Paul Byrd. I said that he would have to be pinpoint with all his pitches to be successful, and for the most part, he has been. A 3.75 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP tells the story. In 17 starts, Byrd has struck out 6 only twice while completing 6 innings in all but one of his starts. His saving grace is his 16 BB in 115 IP. What's possibly most amazing is that this soft-tosser has done it with a 0.84 G/F ratio and a HR/9 of 0.85. History says he'll have to stay this fine with his control to have continued success, but history also says that the most BBs Byrd has surrendered in since 2000 is 38--the same year he fanned a career high of 129 and won 17. Don't see too many byrds like Paulie.
Always Swingin'
And hardly ever missing. In 33 ABs in July, Bengie Molina hasn't walked a single time and struck only once. The hits are falling in too, as his .394 July average proves. Bengie has been known for seeing few pitches he doesn't like and at least making contact with most of them. Obviously, this kind of production can't continue over a whole season (especially when you figure in the big disadvantage of speed in Bengie's case), but with a .311 mark at the All-Star Break and 8 HRs, finishing off the year with a .300+ average and 15+ HR doesn't sound far-fetched. Remember, he's only played in 54 games, but realistically, expecting more than 110 might be too much. You could do a lot worse in deeper leagues, though, than making a move to get B. Molina.
Mound Notes
Joel Peralta had another poor outing on Friday (1.2 IP, 3 ER), which raised his ERA to 4.74. That's his 2nd hiccup in 4 outings, but it still might be a little premature to give up on him. Take away those 2 bad showings (2.2 IP 8 ER, 5 BB) and you've got a 1.10 ERA with 18 K and only 3 BB. Even Friday he still fanned 4 of the 5 batters he retired. His 4 HR in only 19 IP is probably just bad luck. He's kept the ball in the yard well in the minors. He's in a rough patch but can still help you. Esteban Yan is a pitcher who came highly recommended out of spring training but has struggled profusely. It appears that he finally may be putting it together, with an ERA and WHIP under 1 the last 4 weeks. Just put him on your watch list for now because he's had some luck (20% hit rate).
Free Agent Disappointments
That's really the only way to classify Steve Finley and Orlando Cabrera after the first half. Sure, Finley hit 8 HRs, but he also hit .223. Sure, Orlando Cabrera has fewer errors than any regular SS in the AL, but he's hit .249. Both players OPS is under .700 and they're both currently injured. That's not what the Angels had in mind when they handed over the big dough for the multi-year contracts for these two. Will the 2nd half be any better? I think you can expect them both back soon and both to hit for a higher average they have (possibly much higher), but the big numbers that fantasy owners were hoping for when drafting SF and OC are not going to be there. Finley could still approach 20 HR and Cabrera double-digit SB, but this is a year they'll probably both want to forget.
All-Star Cheers and Jeers
The Angels sent the fewest players to Detroit among AL division leaders with Chicago and Boston both sending 4, but the 3 that are there certainly deserve the honor. Vlad goes for the 6th time, GA the 3rd, and Colon the 2nd. Congrats to them as they try to lead the AL to victory for the 8th time in 9 years (don't forget the tie of 2002). Hopefully this will be the last time the All-Star will decide home-field advantage in the World Series. Sure, it's an interesting gimmick, but the fairest (and really the best) way of deciding the home field had yet to be used for the World Series. We've tried alternating years between leagues, we've tried "This Time It Counts", how about we try the rational solution of best overall record? Just a thought. For the Angels, Matt Allen--ESPN.
Mirror Master?
Bartolo Colon's first half of 2004 made owners go out and buy milk and batteries (6-8, 6.38 ERA, 76 K). BC's first half of 2005 has been much, much better (11-5, 3.42 ERA, 89 K), even with Thursday's thrashing vs. Seattle (6 IP, 7 H, 7 ER). Could this be a sign of a terrible 2nd half for him? We could see a little slip. In 3 of his last 6 starts (all at least 6 IP), he's only fanned 3 or less. What's kept him afloat (and could continue to) is his miniscule walk total. Even with 3 walks on Thursday, he's only allowed 6 free passes in his last 9 starts. That's a BB/9 of 0.8--fan-smackin-tastic. If he's only going to continue to fan only 5.5 per 9, his walks will have to stay that low, but a 3.87 K/BB ratio is going to give you great success most of the time. Forget Thurday--for now.
Flipping Statistical Analysis the Byrd
Speaking of riding low K totals to success, the 2nd most productive SP for the Halos in the first half was Paul Byrd. I said that he would have to be pinpoint with all his pitches to be successful, and for the most part, he has been. A 3.75 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP tells the story. In 17 starts, Byrd has struck out 6 only twice while completing 6 innings in all but one of his starts. His saving grace is his 16 BB in 115 IP. What's possibly most amazing is that this soft-tosser has done it with a 0.84 G/F ratio and a HR/9 of 0.85. History says he'll have to stay this fine with his control to have continued success, but history also says that the most BBs Byrd has surrendered in since 2000 is 38--the same year he fanned a career high of 129 and won 17. Don't see too many byrds like Paulie.
Always Swingin'
And hardly ever missing. In 33 ABs in July, Bengie Molina hasn't walked a single time and struck only once. The hits are falling in too, as his .394 July average proves. Bengie has been known for seeing few pitches he doesn't like and at least making contact with most of them. Obviously, this kind of production can't continue over a whole season (especially when you figure in the big disadvantage of speed in Bengie's case), but with a .311 mark at the All-Star Break and 8 HRs, finishing off the year with a .300+ average and 15+ HR doesn't sound far-fetched. Remember, he's only played in 54 games, but realistically, expecting more than 110 might be too much. You could do a lot worse in deeper leagues, though, than making a move to get B. Molina.
Mound Notes
Joel Peralta had another poor outing on Friday (1.2 IP, 3 ER), which raised his ERA to 4.74. That's his 2nd hiccup in 4 outings, but it still might be a little premature to give up on him. Take away those 2 bad showings (2.2 IP 8 ER, 5 BB) and you've got a 1.10 ERA with 18 K and only 3 BB. Even Friday he still fanned 4 of the 5 batters he retired. His 4 HR in only 19 IP is probably just bad luck. He's kept the ball in the yard well in the minors. He's in a rough patch but can still help you. Esteban Yan is a pitcher who came highly recommended out of spring training but has struggled profusely. It appears that he finally may be putting it together, with an ERA and WHIP under 1 the last 4 weeks. Just put him on your watch list for now because he's had some luck (20% hit rate).
Free Agent Disappointments
That's really the only way to classify Steve Finley and Orlando Cabrera after the first half. Sure, Finley hit 8 HRs, but he also hit .223. Sure, Orlando Cabrera has fewer errors than any regular SS in the AL, but he's hit .249. Both players OPS is under .700 and they're both currently injured. That's not what the Angels had in mind when they handed over the big dough for the multi-year contracts for these two. Will the 2nd half be any better? I think you can expect them both back soon and both to hit for a higher average they have (possibly much higher), but the big numbers that fantasy owners were hoping for when drafting SF and OC are not going to be there. Finley could still approach 20 HR and Cabrera double-digit SB, but this is a year they'll probably both want to forget.
All-Star Cheers and Jeers
The Angels sent the fewest players to Detroit among AL division leaders with Chicago and Boston both sending 4, but the 3 that are there certainly deserve the honor. Vlad goes for the 6th time, GA the 3rd, and Colon the 2nd. Congrats to them as they try to lead the AL to victory for the 8th time in 9 years (don't forget the tie of 2002). Hopefully this will be the last time the All-Star will decide home-field advantage in the World Series. Sure, it's an interesting gimmick, but the fairest (and really the best) way of deciding the home field had yet to be used for the World Series. We've tried alternating years between leagues, we've tried "This Time It Counts", how about we try the rational solution of best overall record? Just a thought. For the Angels, Matt Allen--ESPN.
Saturday, July 02, 2005
Mid-Terms
Good morning, class! Don't freak out, student readers--this isn't a pop quiz. However, for the Halos, the completion of the weekend set against Kansas City will officially mark the halfway point for the 2005 regular season. Right now, as a team, the Angels hold a pretty commanding 6.5 game lead over Chuck Norris and his Texas Rangers. Individually speaking (which is why you're here), there are some Angels that could be accused of using a crib sheet to fool fantasy owners at mid-terms. Conversely, some Halos are standing out in this year's class and continue to be ignored (and passing notes or checking out the pretty girl in class is no excuse, fantasy owners!). We've also got several players skipping this session because of an appointment with the nurse (we'll get to them later).
John Lackey
I don't get it. I really don't. I've banged and banged on my keyboard this year, trying to get owners to listen and be a part of John Lackey's solid season. Nothing. I said draft him. Few of you did. I've said pick him up, make him a trade target--I'll get a few e-mails agreeing with me and thanking me. For the most part, this is what I get in response to Lackey--"Yeah, but he's just not putting it together. He just can't get over the hump." Oh, really? 16 starts, 98.1 IP, 6-2 record, 3.84 ERA--and 64% owned in mixed leagues. Are you kidding me? Do you know how many AL starters currently have a higher K/9 in '05 than John Lackey? One. Last year's Cy Young, Johan Santana. Why over 1/3 of owners want to continue to miss out on his production is beyond me.
Brendan Donnelly
What--Mr. Pine Tar? Mr. 8 Game Suspension? You bet. There's never been a better time to get him. That kind of pub is what (for some reason) fantasy owners always respond to. BD's only owned in 3% of mixed leagues (89%) AL, but those have gone down since his infamous brush with baseball law. But do you know what those Donnelly bailers missed? 2 wins, 8 K, 1.13 ERA, 0.63 WHIP in 8 IP of superb work. The season ERA is 3.65, but you take out 2 bad outings in early June and it's 2.25. He's got 6 wins, which is more than Carl Pavano, Brad Radke, and Barry Zito--all of whom are above 85% owned. Here's another perfect example of obvious production being almost universally missed by fantasy owners who don't know where to look.
Adam Kennedy
Kennedy has been absolutely tearing the cover off the ball for the last month, completing a .444 June with 13 RBI and 4 SB. He's been doing it with little to no power though, with only 6 of his 36 hits in June going for extra bases. Slap-hitting isn't necessarily bad though when you're hitting for an average like AK's. Sadly, though, while he could still wind up on the north side of .300 for the year (although I'm not convinced), his .345 average won't hold. He's got a 47% hit rate, and that just won't hold up over the long term despite the excellent contact he made in June (93%). I mentioned this before and I suppose I'll have to say it again--Kennedy could either be used to fill an injury gap for you and would be pretty good trade bait with his current high value.
Jarrod Washburn
Most inexperienced owners see the 3.21 ERA, the 4 decent wins, and the fact that he's on a winning team and think, "I could really make some noise with this Washburn guy." No, you won't. AL owners should be looking to deal him yesterday. That ERA is going to rise, especially considering his K/9 is an atrocious 4.6. Add in a 1.73 K/BB and a 82% strand rate (rate of runners allowed on base that didn't score), and you've got upcoming ERA spike. Don't say I didn't warn you. With a more normal 72% strand rate, his ERA would be 4.37. I can't stress highly enough for AL owners--the time is now to get rid of Wash. The spike could come in the very next start. Wash isn't a guy who has "name" value, you have to deal when the numbers are good. That means now.
Mending Wings: A Fond Adieu to Kelvim
Steve Finley, according to the team site, is shagging balls and running the bases. He should be activated on schedule (7.6). Dallas McPherson (groin) and Bengie Molina (stomach) are day-to-day. Orlando Cabrera is also day-to-day, but he's not doing anything baseball-related right now, so his return could take a little bit. He could be a decent bet to be DLed. Most notably since last time, Kelvim Escobar opted for surgery on the bone spur in his elbow. He most likely won't be back until at least late August and possibly September. Given the time off involved and the lack of games remaining when he does resurface, I sadly have to say it's time to waive bye-bye to Kelvim for '05. Don't forget him come next year--this year's injury shouldn't reduce his top-level status for 2006.
Around the Halo
Juan Rivera his .341 in 41 ABs in June and has filled in nicely during the injury to Finley. It will be interesting to see if his ABs are increased when Finley returns. Jeff DaVanon owners keep watch. That’s who would lose the most PT. Don't worry about Jake Woods' 2 IP, 6 ER, 3 HR performance against TEX Thursday. The Rangers were just locked in. Don't be fooled by his inflated 4.10 ERA now. It's 2.22 without those 2 IP. Boy, Ervin Santana is going to be really good--but not yet. Paul Byrd is pitching the best he has all year and considering that he won't hurt you (only horrible start was 4.23 vs. OAK), he might be worth taking a look at for those of you who are looking for a little extra pitching. Stay cool, readers, but enjoy that sunshine. For the Angels, Matt Allen--ESPN.
John Lackey
I don't get it. I really don't. I've banged and banged on my keyboard this year, trying to get owners to listen and be a part of John Lackey's solid season. Nothing. I said draft him. Few of you did. I've said pick him up, make him a trade target--I'll get a few e-mails agreeing with me and thanking me. For the most part, this is what I get in response to Lackey--"Yeah, but he's just not putting it together. He just can't get over the hump." Oh, really? 16 starts, 98.1 IP, 6-2 record, 3.84 ERA--and 64% owned in mixed leagues. Are you kidding me? Do you know how many AL starters currently have a higher K/9 in '05 than John Lackey? One. Last year's Cy Young, Johan Santana. Why over 1/3 of owners want to continue to miss out on his production is beyond me.
Brendan Donnelly
What--Mr. Pine Tar? Mr. 8 Game Suspension? You bet. There's never been a better time to get him. That kind of pub is what (for some reason) fantasy owners always respond to. BD's only owned in 3% of mixed leagues (89%) AL, but those have gone down since his infamous brush with baseball law. But do you know what those Donnelly bailers missed? 2 wins, 8 K, 1.13 ERA, 0.63 WHIP in 8 IP of superb work. The season ERA is 3.65, but you take out 2 bad outings in early June and it's 2.25. He's got 6 wins, which is more than Carl Pavano, Brad Radke, and Barry Zito--all of whom are above 85% owned. Here's another perfect example of obvious production being almost universally missed by fantasy owners who don't know where to look.
Adam Kennedy
Kennedy has been absolutely tearing the cover off the ball for the last month, completing a .444 June with 13 RBI and 4 SB. He's been doing it with little to no power though, with only 6 of his 36 hits in June going for extra bases. Slap-hitting isn't necessarily bad though when you're hitting for an average like AK's. Sadly, though, while he could still wind up on the north side of .300 for the year (although I'm not convinced), his .345 average won't hold. He's got a 47% hit rate, and that just won't hold up over the long term despite the excellent contact he made in June (93%). I mentioned this before and I suppose I'll have to say it again--Kennedy could either be used to fill an injury gap for you and would be pretty good trade bait with his current high value.
Jarrod Washburn
Most inexperienced owners see the 3.21 ERA, the 4 decent wins, and the fact that he's on a winning team and think, "I could really make some noise with this Washburn guy." No, you won't. AL owners should be looking to deal him yesterday. That ERA is going to rise, especially considering his K/9 is an atrocious 4.6. Add in a 1.73 K/BB and a 82% strand rate (rate of runners allowed on base that didn't score), and you've got upcoming ERA spike. Don't say I didn't warn you. With a more normal 72% strand rate, his ERA would be 4.37. I can't stress highly enough for AL owners--the time is now to get rid of Wash. The spike could come in the very next start. Wash isn't a guy who has "name" value, you have to deal when the numbers are good. That means now.
Mending Wings: A Fond Adieu to Kelvim
Steve Finley, according to the team site, is shagging balls and running the bases. He should be activated on schedule (7.6). Dallas McPherson (groin) and Bengie Molina (stomach) are day-to-day. Orlando Cabrera is also day-to-day, but he's not doing anything baseball-related right now, so his return could take a little bit. He could be a decent bet to be DLed. Most notably since last time, Kelvim Escobar opted for surgery on the bone spur in his elbow. He most likely won't be back until at least late August and possibly September. Given the time off involved and the lack of games remaining when he does resurface, I sadly have to say it's time to waive bye-bye to Kelvim for '05. Don't forget him come next year--this year's injury shouldn't reduce his top-level status for 2006.
Around the Halo
Juan Rivera his .341 in 41 ABs in June and has filled in nicely during the injury to Finley. It will be interesting to see if his ABs are increased when Finley returns. Jeff DaVanon owners keep watch. That’s who would lose the most PT. Don't worry about Jake Woods' 2 IP, 6 ER, 3 HR performance against TEX Thursday. The Rangers were just locked in. Don't be fooled by his inflated 4.10 ERA now. It's 2.22 without those 2 IP. Boy, Ervin Santana is going to be really good--but not yet. Paul Byrd is pitching the best he has all year and considering that he won't hurt you (only horrible start was 4.23 vs. OAK), he might be worth taking a look at for those of you who are looking for a little extra pitching. Stay cool, readers, but enjoy that sunshine. For the Angels, Matt Allen--ESPN.
