Picking Up and Dropping Off
Picking Up:
1. Chris Duffy, OF Pirates -- He's 9 for his last 15 with a pair of walks and with the injury to Nate McLouth, he's being given the chance to leadoff and play centerfield everyday. It's a second chance for him after a rocky debut this year, so perhaps he's a bit more motivated.
2. Cole Hamels, SP Phillies -- Proving he's worth the hype after all, he's allowed only 2 runs in his last 21 innings (3 starts) with 27 K's. He's also got a 52/8 K/BB ratio in 39 1/3 innings since the All Star Break. He's in a groove right now and should continue straight through to the end.
3. Chipper Jones, 3B Braves -- Once again showing that he can be one of the most resiliant players, he comes back from the DL and gives a 3 HR performance. Ride the wave until it breaks again in a few weeks. The production is still there.
4. Homer Bailey, SP Reds -- Since being promoted to AA-Chatanooga he's 5-0 with a 1.03 ERA; 59 K's in 52.1 innings. He's making it very hard for the Reds to ignore, especially with some of their pitching concerns. It's a name to keep in the back of your mind.
5. B.J. Upton, 3B Devil Rays -- His punishment for mouthing off was a call-up to the majors. His punishment for hitting .241 since that call-up was a move to the leadoff spot. You have to think that after all this time, he's gotten everything he's wanted. It's time to produce.
Dropping Off:
1. J.D. Drew, OF Dodgers -- Recent quad strain opened the door for the team to try out Julio Lugo in the outfield and they like what they see. They'll probably go with a rotation for a little while and ride the hot bat...which isn't Drew's right now.
2. Pedro Martinez, SP Mets -- After leaving his last start (1 inning, 6 ER) with a calf injury, there is speculation that missing a start or even a DL trip is upcoming. He'll be re-examined soon, but the Mets will not want to take any chances as they are most certainly playoff bound.
3. Francisco Liriano, SP Twins -- Pain in the shoulder or pain in the forearm? No one is entirely sure here. Not telling your coach that you're hurt is a bad move. Currently on the DL with conflicting reports all over the place about when he will resume throwing.
4. Jason Marquis, SP Cardinals -- Not that he was doing wonderful things for your ratios, but the 12 game winner is a strong candidate for the bullpen once Mark Mulder returns. He'll get one more start to prove himself.
5. Shawn Green, OF Diamondbacks -- He just couldn't keep rookie call-up Carlos Quentin down. Swinging a cold bat and watching as manager Bob Melvin bumps him around in favor of getting Quentin playing time. Rumored to be going to the Mets, but very doubtful.
1. Chris Duffy, OF Pirates -- He's 9 for his last 15 with a pair of walks and with the injury to Nate McLouth, he's being given the chance to leadoff and play centerfield everyday. It's a second chance for him after a rocky debut this year, so perhaps he's a bit more motivated.
2. Cole Hamels, SP Phillies -- Proving he's worth the hype after all, he's allowed only 2 runs in his last 21 innings (3 starts) with 27 K's. He's also got a 52/8 K/BB ratio in 39 1/3 innings since the All Star Break. He's in a groove right now and should continue straight through to the end.
3. Chipper Jones, 3B Braves -- Once again showing that he can be one of the most resiliant players, he comes back from the DL and gives a 3 HR performance. Ride the wave until it breaks again in a few weeks. The production is still there.
4. Homer Bailey, SP Reds -- Since being promoted to AA-Chatanooga he's 5-0 with a 1.03 ERA; 59 K's in 52.1 innings. He's making it very hard for the Reds to ignore, especially with some of their pitching concerns. It's a name to keep in the back of your mind.
5. B.J. Upton, 3B Devil Rays -- His punishment for mouthing off was a call-up to the majors. His punishment for hitting .241 since that call-up was a move to the leadoff spot. You have to think that after all this time, he's gotten everything he's wanted. It's time to produce.
Dropping Off:
1. J.D. Drew, OF Dodgers -- Recent quad strain opened the door for the team to try out Julio Lugo in the outfield and they like what they see. They'll probably go with a rotation for a little while and ride the hot bat...which isn't Drew's right now.
2. Pedro Martinez, SP Mets -- After leaving his last start (1 inning, 6 ER) with a calf injury, there is speculation that missing a start or even a DL trip is upcoming. He'll be re-examined soon, but the Mets will not want to take any chances as they are most certainly playoff bound.
3. Francisco Liriano, SP Twins -- Pain in the shoulder or pain in the forearm? No one is entirely sure here. Not telling your coach that you're hurt is a bad move. Currently on the DL with conflicting reports all over the place about when he will resume throwing.
4. Jason Marquis, SP Cardinals -- Not that he was doing wonderful things for your ratios, but the 12 game winner is a strong candidate for the bullpen once Mark Mulder returns. He'll get one more start to prove himself.
5. Shawn Green, OF Diamondbacks -- He just couldn't keep rookie call-up Carlos Quentin down. Swinging a cold bat and watching as manager Bob Melvin bumps him around in favor of getting Quentin playing time. Rumored to be going to the Mets, but very doubtful.
posted by Howard Bender at
9:01 AM
