2010 was a banner year for Dan Uggla, as the slugging second baseman posted career-highs in batting average (.287), home runs (33) and RBI (105).
A trade to Atlanta last November sent his fantasy value even higher, as managers salivated at the thought of a lineup that included Martin Prado, Jason Heyward, Chipper Jones, Brian McCann and Dan Uggla, and for good reason. Since his major league debut in 2006, Uggla had hit the second-most HRs (154) among non-first basemen in the majors.
My preseason second base rankings pegged Uggla as the third-best two-bagger this season, behind only Robinson Cano and Dustin Pedroia.
Yet despite all his past success, Uggla has struggled mightily this season, leading many to ask: What’s wrong with Dan Uggla?
Texas Rangers’ pitcher Alexi Ogando twirled another gem on Wednesday, limiting the Tigers to just one run on six hits in 7.2 innings. The 27-year-old outfielder-turned-reliever-turned-starting pitcher has turned in 10 quality starts in 12 outings this season, and is fourth among qualified starters with a 2.10 ERA.
The question is, of course: Is Alexi Ogando for real?
Atlanta Braves’ pitcher Jair Jurrjens is enjoying a career year. The 25-year-old right-hander leads the majors with a minuscule 1.75 ERA (min. 70 innings) through 10 starts this season.
Despite this, his advanced statistics tell a very different story…Or do they?
After a year in which Alex Rios hit 21 HRs, swiped 34 bases and hit .284 in the middle of a potent White Sox lineup, the 30-year-old center fielder has slumped through the first two months of 2011, posting a pathetic .201/.253/.306 slash with four HRs and four steals in 225 plate appearances.
A look at Rios’ advanced stats, however, suggest that now is a great time to buy-low on the 18-HR, 30-steal, .275 three-year average player…
Colorado Rockies’ pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez is not the same flame-thrower he was last year, and everyone knows it.
After 10 starts in 2010, Jimenez was 9-1 with a historically minuscule 0.88 ERA and 61/24 K/BB ratio in 71.1 innings. This season, Jimenez is 1-5 through 10 starts with an embarrassing 4.98 ERA and 52/30 K/BB ratio in 59.2 innings.
So what’s been the difference?
Friday, June 10, 2011
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