Atlanta Braves Announce Coaching Changes For 2007

After experiencing their first losing season since 1990, the Braves will now undergo the biggest coaching staff overhaul in manager Bobby Cox's tenure.

After third-base coach Fredi Gonzalez was officially announced as the new Marlins' manager on Tuesday afternoon, the Braves announced that Bobby Dews and Pat Corrales will also be absent from their 2007 coaching staff.

Dews, 67, who had been the club's bullpen coach, and Corrales, 65, had been the longest-tenured coaches on Cox's staff.

Brian Snitker will replace Gonzalez, and Eddie Perez will now serve as the bullpen coach. Chino Cadahia will take over for Corrales as the bench coach.

Dews, who has been in the organization since 1974, has been offered the opportunity to take on a special advisory role that would allow him to serve as a coach at home games and during Spring Training. While the Braves are on the road, he'd provide assistance with the club's Minor League affiliates.

It's a position that Schuerholz has developed specifically with Dews, who before joining the Atlanta staff in 1996 gained plenty of developmental experience as a roving Minor League instructor and manager.

Last week, Corrales said he'd like to return next season. But Schuerholz indicated that the veteran coach had told the team that he didn't intend to come back next year.

With Gonzalez getting the Marlins job, there's a chance Corrales could end up in Florida as the bench coach. The two enjoyed a good relationship during Gonzalez's four seasons as Atlanta's third-base coach.

Perez, who played in Atlanta from 1995-2001 and 2004-05, got his first coaching experience at Double-A Mississippi this year. The Braves were pleased with his ability to provide leadership and assistance to the youngsters.

Snitker, who managed at Triple-A Richmond this year, has been in the Braves organization since signing a professional contract with them in 1977. He's spent much of the past 25 seasons as one of the club's Minor League managers. His experience at the Major League level came when he was Atlanta's bullpen coach in 1985 and again from 1988-90.

Cadahia, who had been the club's Minor League field coordinator since 1997, has gained the utmost respect from the players who he's helped developed. His organizational skills and knowledge have led one Major League general manager to proclaim him capable of being a big-league manager.
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Adapted from the article on the Major League Baseball website.

Another tough day for Braves' bullpen

HOUSTON -- Just when it looked like things couldn't get any worse for the Braves, they were reminded that their Sunday night flight from Houston to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., would take them through Tropical Storm Alberto.
"The hits keep coming for the Atlanta Braves," said a further discouraged Chipper Jones after the Braves ended their four-game series at Minute Maid Park on Sunday afternoon with a 14-4 loss.
About the only thing the Braves could enjoy after allowing more runs than they have all season was the fact that Horacio Ramirez had escaped serious injury after being hit with a Lance Berkman line drive a few hours before.
But when an organization that has won 14 consecutive division titles has lost 11 of its past 14 games, it's rather difficult to look for the positives. Instead, they're forced to wonder if it's even possible for them to erase the 10-game lead the Mets have gained over them in the National League East.
This marks the first time the Braves have been 10 games out of the race since July 22, 1993, four days after Fred McGriff was obtained. That team won 54 of its final 73 games to win the NL West title. But without a McGriff-like addition to this current bunch, there likely won't be a 15th consecutive division title.
"It's obviously a very discouraged ballclub right now," Jones said. "To a man, there's only a handful of guys who are proud of the way they've played. Other than that, everybody is pretty much down in the dumps."
All the struggles the Braves encountered while winning just two of 10 games during their last homestand followed them to Houston, where they lost three of four to an Astros team that, entering the series, had won just four of their previous 15 games.
"Really, things aren't going our way right now," Ramirez said. "It seems that we're not getting any breaks. I think most of that stuff evens out over the course of the season."
Fortunately, Ramirez will be around to help the Braves as they attempt to break out of this serious funk. Although he was struck in the head with Berkman's second-inning liner, he suffered just a contusion and should be ready to make his next start.
Obviously, he's hoping it will be more memorable than this one, in which he allowed six earned runs and seven hits in 1 2/3 innings. His biggest mistake came with an elevated fastball that Jason Lane drilled for a two-out, three-run homer in the first inning.
Berkman's liner, which ended up in right field, scored two runs and gave the Astros a 7-1 lead. So there's more than one reason why this was an afternoon Ramirez would like to forget. In his previous three starts, he'd allowed a total of four earned runs in 22 innings.
With Ramirez forced to exit, manager Bobby Cox was forced to use six relievers, and most of them provided solid outings.
Such couldn't be said in reference to former closer Chris Reitsma. The veteran right-hander retired just two of the 10 batters he faced in the sixth inning. Along the way, he allowed five earned runs, surrendered seven hits and ended his day by plunking Willy Tavares with a pitch.
"They didn't miss his mistakes," Brian McCann said of Reitsma, who now has a 9.11 ERA.
Eric Munson's three-run home run highlighted Houston's five-run sixth inning and capped his two-homer performance, which also included a shot to begin the third inning against Oscar Villarreal.
"We hit the ball real good," Cox said. "We hit some balls extremely hard all day long. We just didn't have a good day pitching."
Edgar Renteria paced the Braves' 11-hit attack with three singles and his eighth homer of the season. But his second four-hit performance of the season, combined with the solo homers Jeff Francoeur and Jones provided in the third inning against Wandy Rodriguez, was far from enough to prevent yet another loss.
"It was a tough series," Jones said. "We couldn't get anybody out and couldn't score enough runs."

Big inning sinks Braves

HOUSTON -- It occurred two innings earlier, went to the other side of the field, accounted for one less run and didn't exactly come amid the same stressful situation that the postseason brings.
But given what the Braves have endured over the past 11 days, the three-run sixth-inning homer Lance Berkman drilled off John Thomson on Thursday night created a sting just slightly less painful than the one created when he hit his eighth-inning grand slam off Kyle Farnsworth in Game 4 of last year's National League Division Series.
Returning to Minute Maid Park for the first time since that 18-inning game ended their postseason run last year, the Braves saw Berkman prolong their recent frustrations with his bat and arm during a five-run sixth inning that the Astros used to claim a 7-4 win.
"It's just one game, but it's magnified now because of how we've been playing," said Jeff Francoeur, after this setback gave the Braves their ninth loss in 11 games.
Berkman's grand slam in last year's NLDS stirred a comeback the Astros used to win that marathon affair and propel themselves to their first ever World Series. This three-run shot, his second of the night off Thomson, simply added anguish to a Braves club which had won six of nine before encountering this skid.
Long known as one of the Astros' Killer B's, Berkman also provided some sting in the top half of the sixth inning, which began with Atlanta loading the bases with no outs against Houston starter Andy Pettitte. Berkman ensured the veteran lefty would escape unharmed when his strong throw to the plate retired Jeff Francoeur, who had tagged from third base on Thomson's fly ball to right field.
Providing a further reminder of last year's forgettable Game 4 loss was the fact that Berkman's throw was handled by Astros catcher Brad Ausmus, whose two-out ninth-inning homer off Farnsworth tied Game 4 and forced the extra nine innings.
As Francoeur attempted to run him over, Ausmus bobbled the throw into his bare hand and made the tag. After watching the video after the game, the Atlanta right fielder said the correct call was made.
"I didn't know he was bobbling it as he was coming [across the plate]," Francoeur said. "It was a bang-bang play and nice throw by Berkman."
Berkman's 16th career multihomer game, which also included a 425-foot opposite-field shot to begin the fourth inning, provided plenty of damage. But things might have been different if the Braves had capitalized on the fact that Pettitte allowed two singles and issued a walk before getting Todd Pratt to look at strike three ahead of Thomson's unrewarded fly ball.
"That was a big run for us," Braves manager Bobby Cox said. "Bases loaded and no out, we get none. ... It's gone that way. No excuses, but that's the way it's gone."
Thomson, who had posted an 11.09 ERA in his previous four starts, limited the Astros to three hits through the first five innings. But with the momentum having changed at the end of the previous half inning, he allowed consecutive singles to begin the bottom of the sixth.
"We were still up 2-1 going into the bottom half of that inning," Thomson said. "There was probably a little bit of momentum change there. I've got to be able to go back out there and turn it back to our favor. I didn't do my job, basically."
Berkman, who had four hits (none for extra bases) in his previous 10 career at-bats against Thomson, followed those two singles with his three-run shot over the right-field wall. His grand slam off Farnsworth was perfectly placed over the short porch in left field.
"He kills us," Francoeur said of Berkman, who during the regular season has hit .308 (33-for-107) against the Braves. "He put some good swings on the ball and hurt us."
The sixth inning got uglier, when Chris Reitsma entered after the Berkman homer. After issuing two consecutive walks, the right-hander, who has seemingly lost his closer role, retired the next two batters. The second out came on Ausmus' sacrifice bunt, which moved the runners into position to score on pinch-hitter Orlando Palmeiro's two-out, two-run single.
All of the frustration added during the sixth inning ruined a good night from Chipper Jones, who contributed an RBI single in the fifth inning and a two-run homer in the seventh. The Braves' only other run came with Francoeur's fourth-inning solo shot off Pettitte.
With Brian McCann likely back in the lineup on Friday night, the Braves are hoping things will soon change. As each day passes, it seems things can't possibly get any worse.

Braves Are Swept by Diamondbacks

Damion Easley said he's just trying to keep the Arizona Diamondbacks on track.Tony Clark homered twice, Easley added a three-run drive, and Arizona beat the Atlanta Braves, 9-3, Sunday to complete the first four-game sweep at Turner Field.
"I'm just trying to keep the train moving," said Easley, who has four homers in his last two games. "The pitches I thought I could hit, I put in play."Arizona completed a 7-3 trip with the sweep. The Phillies swept four games at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium on May 5-8, 1995. Before this weekend, that was the last time the Braves had been swept in a four-game series — home or away."That was probably the worst series we've ever had here that I can remember," Atlanta Manager Bobby Cox said.Clark, who began the day hitting .164, was four for five to lift his average to .208. Jeff DaVanon led off the game with a homer and added a two-run single in the second inning as Arizona took a 4-0 lead against Jorge Sosa.

Arizona D’Backs vs. Atlanta Braves

Friday, June 2nd 2006 7:30 PM ET
Turner Field

The Cubs were already celebrating and the Braves spoiled the party which often happens in baseball a game is not over until the last out. Chicago was winning 5-2 at the end of the seventh, but was unable to keep that lead and a couple of errors in the eight cost them the game.

Zambrano overcame early wildness and held Atlanta hitless for 6 2/3 innings before pinch-hitter Wilson Betemit lofted a fly that right fielder Jacque Jones lost in the glare. His back to the wall, he could only throw up his arms as the ball hit the ivy-covered wall for a double.

In the eighth the Braves loaded the bases with no outs then tied the game and manage to get another run to get the lead, the Braves closer Mike Remlinger pitched the ninth and held the Cubs to no runs in that inning giving the victory to Atlanta.

It was a game in which the Braves never gave up and that pay off pretty good earning a much needed win to sum up in the standings.

Lineup
1. Marcus Giles, 2nd B. 2. Edgar Renteria, SS. 3. Chipper Jones, 3rd B. 4. Andruw Jones, CF. 5. Adam LaRoche, 1st B. 6. Jeff Francoeur, RF. 7. Matt Diaz, LF. 8. Todd Pratt, C. 9. John Thomson, P.

Orlando Hudson expected to have the day off; instead he ended up having a great day. Inserted into the lineup a few minutes before game time, Hudson tied a career high with four hits to lead the Diamondbacks to an 8-7 victory over Pittsburgh and a sweep of their three-game series.

"My body wasn't prepared for it," Hudson said. "I was tight going out there."

Well thanks to Hudson the D’Backs are still having a great season so far, first place in the NL West and they don’t want to give up that spot and they won’t if they continue to play like this winning important games when it’s needed for the sake of the franchise.

This week they’re headed to Atlanta to try and win at least one game of the series, which will keep them atop of the NL West. It’s expected that this game will be very popular for sports betting fans, that always enjoys the thrill of these MLB games.

Lineup
1. Craig Counsell, SS. 2. Eric Byrnes, CF. 3. Chad Tracy, 3rd B. 4. Conor Jackson, 1st B BA. 5. Shawn Green, RF. 6. Andy Green, LF. 7. Orlando Hudson, 2nd B. 8. Chris Snyder, C. 9. Miguel Batista, P.

Dodgers down Braves in series opener

Ramon Martinez finished 3-for-4 with a home run and a career-high five runs batted in to lead the Los Angeles Dodgers past the Atlanta Braves, 12-5, in the opener of a three-game series at Turner Field.
Kenny Lofton went 3-for-4 with two runs scored for the Dodgers, who have won nine of their last 11.
Brad Penny pitched well until the Braves' four-run fifth, allowing a total of five runs on nine hits with one strikeout in 4 1/3 innings. Joe Beimel (2-0) came on in relief to earn the win with a perfect 1 2/3 innings of work.
"My shoulder's hurting," Penny said. "It was killing me last game, they know it's killing me this game. I'm out there pitching hurt. The first jam I get into all year and I don't get a chance to get out of it. I want a chance to get that inning out of the way."
Edgar Renteria went 3-for-5 with a run scored for the Braves, who had a four- game winning streak snapped. John Thomson (2-4), who was leading the NL in ERA before getting roughed up in three straight starts, gave up seven runs on seven hits with three walks and one strikeout in 1 1/3 innings.
"I thought I made pretty good pitches while I was out there," Thomson said. "One of those days when you're making certain pitches and they're getting enough of the bat on it to be slow enough or find a hole and when you make a little mistake and they get a little extra on it and it goes in the outfield."
The Dodgers jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first inning, as Rafael Furcal and Lofton singled to lead off the frame. Nomar Garciaparra followed with an RBI single and J.D. Drew reached on a throwing error by Renteria, which allowed Lofton to score. Matt Kemp reached base safely after grounding into a fielder's choice.
Willy Aybar reached on a fielder's choice, scoring Garciaparra, aided by another throwing error, this time by third baseman Chipper Jones. John Thomson was then intentionally walked to load the bases and Russell Martin hit a sacrifice fly to right field, scoring Kemp.
LA continued to control the game through the second with three more runs, as Furcal doubled and advanced to third on Lofton's bunt single. Garciaparra hit an RBI single and Drew walked to load the bases. Kemp plated Lofton on a sacrifice fly and Martinez singled home Garciaparra to keep the bases loaded, as Lance Cormier came on the mound to stop the bleeding.
Atlanta managed a run in the bottom of the second, as Ryan Langerhans doubled and Todd Pratt singled him home. The Dodgers added another run in the fourth as Martinez hit an RBI single after Kemp had walked and stolen second.
After Penny had retired eight straight batters, Atlanta posted three straight first-pitch doubles and three straight singles in the fifth with one out to cut its deficit to 8-5, prompting Beimel to come on in relief of a furious Penny. The move immediately paid off as Beimel got Adam LaRoche to ground into a double play on his first pitch.
The Dodgers responded with a run in the sixth, as Oscar Villarreal replaced Cormier to start the sixth but Drew doubled and later scored on a Kemp single. They added three runs to their cushion in the ninth as Martinez blasted a three-run shot over the left-field wall for the final margin.

Quarterly Report on Major League Divisional Races (NL WEST

By Jonathan Wachs
WagerWeb.com Contributing Writer

Now that most teams have played around forty games, let’s look on in the Divisional Races:

NL WEST

Here’s a division where all the teams are in the hunt for the title. Not much has been determined in the first quarter of the season except that the division is not nearly as bad as many thought it would be. All four teams currently have winning records and they are only separated by 2.5 games.

Arizona has been led by Brandon Webb (7-0), who is probably the early leader in the NL CY Young race. Unfortunately, the rest of their pitching staff has about a 6.00 ERA. Jose Valverde (13 saves), Luis Vizcaino (3.38 ERA) and Brandon Lyon have led a bullpen that is improved over last year’s version. After a miserable start, Shawn Green has been on a torrid pace and Chad Tracy was recently rewarded with a $13 million plus contract extension for his fine work. The offense has been a moneyball fan’s dream: Craig Counsell (.387 OBP), Conor Jackson (.372) and Luis Gonzalez (.387) have certainly managed to get on base. Most analysts of the minor leagues rank Arizona near the top of the list and they are going to need to dip into their system to get some rotation help if they are to win the division or compete for the wildcard.

Colorado has been one of this year’s early surprises. One of the best bets in recent years was against the Rockies on the road, but they have dramatically improved this year. The skepticism usually associated with their gaudy numbers are not valid this year as guys like Brad Hawpe who is hitting .340 overall is hitting .383 on the road. Matt Holliday has added 11 dingers and Garrett Atkins has filled out what has been a very productive, albeit no name, middle of the order. In Jeff Francis and Aaron Cook, the Rockies have developed two nice young starters. Brian Fuentes (10 saves, 1.45 ERA) is having his second straight good year. The Rockies appear to finally have a sound plan in place. In a division that will beat up on each other, you can’t count the Rockies out.

The Dodgers have gone the high risk/high reward strategy the last couple of years. Nomar Garciaparra is the perfect example. He has hit .369, but injuries have limited him. J.D. Drew has 8 homers and 33 RBI so far, but don’t you wish wagerweb.com let you bet on whether or not he would make it through the season? Kenny Lofton (.350 OBP) keeps chugging along, but the Dodgers are waiting for Furcal (.244) to get going. Brad Penny has been pitching well (4-1, 2.53), but also has a dicey injury history. Will Eric Gagne be healthy and effective for the second half of the year? Like Arizona, the Dodgers have a strong farm system. Unlike Arizona, they may be willing to trade a few to fill holes.

Most of the attention surrounding the Giants has been around Barry Bonds. The fact that Bonds is hitting close to .250 and still has an OBP close to .500 speaks volumes about the Giants offense, especially without Moises Alou. The starting rotation led by a resurgent Jason Schmidt (3.07 ERA), the recently returned to action Noah Lowry (3.38 ERA) and Jamey Wright (3.38 ERA) have pitched well enough to keep them in contention, but it would seem another bat is needed for them to stay in the race.

The San Diego Padres recently won 15 out of 18, but still appear to be the weakest team in the division. Mike Piazza has hit 6 homers and has hit better of late, but 15 RBI for a cleanup hitter is just not going to cut it. The challenges of Petco aside, this team has a definite power outage. Only Khali Green has joined Piazza in hitting over 5 homeruns to this point. As usual, Brian Giles continues to get on base with an OBP over .400 and Trevor Hoffman (7 saves, 1.20 ERA) and Scott Linebrink (3.27 ERA) lead a strong bullpen.

So it will come down to Arizona’s farm system, Colorado’s youngsters, The Dodger’s health, The Giants pitching and San Diego’s ability to keep doing it with mirrors. Stay tuned.

Quarterly Report on Divisional Races --- NL CENTRAL

By Jonathan Wachs
WagerWeb.com Contributing Writer

After a few weeks and with some surprises, the NL Central has begun to look a lot more as expected, particularly at the very top.

With a lineup containing the best player on the planet, the Cardinals have recently started to pull away and
seem well on their way to their third straight division title. Pujols’ numbers are mind-boggling (22 homers and 54 RBI). Barring an injury or a stunning slump, he’s practically locked up the MVP Award in May. Underrated David Eckstein has an OBP of .390 and provides the kind of spark few leadoff hitters can match. While injuries and age have slowed Jim Edmonds and Scott Rolen to some degree, they are both still dangerous hitters. Juan Encarcion and Yadier Molina have been disappointments, but the rest of the lineup has picked them up so far. Chris Carpenter has continued to pitch like an ace and starters Mark Mulder, Jeff Suppan, and Jason Marquis form a solid rotation that always keeps the Cardinals in the game. After a slow start, closer Jason Isringhausen has rounded into form. Only injuries will keep the Cards from playing in October.

Losers of 10 of their last 15, the “Big Red Mirage” are starting to play like their talent level indicates they should. Bronson Arroyo has been an outstanding acquisition and is obviously thrilled not to have to face those tough NL lineups, but you simply can’t send out such a mediocre starting rotation and expect to stay in the race. I told you a few weeks back to bet against them and those who listened are a bit richer today.

The Astros got off to a hot start before their starting pitching went through a horrid stretch. Roy Oswalt remains one of the league’s top pitchers and Wayne Rodriguez has been a nice surprise, but Andy Pettitte has struggled, Brandon Backe is out for the year, and the rest of the rotation has been inconsistent. Brad Lidge has struggled (mostly with his control), but expect him to turn things around. Morgan Ensberg hit home runs in six straight games early in the year and Lance Berkman would be an MVP candidate in a league without Pujols. Also, very quietly, Brad Ausmus has put together a very good year (.418 OBP). The Astros could stay in the wildcard race and may soon get the kind of help that could rocket them to the finish line.

The Brewers are fun to watch. They lead the majors in home runs, and youngsters Prince Fielder, Rickie Weeks, and Bill Hall mix nicely with veterans Geoff Jenkins, Carlos Lee, and Corey Koskie. The only thing is they may be too dependent on getting home runs and they strike out too much. A bit of small ball might help them at times. Getting Ben Sheets healthy would help a rotation that has one underrated star (Chris Capuano) and mostly back-of-the-rotation types. Derrick Turnbow is showing he’s no fluke, but the bullpen lacks depth. This year’s trendy sleeper pick will stay around a while, but ultimately doesn’t have enough for the playoffs.

First the Red Sox, then the White Sox, now the Cu … stop right there. Derrek Lee’s injury has revealed just how impotent the rest of the Cubs lineup is. Juan Pierre has an OBP of .271. Aramis Ramirez is hitting only .231. It’s ugly on the North Side. Greg Maddux’s May has been very different than his April and still no sign of Mark Prior. Dusty Baker must be on edge. No playoffs here, folks.

The Pirates were expected to be an improved team this year, but their starting pitching has failed them. Zach Duke has hit a bit of a tougher time facing teams the second time around, and whatever happened to Oliver Perez, who was thought to be a fast rising star? Not much hope in the Steel City either.

So early on, it looks like it’s the Cards division to lose and the Astros waiting for Roger Clemens to make them serious wildcard contenders.

Fantasy Tip of the Week

By Chris Goudey
WagerWeb.com Contributing Writer

We are about 1/3 of the way through the 2006 MLB season, and whether you are doing well or are struggling, this is a crucial time. You know what categories you need to improve on and one of the best ways to improve your standing is to pick up guys who have started off slowly but are due to break out. Here is a list of players to target who have had a bad spring but should soon get as hot as the weather:

Batters:
Marcus Giles, 2B, Atlanta –He is historically a .300 hitter who is currently hitting .235. He’s a perfect buy-low candidate.

Manny Ramirez, OF, Boston – Usually good for 40 HRs and 130 RBIs, he is currently in single-digits in HRs and very low in RBIs. He is the ONE player who is due to go crazy in the month of June.


Juan Pierre, OF, and Aramis Ramirez, 3B, Chicago Cubs – Both players have seen their value decrease with the injury to Derrek Lee. Pierre isn’t scoring or hitting as well as normal, and Ramirez’s numbers are all down. When Lee returns, watch these numbers start to rise.

Ken Griffey Jr., OF, Cincinnati – IF he can stay healthy, a power surge is coming.

Todd Helton, 1B, Colorado – Now over his mysterious stomach ailment, he should be sending many homers into the Mile-High air shortly.

Reggie Sanders, OF, Kansas City – Should be good for at least 15 homers and 15 steals in the upcoming months.

Garret Anderson, OF, LA Angels – The Angels’ offense has been horrible so far, so look for Anderson to have more RBI opportunities as they begin to heat up.

Jeff Kent, 2B, LA Dodgers – Kent is always good for 25 HRs and 100 RBIs, so take advantage now and reap the rewards later.

Cliff Floyd, OF, NY Mets – Floyd has really struggled so far, barely batting over .200. That won’t continue.

Alex Rodriguez, 3B, NY Yankees – Along with Manny Ramirez, he is the highest-profile player on this list. Look for A-Rod to really explode soon. He is too good a player not to.

Jimmy Rollins, SS, and Bobby Abreu, OF, Philadelphia – It’s amazing the Phillies have done as well as they have with two of their biggest players slumping. Abreu is about to bust out, so snag him quickly. Rollins is the best SS in the NL, but you wouldn’t know it judging from his numbers so far. He will hit over .300 and get you at least 20 steals the rest of the way, so grab him now!

Jason Bay, OF, Pittsburgh – He’s already started to break out, but if you can find an owner who isn’t paying attention, go get those 20-25 HRs and 75-80 RBIs that are coming.

Richie Sexson, 1B, and Adrian Beltre, 3B, Seattle – These two were supposed to be the Mariners’ power duo of the future, but it just hasn’t happened….yet. Look for both of these guys to get it together soon and help Ichiro out.

Jim Edmonds, OF, St. Louis – With only 5 HRs so far, Edmonds is a very good candidate to bust out. He’s normally good for 35, so look for him to get at least 25 more for the year…IF he can stay healthy, which is always his biggest issue.

Carl Crawford, OF, Julio Lugo, SS, and Aubrey Huff, 3B, Tampa Bay – All 3 of these guys have had slow starts due to injury (Lugo/Huff) or just a sub-par performance (Crawford). All 3 should start to pick it up together.

Mark Teixeira, 1B-DH, Texas – With only 4 HRs so far, Big Tex is my bet to hit the most homers in the AL from here on out. He is simply too good a player not to have a huge hot streak and in the 100-degree Texas heat, the ball simply flies out of the stadium.

Jose Guillen, OF, Washington – This is a talented player if he can keep his head on straight. He was projected to have 30 HRs and 100 RBIs, so pick him up now and hope he stays on the straight and narrow. The numbers will come if he can.

Obviously not all of these players will break out and start to hit immediately, but they have done much better historically than this year. Next week, I’ll take a look at some pitchers to acquire that fall under the same classification.