LOS ANGELES ANGELS

One of the reasons why Robb Quinlan will probably sit against most right-handers is that the Angels have to find ways to get rookie Howie Kendrick’s bat in the line-up.  Last week, Manager Mike Scioscia said that Kendrick would platoon with Adam Kennedy at second base.  Being on the bad end of the platoon, Kendrick has also seen action at first and third base.  The 23 year old’s future is as a starter so there is no reason to platoon him, especially since his righty/lefty batting split is .370/.174 in his first 50 major league AB.  Kendrick should see enough AB to justify being used in mixed leagues.

It remains to be seen how the playing time shakes out now that Kendry Morales has been sent to the minors. Righty swinging Quinlan, who was platooning at first base figures to see some extra AB.  Quinlan mashes left-handed pitching.  His 2004/2005/2006 averages against southpaws is .390/.289/.347.  The jury is still out on how he will fare against right-handers.  His 2004/2005/2006 averages against righties is .317/.137/.259.  There is one solid year, a disaster year and one right in the middle.  Look for Quinlan to play full-time against lefties and occasionally against righties.  This will increase his value in AL-only leagues.

For the time being Adam Kennedy should play regularly against right-handers.  Kennedy’s power has been in decline since 2004.  He still hits some doubles but can only be counted on for a handful of home runs.  There is some speed left in his legs as evidenced by the 4 triples that he has hit this year.  However the 6 caught stealing in 15 tries is not exactly awe-inspiring.  He can still be used in AL-only leagues, but you can do better in mixed leagues.

OAKLAND ATHLETICS

After getting shelled by the Red Sox, Jason Windsor was sent to the minors.  Shane Komine is next up to audition for the 5th starter role.  Komine has pitched well in Triple-A this year going 9-7 with a 3.89.  Though, he was not exactly dominating with a 7.55 K/9 and a 2.55 BB/9.  It is advised to watch his first couple of starts to see how his skills transfer to the major leagues.

If Barry Zito remains with the A’s or is traded to an American League team, it is a good idea for his fantasy league owners to deal him.  His 10-6 record and 3.52 ERA have been accomplished with a less than stellar skill set.  His K/9 of 6.4 is just league average and his BB/9 of 4.0 is too high.  Add in a low G/F ratio of 1.02 and you might see some more outings like the 7 ER and 3 home runs allowed in 5 innings against the Red Sox on July 24th.

SEATTLE MARINERS

The Mariners reunited the old Cleveland Indian first base platoon by acquiring Ben Broussard to share time with Eduardo Perez at DH.  Broussard’s poor contact rate of 78% and batting eye of .29 means his .321 average will come down.  He should be able to maintain his power, as Safeco Field is a better park than Jacobs Field for lefty-swinging power. 

Broussard replaces Carl Everett, who was designated for assignment.  His bad attitude and poor performance makes it unlikely there will be any takers.  Go ahead and cut him in all formats.

Raul Ibanez is on pace to set a career high for home runs.  Despite that, he is a great sell- high candidate.  His power has faded in the second-half the previous two seasons, age 34 is not exactly the prime age to see huge power growths and Safeco Field is extremely tough on righty power hitters.

TEXAS RANGERS

After throwing just 4 innings in his third and final rehab start, Adam Eaton drew a tough first assignment, pitching at home against the Yankees.  The 4 walks and 3 ER in 3.2 innings was not encouraging, but the 4 K’s and 1 hit allowed offer some hope.  His next start at home against Kansas City will be a better gauge to see if he is ready to help a fantasy team.

Big things were expected of Mark Teixiera coming into the 2006 season.  At age 26, he was entering his peak years for power, he belted 43 home runs last year and he plays half his games in the power friendly confines of Ameriquest Park.  So his fantasy owners have to be disappointed with the 14 home runs he has so far this season.  With most of his underlying statistics remaining stable and his batting eye improving, it is hard to figure out what is causing the power outage.  The 31 doubles offer a clue that he can still drive the ball.  Stay with him as some of those doubles will turn into home runs.  Teixiera is still keeper material.

Kameron Loe is currently on a rehab assignment and should be activated soon.  It is expected that he will be used out of the bullpen.  He has no fantasy value.