Sunday, May 24, 2009

Thoughts on Surprise Players in 2009

We're a little over a quarter into the season now, so the short flukes from April are gone and those who've maintained success have separated themselves from the pack.

Raul Ibanez is hitting the best he has in his entire career. I'd love to say it's a pure result of hitting in the Phillies home stadium, but I can't. He has more homers on the road. His OPS is 1.156, with a .350 avg and a .412 OBP. Insane. I'm calling for a 2nd half decline for him, he's not this good, no way.

Aaron Hill has seemingly has teased the MLB for a few seasons with his skill, and he finally seems to sustaining it. Kind of like Nate McLouth. Maybe he can sustain it for more than one season, unlike Mclouth, who's faltered a little this year.

Felipe Lopez is off to a good start, hitting .323. It never lasts though.

Johnny Damon's on pace for about 40 HR's. Absurdly insane, I don't believe that for a second.

And then everybody's favorite comeback story, Zack Greinke, is on pace for perhaps the greatest season ever for a pitcher. Is he this good? Of course not. But is he perennial Cy Young winner good? Absolutely. He's going to be the best for years to come.

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