Willy Taveras
Jun 13th, 2007 by winabango
Willy Taveras is an interesting player that is currently posting a great stat line. Many of you may be tempted into trading for him. The question is: Should you? This is the question that I pondered the other day, because I was needing steals and batting average for my 12-team Roto league. The offer that was put on the table was Kelly Johnson for Willy Taveras. I currently have Johnson in my outfield, so position wise, this was an even swap. Then I began to look into the stats a lot deeper. Here are some observations.
Willy Taveras’ batting average (.314) is largely inflated due to his 15 game hitting streak. That may make you think that he is a hot player. Nope, he is a lucky player. Over those 15 games he struckout ten times and only walked once. Also, he has posted a .374 BABIP this year, which is abnormally high, even for him. He has always posted a BABIP of .330 or .340 in past season due to his speed.
Johnson is posting a .285 batting average and a .328 BABIP, which are solid numbers. The part that sets Johnson apart from Taveras are the walks. Johnson has a walk percentage of 14.5% and Taveras only has a 6.0% walk rate. That makes Johnson’s on base percentage a strong .389 and Taveras at a .365 (even with the hitting streak).
Here is the other key difference; Johnson has more power and Taveras has more speed. I personally think that Johnson’s power at the 2nd base position is more valuable then the speed that Taveras adds. By the end of the season Taveras should have a slight edge in batting average, and more steals. However, Johnson will definitely hit for more power, and still steal 15-20 bases. To me, that is the better overall package for a fantasy baseball team.
Here is the funny part about my debate about these players from a few days ago, I was able to snag Dave Roberts from the waiver wire. Since the day (Saturday) that I decided to not do the trade I had Victorino (3 SB), Phillips (2 SB) and Roberts (3 SB) convince me that I have no speed issue at the moment.
Now if only Vernon “I’m a fat rich man” Wells will get his head out of his butt.
what is ur opinion on furcal?? they wont let him steal ??? i am extremely disappointed in his lead off numbers. Or is it that pierre wont take pitches?
Yovani Gallardo, SP MIL
News: According to MLB.com, the Brewers will promote Yovani Gallardo, their top pitching prospect, to replace the injured Chris Capuano (groin) on the roster. A roster move is expected after Thursday’s afternoon game at Detroit.
Analysis: Gallardo, 21, is 8-3 with a 2.90 ERA in 13 starts for Triple-A Nashville, and he leads all of minor league baseball with 110 strikeouts. If the Brewers can avoid using him out of the bullpen this weekend in Minnesota, Gallardo would make his major league debut Monday against the San Francisco Giants at Miller Park. Now is the time to add him in any and all leagues, as he’s one of those ‘next big thing’ types.