Colorado Springs: Commodity Shifts

Though mid-April is hardly the time to evaluate a player's performance, I was inspired by Joe's post to analyze my players whose values have increased, and those who have decreased.

Value ^^^:
Francisco Liriano (SP) - After 3 starts, Liriano's looking like the pitcher Marines GM Eric Posch was hoping for when he drafted him. His control issues are improving, and his velocity and slider are back to being ace-like. High hopes for him going forward.

Howie Kendrick (2B) - Doing what Kendrick does when he's healthy - getting LOTS of hits. .315 average through 54 ABs, but what's most impressive so far is his OBP sitting close to .400. Some more XBHs would be nifty, but if he holds down his triple slash line for the season, the Marines be more than happy.

Joba Chamberlain (RP) - Though always a supporter of Joba as a starter, the Marines have to love what he's doing out of the pen so far. A 1.20 WHIP with a strong K/9, and he's just settling in. If everything goes as planned, the Marines could have a relentless pen in 2011 with Broxton, Bard, Gregerson and Joba, perhaps even along with Franklin Morales if he settles down.

Andruw Jones (OF) - Off to a torrid start this year, with an OPS of 1.076 in 34 ABs. The 4 HRs are great, and the Marines are hoping Jones can continue to perform and perhaps be a sleeper.

Value VVV:

All Reds' pitchers - Johnny Cueto. Homer Bailey. Aaron Harang. All have WHIPs over 1.50 in the early season. After showing so much promise late last year, Bailey's gone back to his old bag of tricks and is in danger of losing his job. These pitchers need to get their acts together, or the Marines SP depth is in a world of hurt.

Travis Snider (OF) - Obtained last year for a bag of shells and still only 22, but the slugging prospect is off to a disappointing start this season. .143 average to go along with a strikeout in over a quarter of his at bats. Has a couple bombs, though, and the talent is there. He will require patience.