The Scoop

By Dalton Del Don – Senior Writer

While the transition into football mode is in full effect, we can’t completely ignore baseball. After all, my team is making a mad dash toward first place…

Do you realize Dan Uggla has scored 89 runs with a paltry .322 OBP? I guess that’s what happens when batting directly in front of Miguel Cabrera. 130 strikeouts in fewer than 500 at-bats is concerning, so unless Uggla starts drastically improving, expect a BA around his current .247 mark to be the norm and last year’s .282 the exception.

More evidence of why a “closer” is the most overrated position in professional sports: the San Francisco Giants are a perfect 48-0 when leading after eight innings this season.

For those in need of a late season power surge, look no further than my main man Wily Mo Pena. The move to cavernous RFK Stadium isn’t ideal, but it’s not like this guy’s homers barely clear the fence anyway. If Washington isn’t brain-dead and gives him regular playing time, he could be worth using in all formats over the season’s final five weeks. Check out these splits: as a pinch-hitter throughout his career – 83 plate appearances, .190 BA, .229 OBP, .342 SLG, 45 percent K rate. When starting – 1,291 plate appearances, .260 BA, .317 OBP, .477 SLG, 31 percent K rate. Pretty crazy.

Don’t look now, but Jeremy Hermida is finally starting to hit. He’s not running like he did in the minors, but with a .343/.445/.545 line after the All-Star break, Hermida is just now tapping into his vast potential. His excellent plate discipline throughout the minors never translated into the majors, but he’s also sporting a 17/17 K/BB ratio during that time span as well, all great signs pointing toward a bright future. He makes for an excellent “post-hype sleeper” next year and a decent 4th/5th fantasy outfielder right now.

Bobby Jenks’ record-tying 42 consecutive outs was very impressive, especially considering the fact relievers’ stuff often fluctuates from appearance to appearance. However, Brandon Webb’s 42-inning scoreless streak is even more remarkable. He’s not using max effort with each pitch like a reliever, and did I mention the streak is 42 innings long? Speaking of truly dominant pitchers of late, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Johan Santana’s 17/0 K/BB absolute gem. If only I had one of these guys on my fantasy team.

If Rajai Davis is still sitting on your waiver wire, you either play in an extremely shallow league and/or lead the steals category. In 20 games as a Giant, he’s stolen nine bases and at least two home runs with stellar defense in center field. The 26-year-old rookie isn’t as good as his .328 BA indicates, but the Giants haven’t had a guy this exciting in years, so expect the team to continue to give him all the at-bats he can handle, mostly at Dave Roberts’ expense (and Barry Bonds will also sit plenty). I’ll make the argument that Brian Sabean, normally my whipping boy, made one of the 2-3 best trades this season getting Davis for Matt Morris.

“John from Cincinnati” was incomprehensible, “The Bourne Ultimatum” was good, “Californication” may turn out to be awesome and “Superbad” was hilarious – although not quite as good as “Knocked Up.”