Phive key players from the Phightin’ Phils.

Carlos Ruiz Finding those decent end game catchers is the hallmark of a strong fantasy General. Here is one that many touted last year who phlopped (OK I will stop with the “ph”s.) He is no spring chicken at 29, but an 87% CT rate and a 10% BB rate is nothing to sneeze at with catchers, and he has some pop. In the second half he hit 44% of his batted balls in the air, so he could be a 10 HR guy. He is a lot better than most end game catchers if you are looking to scrounge, and with only Chris Coste to challenge him he could get 500 AB.

J.C. Romero I had to include him if only to ward off anyone who wants to speculate on the next closer when/if Lidge and Gordon do not do the job. Despite an ERA under two, Romero is a terrible pick and any thought of speculating on him should be immediately dispelled from your mind. His ERA was the result of a 24% hit rate and an 88% strand rate. I am as certain about a huge correction as I am that I will never have a date with Amy Adams. Though there may be the possibility of that date when we are both 80, so even about that I am not sure.

Kyle Kendrick A guy who saved the Phils’ bacon last year, he is probably on a lot of end game radars. I think he is due for a big correction. His xERA last year was 4.84, as compared to his actual ERA of 3.87, and a 3.6 K rate is simply not good enough. An ERA over 5.00 is in the offing.

Pat Burrell A lightning rod for Phils fans, I do not see the angst being justified. He is a good example of focusing on what he cannot do instead of what he can. His skill set is remarkably consistent: xBA of .255-.267, BB rate of 15%-19%, CT rate of 73%-75%, SLG of .502-.504 in the last three years. Last year he was terrible in the first half but excellent in the second.

Tom Gordon Gordon appears to be ill-suited to Citizens Bank Park, with a HR rate of 1.6/9. His K rate took a huge drop from 2006, and whatever the reason there is lots of risk here, plus he has back problems and arm problems. The Phils pen is in deep trouble if Lidge isn’t healthy or good. While we are on the subject…

Brad Lidge Bad luck was to blame for his 2006 failure as he had a 35% hit rate and a 64% strand rate. Superficially in 2007 he was a better pitcher, but in reality he was the same guy. His K rates were 12.5 in 2006 and 11.8 in 2007, his BB rates were 4.3 and 4.0 and his xERAs were 2.76 and 3.49. He should be fine and could be an opportunity since the specter of 2006 is fresh in everyone’s minds.