Updated weekly, the market watch will keep an eye on the 'stock' of MLB players based on their recent performance. Check back each weekend to find the latest bargains or duds.
(Updated 7/10/07)
BUY ▲
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Justin Verlander (DET) has become a strikeout machine lately and ended the first half with 97 strikeouts 109 innings vs. 69 in 110.2 innings in 2006.
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Jason Bay (PIT) had the worst first half of his career, but the 28 year old has shown no other outward signs of regressing. Buy low while you can.
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Manny Ramirez (BOS) is 35 years old and his years of 1.000+ OPS are probably behind him, but he's a better hitter than what he's shown so far in 2007. He's actually striking out at a lower rate this year (17%) than he has during his career (22%) and while his power numbers are down (11% EBH) from his career totals (14%) I still expect him to end up around 14% in 2007 as well. After all, his career worst extra base hit percentage is 12%.
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Chris Duncan (STL) has put up very good numbers in limited at bats which may allow you to buy him at a bargain price. His minor league numbers were relatively unimpressive, but in his brief major league career he now has 39 home runs in 526 at bats. If he can stay healthy in the 2nd half, he could hit 20 more home runs.
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Wandy Rodriguez (HOU) has flown under the fantasy radar this season due to inconsistency, but he enters the All-Star break with 90 strikeouts and only 26 walks allowed.
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Adam LaRoche (PIT) has adjusted to life in Pittsburgh and has been tearing apart the NL lately with 3 home runs and 1.300+ OPS during the month of July.
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Carlos Zambrano (CHC) has pitched well lately with 51 strikeouts and 19 walks in 49.1 innings, but his walks have always been a concern. Sell him to an owner thinking that he will buy him cheap.
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Ivan Rodriguez (DET) has walked a total of 5 times in 2007 which translates to 1.7%. Yes, you read that right. While his power has come back to a respectable level - a shade under 10% - this lack of plate discipline will catch up to him in the 2nd half.
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Ryan Braun (MIL) and Hunter Pence (HOU) have both had an impressive first half for their respective NL Central teams. While both of them will be future stars (if they aren't already) they both will hit the wall at some point. Their walk rates are both lower than what you'd expect from a .300+ hitter and while they've shown good plate discipline during their minor league careers, and are likely to improve in this area, their stock will never be higher (in 2007) than it is now.
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Curt Schilling (BOS) will probably be out until the beginning of August and even then, with the Red Sox running away with the AL East, they will likely take it easy with him for the rest of the regular season.
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Mike Piazza (OAK) has been on the DL for most of the season, so it's unlikely you can get much value for him at this point, but he will return to catching for Oakland and will lose time to Jack Cust as DH.
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Chone Figgins (ANA) had a great first half (well, really only a great June) but he does not have very good plate discipline with only 18 walks during this time. If you are loaded with power, his steals will provide a good value, but he is someone you should count on to hit .300.
Prior Market Editions
May 16th 2007
May 28th 2007
June 10th 2007