N.L. FAAB Log: April 25, 2011

Laynce Nix $5. Other bids: $4, $3, $2, $1.

I wrote about Nix briefly here. Of course, Michael Morse went out and hit a three-run home run yesterday; if his hitting improves, Nix’s playing time will suffer.  Moreover, Roger Bernadina is out on the farm should Rick Ankiel continue to struggle.  All around, this is a complicated outfield, but if you are trying to fill a hole, Nix is an acceptable replacement.

Brandon Wood $5.  Other bids: $4, $4, $3.

So far in his illustrious major league career, Wood is sporting a .168 average, 2.6% BB/9, 33% K/9, and .218 slugging percentage.  I have great confidence that he will suddenly improve, moving from the American League to the National League, being put back at shortstop, and hitting in a weaker lineup.  Wait, I am sorry – my sarcasm meter failed to go off there.  The team that picked him up is the 9^th place team; the 11^th place, 7^th place, and 6^th place teams also took a shot.  Frankly, that makes sense, as each team was trying to fill a dead (or relatively dead) spot, and each team needs to take some chances, whether with Wood as a trade chip or a breakout.  The likelihood of either scenario is slim.

Josh Collmenter $3.

Collmenter put together an impressive minor league resume, striking out almost a batter an inning over 92 minor league starts with what Jon Sickels describes as “average stuff.”  He might wind up in the rotation at some point, but he is still a high risk play with an 86 MPH fastball.

Justin Turner $3.  Other bids: $1, $1, $1.

Turner is the Mets’ second baseman of the moment.  Turner’s numbers speak for themselves: he has a little pop, a little ability to hit for average, and a little speed.  Talk about guys who, in Mike Gianella’s favorite phraseology, move the chains.

Jason Pridie $2.  Other bids: $1.

Surprisingly, there was little action on Pridie this week.  Way back in the day, Pridie was a prospect with decent tools and good speed, but who looked like a fourth outfielder.  Oddly enough, it appears that he will be exactly that in his major league career. For now, he starts in center field while Angel Pagan is out.  None of Carlos Beltran, Willie Harris or Scott Hairston should be roaming center field, so I anticipate that Pridie will get the majority of at-bats and steal a few bases along the way (to add to the home run he hit yesterday).

Mike Dunn $1.

A few years back, Dunn was a Yankees prospect.  He has the stuff to be a closer, but lacks the control.  Could he close for the Marlins?  Perhaps, though I doubt it – between Hensley and Nunez, there are already enough heart attacks to go around. His K/9 makes him worth a look, but the 93 MPH fastball and the lack of control suggest that he is in for harder times.

Darren Ford $1.

Ford has only seen five plate appearances in his time with the Giants so far, and he will be back on the shuttle to AAA when Andres Torres comes back from his rehab assignment.  If you need a steal here or there, and have no one else to fill in, he is worth a stab, but there are better options on this list.

Jeremy Hermida $1.

Baker wanted Hermida to get more at-bats against right handed pitching.  He promptly rewarded Baker with an 0-8, and found himself back on the bench. Given that he has Jonny Gomes, Jay Bruce, Drew Stubbs and Chris Heisey in that outfield already, Hermida is a one time per week player who has a chance of hitting a home run from time to time.

Jason Isringhausen $1.

Isringhausen just upped his K/BB to 6.00, which puts him on my list of relievers to take a look at.  The fastball continues to decrease in velocity, but the cutter and curve look good.  I am not sure how long he will hold up, but he is certainly worth a strike-out flier in leagues that reward relievers.

Aaron Miles $1.

Given the number of injuries in the Dodgers’ infield, Miles will continue to get some at-bats.  So far, he has hit .255 (only after a 3-5 yesterday) with 3 RBI.  He is not much of a hitter, and he is not a stolen base threat, so there really is no upside since he could be an average drag.  Sometimes, it is better not to get at-bats.

Edward Mujica $1.

Mujica already has two wins out of the pen, and his K/BB is very nice.  If anyone would close in the absence of Nunez or Hensley, I think it will be Mujica.  One thing to watch – a two miles per hour drop on the fastball.

Mike Nickeas $1.

Filler. Not much power and not much ability to hit.  Again, some at-bats are better than none…sometimes.  This is not one of those times.

Pete Orr $1.

Charlie Manuel has given Orr some at-bats to keep him sharp while Utley is out. Valdez will continue to see the bulk of time, but Orr is a potential source of some cheap speed, and, so far, he has shown a good contact approach at the plate.  There are certainly worse options.

Brian Schneider $1.

He will play one-to-two times per week, and he can pop the occasional home run.

Mike Pelfrey.  Claimed by the 12^th, 11^th, 9^th and 5^th place teams.

I was a bit surprised when I saw Pelfrey waived, but when your K/BB is .76 and your ERA is almost 10 times that number, there is justification for it. I am not sure what to make of Pelfrey, because his LOB%, BABIP and LD% all suggest that he has been very unlucky.  I do not think Pelfrey can get worse, so, frankly, he is worth a flier on those grounds alone.

Blake DeWitt.  Claimed by the 6^th place team.

The Jeff Baker owner has now paired him with Blake DeWitt.  That move makes sense, and DeWitt is pretty harmless in a part-time role.  If he should secure more playing time, 2010 is his upside.