Today's Fantasy Rx

Anaheim: Bengie Molina, C
94/333 for .282/.307/.447 with 11 HR, 53 RBI, 30 R, 1/1 SB%,
and an 11:27 BB:K.

We haven't seen much overt skill growth from Molina, but the reason his current number of homers equals his total from the past two seasons is that his ground-fly ratio dropped from 1.22 in 2002 to .98, a 20% drop that partially explains his improved slugging percentage. Molina's 3.33 #P/PA, the second-best mark of his four-year career, also suggests developing plate patience even as his walk rate falls even further towards .03. While I wish his .92 contact rate explained this career-high BA, his varying average appears the result of his general lack of plate discipline. Although this mild skill growth is welcome and obviously increases his short-term roto value, I don't see the foundation necessary to improve upon his current level of performance. Molina turned 29 a couple weeks ago, so his 2003 season looks like an obvious statistical peak and you should probably wait if you need him to continue contending. However, feel free to move him to a rebuilding team as he shouldn't exceed a value in the mid-single digits in 2004.

June Overachiever: Garrett Anderson, OF
Old stats: 100/320 for .313/.342/.594 with 18 HR, 66 RBI, 43 R, 4/6 SB%,
and a 15:42 BB:K.
Recommendation: wait.
Stats since recommendation: 47/148 for .318 with 8 HR, 28 RBI, 17 R, 1/2 SB%,
and an 8:23 BB:K

Previous Overachievers: April: Brad Fullmer; May: Jeff DaVanon.

Today's Fantasy Rx: Keep an eye on Blue Jays' hitters over the next few weeks. While they face a brutal stretch over the next fourteen games where they play no one but Seattle, Oakland, and Boston, after a series against the Yankees from September 1-4, Toronto then finishes the year with 22 games against Detroit, Tampa Bay, Baltimore, and Cleveland. Expect a strong September surge from guys like Hinske, Phelps, and Hudson, so owners in shallow mixed leagues where these players might be available should monitor player drops carefully through the end of the month.