Today's Fantasy Rx

Arizona: Jerry Gil, SS
6/36 for .167/.184/.194 with 0 HR, 6 RBI, 2 R, 1/1 SB%,
and a 0:16 BB:K.
117/421 for .278/.299/.468 with 11 HR, 58 RBI, 53 R, 12/13 SB%,
and a 12:94 BB:K for AAA Tucson(PCL).

Although he won't turn 22 until next month and barely belongs at AA, Gil's terrible performance through three dozen plate appearances still surprises me. Arizona jumped him three levels this spring from A-ball at South Bend of the Midwest League to Tucson, yet he improved all his averages while demonstrating surprising power and speed skills. Of course, his complete collapse upon reaching the majors seems logical considering his limited minor league experience and absolutely awful plate discipline. However, a 3.66 #P/PA demonstrates respectable patience, so he should register a couple of walks prior to the end of the season, especially if he continues to play regularly. Expect Gil to enjoy a bright future in baseball if he builds on his development in 2004, but expect him at least one more year in the minors, so deal or cut him immediately even if deep keeper leagues.

We'll continue tomorrow with American League underachieving pitchers.

Today's Fantasy Rx: Players still underachieving into September likely won't rebound with less than three weeks remaining in the season. Healthy NL position players who might merit replacing in some leagues include Alex Cintron, Charles Johnson, Hee Choi, Marlon Byrd, Jose Castillo, and Jay Payton. Although Choi probably doesn't belong in this company, his struggles since joining the Dodgers make him a very risky play over the balance of the season. I also see little reason to retain the others barring a tight category race, especially if you see a promising September call-up registering helpful stats.