Ike Davis Update, Carlos Beltran, Zack Wheeler, Brad Holt, xFIP

Ike Davis:


Ike Davis (ankle) ran in 30-yard intervals earlier in the week and still hasn't given up hope that he can return this season. Davis is expected to make a decision within the next two weeks on whether or not to have season-ending microfracture surgery. The odds at this point are favoring a procedure, but Davis did make some strides earlier this month, so we can't totally rule out a return. - http://www.rotoworld.com/sports/mlb/baseball?r=1  


Carlos Beltran:


Playing in New York naturally brings high expectations, and, at least in the public eye, it seemed like Beltran failed to meet those expectations. Maybe those around the Mets just turned Beltran and his $119 million contract into a proxy for the team’s success, because Beltran’s performance warranted nothing but praise. His Mets only managed one playoff berth since his arrival in 2005 — his second season, when he posted a .275/.388/.594 line with 41 home runs, all while still playing one of the best defensive center fields in the majors. No, Beltran was hardly to blame for the failures of the franchise. Although he did miss time in both 2009 and 2010, Beltran accrued 31.5 Wins Above Replacement in his six-and-a-half seasons in Queens, sustaining an all-star level throughout his entire contract. - http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/giants-prioritize-offense-with-beltran


Zack Wheeler:


7-29-11: - http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=6079  - The PG scouting report filed after the National Showcase read: “(Wheeler) pitched 90-93 topping at 94 with a very lively fastball and little to no effort in the Metrodome. He gets good extension out front and has an excellent breaking ball with a sharp break in the upper 70s. He commands his pitches well and everything looks easy for him on the mound. Wheeler continues to project … and he is already one of the top 2009 RHP in the country.”


Brad Holt:


7-26-11: - http://www.amazinavenue.com/2011/7/26/2287253/mets-mid-term-farm-system-review-2011-binghamton#storyjump  - RHP Brad Holt - STOCK DOWN - So those of us holding onto hope for Holt coming into 2011 look pretty stupid now huh? I will say that keeping him in my top 20 (#19) isn't as bad as BA listing him at #10 overall. 2011 has basically just become an extension of 2010 as he's continued to have serious issues throwing strikes. And finally the inevitable happened as he was shifted to the bullpen in what has pretty much become a salvage job. It's sad to say but if he has any impact on the major league club at this point it will be considered a success. I will say that there are some positives here. For one, he's FAR less hittable this year than last (2011 AVG: .219  2010 AVG: .336). Two, his stuff is definitely playing up in relief. Reports have him hitting 94mph with the heater much more consistently and he's struck out 20 guys over his 15.1 relief innings. And finally, a relief role seems to have had the desired effect on his control as he has not walked a man in his last six appearances. Nothing to write home about but there is still a glimmer of hope that maybe he can settle into a nice 7-8th inning role with the big club.


xFIP:

xFIP – “Expected Fielding Independent Pitching”. This is a version of FIP which ‘normalizes’ the home run component of the equation based upon league averages. Since home runs are basically related to fly balls allowed and home park differences, xFIP can be used to help determine a pitchers future ERA. This is particularly valuable to fantasy owners looking for an edge. - http://baseballreflections.com/2011/07/28/sabermetrics-101-gaining-the-fantasy-baseball-edge/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=sabermetrics-101-gaining-the-fantasy-baseball-edge