Stats of the Day: Batting Champ in the Making?

Only one weekend update this week, it's been a busy one. In other sports I've got Memphis winning the final game in my bracket... if that works out and I'll be winning my pool. Why Memphis? Well, I work at a C-USA school (UCF), so it was only natural.

LA Angels	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
Kendrick, 2B	4	0	2	1	0	0	3	.435

Howie Kendrick has been touted for the past few years as a potential batting champion and with a career line of .359/.402/.567 in the minors, it's easy to see why. Last year while getting regular time with the Angels he hit .322 while missing time with a broken finger. Just ask Coco Crisp what that can do to a hitter and you'll see how impressive this feat was. With his finger healed to start the year we could be seeing even better production out of Kendrick this year.

Kendrick is hitting at a torrid pace to start the year with hits in every game played so far to start a six game hit streak. The only downside to him is his position in the Angels lineup, currently batting sixth without a lot of quality hitters behind him. However, if he continues to put up multi-hit games don't be surprised if he moves into the two slot in the lineup in place of the overrated Gary Matthews.

If Kendrick's continued growth in the majors can result in him moving up in the lineup you can expect excellent runs and RBIs for a second-baseman, and yes, possibly a batting title.

Detroit	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Willis	5.0	1	3	3	7	0	0	5.40

Dontrelle Willis' terrible spring has carried on into the regular season. Although he did technically have a no-hitter to start the sixth inning before giving up a double to Jim Thome, this isn't a pitcher you should be interested in.

Though touted by some as a possible sleeper in 2008, there is absolutely nothing to like about a pitcher who put up a 5.17 ERA in the National League, especially when he moves into the American League Central. Dontrelle will be facing some very tough lineups and the only reason to think he won't reach a 6.00 ERA this season is that he is lucky enough to not have to face his own team.

Dontrelle's control is in serious decline and while he may get things together as the year goes on, don't expect many good starts out of him. Undoubtedly his near-Cy Young season in 2005 has taken a major toll on his arm. He averaged over 215 innings pitched per year from 2004 to 2007 and he is still only twenty-six years old. His arm hasn't fallen off yet, but in mixed leagues you might as well pretend it has - stay away.