Today's Fantasy Rx

Note: The beginning of most stat lines includes the following data: H/AB for BA/OBP/SLG.

Arizona: Matt Kata, 2B
24/76 for .316/.358/.395 with 0 HR, 8 RBI, 7 R, 1/2 SB%,
and a 5:13 BB:K.

Last June Kata registered a .375/.455/.667 in his debut month before slumping to a .214/.270/.339 after the break. Now the injury to Roberto Alomar requires Kata in the starting lineup nearly every day, and he again looks like a solid starter. However, he owns weak plate discipline, limited power potential, and minimal speed. Today's call-up of Scott Hairston also means that Arizona may make a permanent switch at second base, although I don't expect Hairston to produce impressive stats in the near future. Deal Kata now before the combination of his approaching slump and Hairston's development sends him back into a reserve role for the rest of the year.

We'll continue tomorrow with American League overachieving pitchers.

Today's Fantasy Rx: Scott Hairston owns a 27/91 for .297/.343/.560 with 4 HR, 16 RBI, 20 R, 0/1 SB%, and a 6:20 BB:K for AAA Tucson(PCL). Unfortunately, 6 errors in 21 games at second base indicate continued defensive struggles for a prospect persistently rumored to require a move to the outfield. Since neither Hairston's weak plate discipline nor power numbers inflated by his league and park suggest he belongs in the majors right now, he isn't worth a significant investment in any league, and he merits no more than token attention in single-season leagues.