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Trevor Cahill is really trying to insert his name into the Cy Young mix for the American League. He won his 14th game of the year, throwing 7 shutout innings. His ERA is now down to 2.43, and while I don't think he's going to win the award, he's definitely been great this year. I do think it will be hard to rank him for next year though, because the performance continues to feel flukeish, and with his FIP around 4, he could just as easily see a regression next year as not.
Mike Napoli hit a homerun last night and drove in 6 in the victory for the Angels. Napoli has been one of the better performers at catcher this season, hitting 21 homeruns and driving in 60 runs on the season. The batting average has left a bit to be desired (.251), but you didn't draft him with the hope that he would hit .300, now did you?
Josh Beckett had a reasonably good start, striking out 7 and allowing 3 earned runs over 6 1/3 innings to get the win. I really don't know what to make of Beckett, as it has really been a lost season for him. I don't know if I could honestly rank him in my top 50 starting pitchers for next season. The solid start was nice, but I need more before I can believe.
Pablo Sandoval is finally heating up, having hit .302 with 5 homeruns and 14 RBI in August. He went 4 for 6 with a run scored yesterday in that wild game against the Reds, and could be available after his very slow start in a lot of leagues.
Hunter Pence hit his 20th homerun of the season, and drove in his 70th run on the shot. He seems like he's going to be higher than a top-25 outfielder next season, as he is still on pace for a 25/20 season. The batting average has come around as well, as he's hitting .285.
Phil Hughes didn't quite have the start the Yankees were hoping for: 3 2/3 innings pitched, 6 strikeouts, but 5 earned runs, 6 hits, and 5 walks. Interestingly, they used Javier Vazquez in relief, and he pitched well, allowing only 1 earned run over 4 1/3 innings. Vazquez could still return to the rotation this year, but I don't think it will be for a while.
Josh Hamilton hit his 30th homerun of the season last night, and now has 92 runs batted in to go with his .356 batting average. I think he's got an outside shot (very very small one) at 40/130, but 35/115 seems very likely. Would he be a top 10 player overall next year, or is there no way to trust him to repeat it again next season?