Who is Hot, & Who is Not, AL Version

By Corey R. Cunningham

Will Middlebrooks, 3B for the Boston RedSox is Hot, he is hitting .316 BA, 6 HR, 21 RBI, 13 R, and 2 SB. Middlebrooks was in a tough position once Kevin Youkilis was activated from the Disabled List, however, it looks as if Bobby Valentine has figured out a possible solution. A-GON in RF, Youkilis at 1B, and Middlebrooks at 3B. However, it is a good thing they do not play Interleague play to often, as they would have a huge problem with DH David Ortiz added to the mix.

Matt Moore SP, Tampa Bay Rays is Not, the young southpaw phenom from last year’s playoff race has had a tough ride so far in the first two months pitching for the Rays. He is 1-5, with a 4.76 ERA, 58 K, 28 BB, and a WHIP of 1.46.

Brett Lawrie, 3B for the Toronto Blue Jays is Hot, and continues to hit the ball after a late start of the early season. Lawrie who played strong to a seasons end in 2011. Lawrie is hitting .283, with 4 HR, 21 RBI, 24 R, and 7 SB. Lawrie will continue to get the nod at 3B, and with no worries, will be the 3B of the future for the Blue Jays.

Jason Kipnis, 2B for the Cleveland Indians is Hot. He is batting .280, with 8 HR, 30 RBI, 34 R, and 11 SB. Looks as if Kipnis might be a 5 tool player the Indians have been looking for. Carlos Santana, has the power, however, the BA lacks with him, and with Grady Sizemore not being able to get off the DL the past 3 years, it looks as if Kipnis has taken over as a fan favorite in Ohio.

Drew Smyly, SP Detroit Tigers was Hot, now going Cold. Smyly is 2-1 with a 3.46 ERA, 50 K, 15 BB, and a WHIP of 1.24. In Drew's first 6 games, he gave up a total of 6 ER, while in just his past 4 games, he has given up a total of 15 ER. In the past 3 of 4 games, the opponents that Smyly faced where in his favor, however, they did get the best of him. Use Smyly in a cautious situation, if you need to trend SP, you can do it with Smyly.

Mike Trout, OF Los Angeles Angels is Hot. Trout was called up by the Angels, to bring some spark to the offense, and that he has. He is batting .303, with 5 HR, 16 RBI, 21 R, and 8 SB. Trout is the 5 tool player the Angels have been looking for, and will occupy the CF position full time in 2013.

Tommy Milone, SP Oakland Athletics is Hot. Milone was acquired from the Nationals, and is 6-4, with a 3.64 ERA, 35 K, 16 BB, and a WHIP of 1.13. With a poor offensive lineup coming from the A's, Milone's Win total is surprising, and a list of "W" from the following teams: Kansas City, White Sox, Angels, Rays, Detroit, and Angels.