The Best Pitch

JA Happ, SP, Phillies

After attending Northwestern, a school better known for its academics than athletics, JA Happ was drafted by the Phillies in the third round of the 2004 draft.  After enjoying a productive first few seasons in the lower levels of the Minor Leagues, Happ hit a rocky road at Triple A in 2007, as he went 4-6 with a 5.02 ERA.  Happ rebounded last season with a 7-8 record and 3.60 ERA and then picked up his first Major League win while pitching to a 3.69 ERA in eight appearances.  This season Happ has taken a step towards stardom.  With the support of the Phillies offense, Happ has gone 7-0 with a 2.68 ERA and 1.15 WHIP though 23 appearances including 11 starts.  Happ’s success has been a result of fine control and an ability to limit the opposition to a .222 average.  The 26-year old southpaw has been a revelation this season and offers the Phillies some depth if they can’t acquire Roy Halladay. 

The Best Hit

Jeff Francoeur, OF, Mets

Interestingly, within minutes Jeff Francoeur blasting his first homerun with the Mets, Ryan Church blasted his first homerun with the Atlanta Braves.  Regardless, the Mets are likely to get the better out of this deal as Francoeur brings two great advantages to Flushing.  He’s young, and he’s already proven capable of enjoying success in the Big Leagues.  At 25 years old, Francoeur is five years younger than Church.  In addition, while Church’s career highs are 15 homeruns and 70 RBI, Francoeur has driven in 100-plus RBI twice in his career and swatted a career-high 29 homeruns in 2006.  Since joining the Mets, Francoeur has been sensational with a .345 average, two doubles, a homerun, and seven RBI in seven games.  In a season that is likely to be defined by the many injuries, Mets fans may one day look back at 2009 as the season that they acquired a talented young right-fielder who regained his stroke in the bright lights of Citi Field.   

The Best Relief:

CJ Wilson, RP, Rangers

Rangers closer Frank Francisco lands on the disabled list for the third time this season, leaving CJ Wilson with the closing duties.  Francisco has come down with a mild case of pneumonia and is eligible to return to the team on Sunday.  Wilson is no stranger to the closer’s role, as the team’s primary closer last season.  Wilson struggled a great deal in that role and was replaced by Francisco thanks to his ERA of 6.02.  Wilson has rebounded in ’09 with seven saves and a 2.88 ERA.  While he still has some control issues, Wilson also has the ability to allude bats, leading to 36 strikeouts and a stingy .237 opposing batting average.  At just 28 years old, Wilson should consider his opportunities as the team’s closer an audition for a greater role in the bullpen for the years to come.