There s still a lot to learn at the major league level, but Pujols hitting mechanics dictate he will still finish with good numbers. After emerging as a top-flight closer last year, Lowe is now about as dependable as Carl Everett with a bus ticket. He s blown saves in dramatic fashion, and his newfound penchant for allowing the big hit has all but guaranteed a banishment to middle relief for the rest of the year. Leave Lowe alone. Ortiz is driving the ball like never before.
Ortiz success is no mirage.
But some smarter pitchers can still fool him, and there will definitely be some silent periods ahead. O Neill hit eight homers, as many as crosstown superstar Mike Piazza . His swing whips through the zone faster than Cecil Fielder used to rip through a bag of pretzels. Truby has a hole in his swing, but when he makes contact, the ball rockets out of the park. He s a keeper.