Every year there are players that rip the cover off the ball out of the gates, and then fade into oblivion in the dog days of summer, or even before then. Here is a look at some of the hot starters in 2009, and some advice on whether to buy, keep or trade.

Aaron Hill – Let me preface this by telling you that I have a man crush on Hill. He is my favorite player now that Jim Edmonds looks done. Hill was poised for a breakout year until David Eckstein decided to concuss him. After a full off-season to recover from his symptoms, Hill is helping lead a surprisingly potent Blue Jays offense with a .365 average, 4 home runs and 14 RBI. While I would not recommend going out and overpaying for him in a trade, you should definitely grab him if he is still available on the waiver wire. 

Ryan Ludwick - I profiled him a couple of weeks ago, and said that we should expect another solid season from Ludwick. He has not disappointed thus far, hitting .405 with 5 HR and 15 RBI. He is a very consistent player, and considering where you drafted him he will wind up being a great steal. Hold onto him if you have him, but do not overpay in a trade. 

Nelson Cruz – Cruz is certainly making my eat my words from last week’s article, blasting 5 home runs so far in the young season. However, I am not totally sold on him yet, and I would give it a couple more weeks before making a final decision. In the meantime, if someone offers you a trade for him that seems too good to be true, I would take it.

Kosuke Fukudome – If my memory serves correct, Fukudome got off to a blistering start last year as well, and Wrigley Field was ablaze with Fukudome-mania. Let us take a look at his month by month batting averages: .305, .293, .264, .236, .198, .178.  Hello Mr. Mendoza, that is why you only got 45 AB’s in September. Sell if someone out there is willing to buy.

Chien-Ming Wang – Wang is flooding the waiver wire after allowing 23 earned runs in 6 innings over his first 3 starts. This will not continue and he should still be a good bet to win 15 games with the Yankees offense behind him. I personally guarantee he will not finish the season with a 34.50 ERA. Pick him up, it is worth a shot.   

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Tags: Hot Starts  Buy  Sell  Hold  Aaron Hill  David Eckstein  Jim Edmonds  Ryan Ludwick  Nelson Cruz  Kosuke Fukudome  Chien-Ming Wang