According to CBS Sportsline, this is fantasy baseball's first half MVP
As we get ready for the second half of the MLB and fantasy baseball season, it’s time to acknowledge those players that were the fantasy studs in the first half and help push you ahead in some, or even all, of the standard fantasy categories. There’s been a great mix of veteran stalwarts, some rookie sensations and a few players whose current value has far exceeded their draft values and our expectations when we scouted them during Spring Training. While today is a highlight day, I’ll also give you my thoughts on whether or not they will continue to excel or falter, as so many first half stars have done in the past. So, without further ado, let’s get to the First Half Fantasy Baseball All Stars.
Catchers
John Buck, TOR — Let’s face it, the batting line of .272-13-41 is fantastic and if you were fortunate enough to have those stats coming from your backstop, then you’re certainly ahead of the game. But while the numbers look great, it’s all about the value for Buck. I can’t imagine anyone took Buck earlier than the 15th round and even that is probably pushing it. His numbers exceed those of virtually every fantasy catcher out there and hasn’t killed his owners with the usual .230 average he provides. Some will point out that the majority of his production came in a four week span, and whil ethat may be true, he hasn’t done anything during his down times to hurt his owners. That being said, the time to trade him is probably now as you never know when the regression will begin.
Buster Posey, SF/Miguel Olivo, COL — I was really torn here, so I’m giving the nod to both. Olivo’s numbers (.325-11-42 with 42 runs scored and 4 SB) are fantastic and he was probably taken pretty late in your draft considering everyone still seems to be enamored with Chris Iannetta. But after Olivo’s power totals last year and the impending move to hitter friendly Coors Field, I was more in line with the thought that he would push Iannetta aside, or atleast for a good chunk of playing time. I have not been disappointed. But while Olivo has been spectacular for his owners, Posey has done more of the same. In a little more than half the at bats of a regular starting catcher, Posey has hit .350 with 7 HR and 25 RBI. He had a mini-slump going on there for about a week and a half and yet still managed to put up numbers better than most others at his position. His first base eligibility makes for an even more impressive fantasy resume as you can now move him around, although why would you when you can get that kind of production for a usually light hitting position? I still can’t decide, so they both get the call here.
First Basemen
Miguel Cabrera, DET – A complete no-brainer here. Cabrera is a first round draft choice putting up first round numbers for his fantasy owners. With a batting line of .342-22-77 with 64 runs scored and even a pair of stolen bases, Cabrera, once again, will contend for baseball’s Triple Crown honors and remain a top fantasy performer, probably for years to come. I’ll admit, I was skeptical during Spring Training, especially after last year’s finish and the subsequent alcohol/anger management treatment, but Cabrera has definitely proven me worng. It’s studs like this that carry you to a fantasy baseball championship.
Joey Votto, CIN — Looks like the breakout season is finally here! With Albert Pujols in the NL, you know Votto had to be something special to get the nod over him, and with a batting line of .314-22-60 with 59 runs scored, he is outperforming Prince Albert by the slightest of margins. The original All Star snub motivated him even further in the last few games of the first half and he was more than deserving to recieve entry via the Final Ballot internet voting. At 26 years old (27 come September), Votto is in the prime of his career and should only continue to excel. If you’ve got him in a keeper league, then congrats and enjoy the ride.
Second Basemen
Robinson Cano, NYY — Now maybe it wasn’t the hardest thing to do in the world, but back in mid-February, I wrote that Cano would take his game to the next level in 2010. He’s always been a high average guy, but last year he broke through with 25 HR and I thought he could take it even futhter this season. He’s currently hitting .336 with 16 HR and 58 RBI and is contributing all over the place….ok, maybe the 2 SBs are inconsequential, but every little bit helps. Enjoy Cano’s bust out season and consider him, especially in the wake of Chase Utley’s injuries, the top second baseman out there.
Kelly Johnson, ARI — This was one of the tougher choices to make, especially with the production out of Dan Uggla, Martin Prado and Rickie Weeks. But considering how atrocious last season was for Johnson and everyone’s low expectations, he gets the nod here based on value. Uggla is always considered a second tier power hitter, Prado really shined last year after stealing the gig away from Johnson in Atlanta, and Weeks is only knocked for his injuries. I’m willin gto bet all three went before Johnson in your draft. Obviously there have been some cold spells throughout the first half, but you can’t argue with a rebound year of .276-14-43 with 52 runs scored and 8 stolen bases. It should be interesting to see how things unfold with Arizona come the trade deadline, but without a guy like Cano, I’m pretty happy with Johnson in there for me the rest of the way.
Third Basemen
Evan Longoria, TB — While Kevin Youkilis may have more home runs, Longoria is more of a complete player. He finished the first half hitting .300 with 13 HR and 61 RBI while chipping in 52 runs scored an 13 stolen bases. We’ve all known that the power is there and Longoria has been an RBI machine since he first came into the league, but the developing speed and all around play makes him on of baseball’s biggest fantasy studs. He’s gone into a little funk here and there, but nothing like his 2 month vanishing act last season. He’ll need a big power surge in the second half to clear the 30 HR barrier, but if he’s sacrificing a little bit of that power to keep his average up, then that plus the bonus steals make him even more valuable, in my opinion.
David Wright, NYM — Welcome back to the elite status, Mr. Wright. After taking what can only be described as an in-house sabbatical, Wright has turned his game back on this year, hitting .314 with 14 HR, 65 RBI, 52 runs scored and 15 stolen bases. His strikeouts are a little high for him and that SB% could be better, but I think we’re just splitting hairs with that. He’s been a monster this year and looks like he’ll only get better with the addition of Carlos Beltran in the lineup. Citi Field might still be a tough place to hit, but it looks like Wright has found his groove again.
Shortstops
Alex Gonzalez, TOR — The debate here was power or speed, but Gonzalez gets the edge over rookie Elvis Andrus as power, I feel, is at more of a premium that stolen bases. Andrus is having a solid year, but Gonzalez’ 17 HR surpasses all MLB shortstops and his 50 RBI and 47 runs scored are rock solid. His .260 average is a bit of a bear, but getting this much power from such a thin position is huge in this racket. You sould figure there will be an adjustment period for Gonzo now that he’s been dealt to the Braves, but he’s had his stints with the Reds and Marlins in the past, so it souldn’t be too difficult. On a side note, I might consider Yunel Escobar a second half sleeper now that he’s in Toronto, but I’ll need a game or two against AL pitching to really make my determination.
Hanley Ramirez, FLA – He may not be on track for the usual Hanley deliciousness that all Han-Ram owners have grown to love, but his 13 HR and 18 SB with a .301 average still make him the top shortstop in the game. It was somewhat of a tenuous start of the season with Ramirez, between the modest start and the uproar in the clubhouse, but Hanley has been all business since that time producing at levels making me wish I never traded him. Provided he doesn’t screw up his swing in the HR Derby, which he won’t, Hanley is going to continue putting up fantastic numbers.
Outfielders
Josh Hamilton, TEX — It’s like deja vu all over again! Hamilton was an absolute beast in the first half hitting .346 with 22 HR and 64 RBI. He also chipped in with 59 runs scored and 7 stolen bases, so it’s fair to say that he produces across the board. There’s no doubting that Hamilton has talent; the question is whether or no tthat talen tcan last the entire season. He had a huge first half in 2008 and then was lost for the second half putting up very average totals and last year, injuries wiped out his entire season. To me, he’s always a big sell high candidate as he has never completed a full season without something going wrong.
Carl Crawford, TB — It looks like that coveted 20-50 season is in play this year as Crawford seems to have upped his power without ruining his average. He hit .321 for the first half with 11 HR, 50 RBI and 31 stolen bases. The speed has always been there, but for him to finally put it together with the power we knew he had but always seemed to come up a little short, is now makin ghim an elite 5 tool stud. If Crawford finally breaks through the 20 HR barrier, a feat I think he can do this season, he’ll certainly be worthy of top 5 consideration in fantasy drafts next year.
Alex Rios, CHW — Every time Rios’ name comes up when I’m talking about the White Sox over at SouthSideSwingers.com, I always here that song, At Last by Etta James, running through my head. Rios has had decent seasons with Toronto in the past, but this year, his first full season in Chicago, it looks like we’re finally going to reach that ever elusive potential. With a .306 average, 15 HR and 23 SB at the break, Rios has been a monster for his owners and, in all honesty, it doesn’t look like he’s slowing down. The Sox are playin ggreat ball, he’s in a hitter’s park, and he’s gettin ggreat protection form the likes of Paul Konerko and the resurgent Carlos Quentin. Sure, he’d be a fantastic sell high candidate, but with the liklihood of him continuing, you better be getting a sick deal.
Carlos Gonzalez, COL — See that? All it takes is for you to get out of Oakland and into a full time gig for the Rockies for you to start reaching your potential. CarGo as been a champ this first half, even after losing a little bit of time with an injury. He hit .314 with 17 HR and a dozen stolen bases and has earned himself regular playing time within the normally crowded Colorado outfield. He finished up the first half white hot as he hit .409 with 5 HR and 14 RBI in the last 10 games and projects to be just as strong in the second half. Expect big numbers, overall, and if you’ve got him in a keeper league, get ready to hold onto him.
Corey Hart, MIL — After back to back 20-20 seasons, Hart regressed in a big way last season hitting just 12 HR and swiping only 11 bags, all while hitting just .260 on the year. He’s already on his way to crushing those totals and re-establishing himself as a high quality fantasy outfielder. He’s got his battin gaverage up to .288 right now and has mashed 21 homers and knocked in 65 RBI. His stolen base total is off pace for the magical 20, but the 4 swipes are always appreciated and never to be turned away. He’s a career .275 hitter so some regression is expected in the second half and watch where he ends up as it looks like the Brewers are looking to deal him before they part with Prince Fielder. If he does end up in San Francisco, you can expect the power to drop.
Angel Pagan, NYM — He’s probably one of the highest producing guys to be plucked off the waiver wire this year as Pagan pushed hard, right from the start, and earned the center field job in New York. His .315 average and 19 steals have been a huge bonus for those that picked him up, and his 6 HR and 40 RBI are nothing to thumb your nose at. He’s the epitome of the savvy waiver claim here in 2010. It’s going to be hard for the Mets to put him to the bench, but that’s exactly where he’s going once Beltran returns this week. He’ll probably steal a few starts from Jeff Franceour and Jason Bay if they don’t pick up their games quick, but for now, you can’t rely on Pagan to continue at his current level of production.
Starting Pitchers
Jon Lester, BOS — While the AL is loaded with som estar power on the mound, Lester has been one of the best and most consistent of them all. His 2.78 ERA and 1.09 WHIP in 120 innings has been fantastic and he;s averaging more than a strikeout per inning. Of course we’d like to see an increase in the wins column, and the number of quality starts could be a little higher, but that should come as the Red Sox start to get healthier in the second half and start playin gat their usual level. Lester may not get the notoriety of a Felix Hernandez, but he’s been just as productive and probably cost you less in drafts.
Cliff Lee, SEA/TEX — After missing the start of the season with an ankle issue, Lee has shown fantasy owners that 2007 was an abberration and can be tossed aside like yesterday’s trash. He had 11 quality starts in 14 games, and finished the first half with a 2.64 ERA with a sub-1.00 WHIP. I’d like his K/9 to increase a little bit, but the 15.2 K/BB ratio is just sick. I’m a littl ebummed he ended up going to Texas, as you saw in his first start in Arlington, but Lee is a champ and should continue to produce at high levels the rest of the way. Watch for a slight jump in ERA due to the ballpark he now calls home, but he is still considered an elite starter.
David Price, TB — Th eyoungest pitcher ever to start an All Star game is truly an honor, but the honor is all ours, the fantasy owners, who have reaped the benefits of a 12-4 first half with 100Ks in 115 innings and a 2.40 ERA and 1.20 WHIP. He threw 162 innings last year between Triple-A and the bigs, so I don’t see him tiring out too badly once he clears the 160 inning mark, however, you might reach a point near the end where matchups become more important in your decision as to start him for the week or not.
Ubaldo Jimenez, COL — What more can you say about the guy who tossed 2010′s first no-hitter, has 15 wins at the break and a 2.20 ERA with a 1.02 WHIP? Cy Young? Probably, so long as he continues this onslaught on NL hitters. His K/9 is right about where his averages are and he’s lowered his BB/9 each year in the majors thus far. It’s pretty hard to trade a guy with numbers like this, but I find it hard to believe we could be seeing a 25 game winner here. I don’t want to rule it out, but history tells a different story. If I owned him, which I do not, I might be looking to deal him for a solid bat and a lesser pitcher whose ratios are still solid.
Adam Wainwright, STL — This was my pick last year for the NL Cy Young Award and I still think he got robbed as Chris Carpenter stole a good number of votes from him during the ballotting. Well, he’s certainly on his way to repeat his career 2009 totals as he’s already got 13 wins with a 2.11 ERA and a 1.00 WHIP. Both his strikeout and walk ratios look solid and there’s no reason to think that he won’t continue to produce at these levels in the second half as the Cardinals look to make their annual playoff run. If you look at last year’s splits, you’ll see he was just as productive after the break as he was before.
Mat Latos, SD — Surprise surpise surprise!! I’d be somewhat shocked to see how many people, if any, drafted Latos from the onset. I play in 5 differen tleagues and he was a free agent pickup in each and every one of them….and we’re talking some deep, deep leagues here. But just as the Padres are surprising everyon ein the NL West, Latos is doing the same with his 10 wins, 2.45 ERA, sub-1.00 WHIP and 8.35 K/9 ratio. While he finished the first half strong, you should be careful with him now as he has been dealing with a “tug on his side”. There’s a chance that he lands on the DL, and word is that he won’t make hi sfirst start of the second half until July 25th. Injury aside, I still see a regression in the second half for both Latos and the Padres.
Closers
Mariano Rivera, NYY — He’s somehwere between the Energizer Bunny and a Timex watch as Rivera continues to dominate hitters and close out games for the best team in baseball. He’s got 20 saves at the halfway mark with a 1.06 ERA and a ridiculous 0.64 WHIP. His 33 Ks in 34 innings are solid, but the K/9 ratio isn’t what it used to be. Still, he throws that same cut fastball and hitters just can’t seem to figure it out still. At 40 years and with rumors of retirement, his keeper value is fading fast, but there’s no way I’m picking anyone over him. A champion in every sense of the word.
Jose Valverde, DET — Some thougt the move from the NL to the AL would affect his ratios, but with the help of the canyon-like dimensions of Commerica Park, Valverde is on his way towards one of the best years of his career. He’s got 19 saves right now with only one blown opportunity, and is sporting a spectacular 0.92 ERA and a 0.82 WHIP. The Tigers will be playing competitive ball the rest of the year, so expect Valverde to continue with his little dream season.
Carlos Marmol, CHC — I’ll admit it. I was a Marmol doubter for a while as I always ageed with Lou Pinella that he was a better 8th inning guy than he would be in the ninth. But he has done more than an admirable job for the miserable Cubs. His saves total of 16 isn’t the best in the NL and his 2.16 ERA and 1.22 WHIP could stand some improvement, but have you seen those strikeout totals? 78 Ks in just under 42 innings of work? Ridiculous. Just insane. There are many closers in the past 5 years to notch 100 Ks in a season and Marmol should probably eclipse that number by season’s end.
Heath Bell, SD — Despite the perpetual rumors that the Padres coul ddeal him at any time, Bell has remained rock solid out of the pen. He’s notched 24 saves in the first half, thanks to a 1.88 ERA, 50 Ks in just 38 1/3 innings and the Padres sudden ability to consistently win, and while the team will likely regress, Bell should continue to get the opportunities…provided he doesn’t get dealt. There are any super current rumors circulating right now, bu tyou have to be wary of a trade and possible move to a set up role.
So there you go folks — your 2010 First Half Fantasy Baseball Heroes. Some will continue while others will not, but if your roster is adorned with some of these names, you’re probably doing pretty damn well in your leaue right now. Nothing like savvy GM-ship, huh? Keep the momentum going into the second half by checking out my 2010 Fantasy Baseball Second Half Sleepers and good luck the rest of the way!
For the best in free fantasy baseball advice, tips, strategies, free agent waiver wire suggestions, and analysis, stick with The Fantasy Baseball Buzz and I’ll have you at the top of your standings in no time. And, as always, for all questions, thoughts and/or comments related to the baseball fantasy world or not, you can reach me through the comments section below or at rotobuzzguy@gmail.com.
Good luck and I’ll see you all in the money this year!
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{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Pagan is the starter. Francoeur getting benched. Don’t mess with my mets!