Second Half Players to Watch
Every year there’s a select group of players that have a great second half. These are the players that can be the difference between you winning your league or finishing in the middle of the pack and having to listen to “Johnny I Didn’t Even Watch a Game” brag about how he beat you.
Some players tend to warm up when the weather does, and others had such poor first half’s that I can’t see a repeat in the second half. So let’s go around the horn and look at who I think will turn things around post All Star break.
Catcher - Dioner Navarro
Sure he was an All-star and hit .310 in the first half, but I think he could have an even bigger second half. He definitely is capable of hitting more than 4 homeruns, and he hasn’t reached his full potential yet. He only struckout 27 times times before the break, that shows what kind of hand-eye coordination he has. Look for his average to slip a little after the break and for his power numbers to increase. Also the Rays look to have something to play for this year all the way through September. Combine that with an alarmingly good young lineup and you got a recipe for a solid second half. And let’s be honest, the options at catcher are awfully limited yet again.
First Base - Paul Konerko
A notoriously undervalued fantasy player, that is now acting like his value was. Konerko generally does better in the second half, and with a average of .217 and 9 HR he really only has one way to go! Konerko is 32, which isn’t young, but he shouldn’t even be out of his prime yet; which in general is from 27-32. He’s hit 30+ HR for each of the last four seasons. I don’t think he can get there with the amount of games he has left, but if he gets anywhere close, he will be worth a look. Don’t be surprised if he ends up with 20-25, which would give you a surprising amount of production
Second Base - Robinson Cano
Much like the Yankees, Cano had a very disappointing first half. It’s tough to imagine that a guy who once finished a season at .342 could ever bat .246 for a half. You might be able to swallow a lower average, if he was developing more power, but that seems to have disappeared as well. It was a very similar story last year, although maybe not quite as bad. Check out these stats from the ‘07 first and second half. Cano in the first half hit .274, 6 HR, 40 RBI and in the second half hit .343, 13 HR, 57 RBI. I’m not sure why he can’t hit April through June, but all you need to know is that he figures it out in August and September. Grab him at a discount, now.
Third Base - Miguel Cabrera
I will say it once again; Miguel Cabrera will finish with 30 and 100 yet again. Or at the very least, I’ll keep saying it, till I believe it. Miggy has already started to turn things around, just like the Tigers offense. If you take a look at his track record, you’ll notice just how consistent this guy has been. Sure he may eat too many twinkies, and may not frequent the gym enough, but he can flat-out rake. Look for a really good second half, that will place his numbers right where you’d expect.
Shortstop - Troy Tulowitzky
It would not shock me at all to see the Rockies find their way back into the race in the embarrassing NL West. If they do, Tulo would be a big part of that. The ubber-talented second year shortstop has been plagued by injuries this year, but he should be back shortly after the break. When he comes back, I fully expect him to start driving the ball all over the field like he did last year. And although you don’t get any fantasy points for it, this guy has the best arm in the league from shortstop. With the injuries and a .166 average, you should be able to get him at a discount. With the dramatic drop off after the top tier of Reyes, Ramirez and Rollins, Tulo is well worth the second half gamble.
Left Field - Andre Ethier
The Dodgers left fielder is poised to have his best year as a pro. With Juan Pierre on the shelf, Ethier is getting more consistent AB’s and is beginning to reward Joe Torre with better numbers. Look for Ethier to take the next step in his development in the second half. He is not a top tier left fielder yet, but he is certainly a nice option in that next group.
Center Field - Curtis Granderson
Granderson got off to a slow start this year, mostly because he missed most of April with a finger injury. His numbers are coming around, and will be very good by the end of the year. He is one of those rare guys who can hit for power and has speed. It’s shocking that he only has 6 steals a the break. I’m expecting big things from the Tigers electric leadoff man in the second half. Don’t be caught off guard if he finishes 20/20 for the second straight year.
Right Field - Nick Markakis
Markakis, is not off to a bad start, but I still think he has more upside. I also think he is a bit of a secret in many leagues. Nick has got the swing and plate discipline to become one of the best hitters in the game. Look for his average to creep above .300 and for his power to continue to develop. If someone in your league doesn’t know yet just how good this guy can be, see if you can swing a deal before they figure it out.
Starting Pitcher - Justin Verlander
Verlander has won his last 5 decisions and is starting to look like the pitcher he was the last 2 years. He has dominating stuff, that includes an upper 90’s fastball, so you knew he couldn’t be as bad as he was the first half. He has tremendous poise and is on a great offensive team; look for the turn around to continue after the break.
Closer - BJ Ryan
It usually takes players 18 months or more to fully recover from Tommy John surgery, but BJ Ryan seems to have gotten over the surgery quicker than most. That being said, you should be careful moving forward with him. He has an injury history and a herky jerky windup. If he remains healthy through the second half, he’s more than capable of being a top 5 closer once again. I’m guessing the elbow will hold up and he will be worth the risk.
That’s my second half team to watch. Who do you think will have a big second half? Drop me a comment using the form below.
