It’s hard to believe the baseball season is already half in the bag. It feels like it just began.
But, with the All-Star game getting closer and closer, it’s time to take a look at the best and worst performers of the season’s first half. Here’s a look at the first-half award-winners in the National League:
MVP
While Troy Tulowitzki has put up some ridiculous numbers (.350, 18 homers, 47 RBIs, one stolen base, 1.049 OPS) and is worthy of the award. Giancarlo Stanton gets the nod because of his homers (21), RBIs (61), stolen bases (eight), stellar batting average (.313 — he’s a career .273 hitter) and .991 OPS.
LVP
A player like B.J. Upton was the perfect choice last season. Unfortunately, he’s disqualified this year since no one really expected much from him. But, people did expect a lot from Jay Bruce, especially after he finished 10th in MVP voting last season. The Reds outfielder missed a bunch of games this season due to injury, but as the player taken as the 13th best outfielder (and 33rd player taken overall), a .234 average to go with seven homers and 31 RBIs are a far cry from what was expected.
Top pitcher
Tight race, but Clayton Kershaw edges out Adam Wainwright. Why? While Wainwright has been dominant with his 11-4 record, 1.89 ERA, 0.90 WHIP and 106 strikeouts over 124 innings, Kershaw has been just as dominant in five fewer games. The Dodgers lefty had pitched just 79 ¹/₃ innings before his start Friday, going 9-2 with a 2.04 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 107 strikeouts (and a no-hitter). He’s a machine, having won his last six starts and seven of his last eight.
Son of a pitch!
Francisco Liriano won 16 games as one of last season’s biggest fantasy surprises. This year, however, the Pirates lefty didn’t earn his first victory until his 12th start and is now trying to return from injury to make a start before the break.
Best utility player
Roto Files has recommended Casey McGehee over and over again, and with a .311 batting average, 50 RBIs and a respectable .766 OPS, those recommendations will continue.
Bargain bin
Originally, Alfredo Simon was supposed to make a few starts until Mat Latos returned to Cincinnati’s rotation. However, after making 16 starts, the reliever turned rotation staple is 10-3 with a 2.81 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 64 strikeouts, making him one of the best pickups of the first half.
Big relief
Francisco Rodriguez wasn’t even the Brewers’ closer at the beginning of the season, but 27 saves (just three blown saves) later, the former Mets closer is not only leading the league in saves, he’s sporting a 2.34 ERA and sterling .874 WHIP.
Party like it’s 2009
Roto Files said Justin Morneau would be great sleeper pick this season, and the Rockies first baseman has not disappointed. The 2006 AL MVP is hitting .318 with 13 homers, 59 RBIs, a .874 OPS and “I Gotta Feeling” (2009’s hottest song by the Black Eyed Peas, according to Z100) it’s going to continue.
Still overrated
Every year, there’s one fantasy owner who makes this statement: “This is Jason Heyward’s year, just you wait.” Well, it’s July and we’re still waiting.
Biggest surprise
Charlie Blackmon’s average draft position, according to Fantasypros.com, was 409.0. He was the 114th ranked outfielder and 461st ranked player headed into the season. Now, he’s a solid fantasy option, hitting .296 for the Rockies with 12 homers, 46 RBIs, 15 stolen bases and a .806 OPS.
Hey, June
It may be impossible to find a pitcher hotter than Jake Arrieta. In six starts last month, the Cubs righty, who almost no-hit the Red Sox last week, went 4-0 with a 0.92 ERA, 48 strikeouts and a .157 opponents batting average. He has become fantasy gold (and somehow, he’s still not owned in 100 percent of ESPN fantasy leagues).
Fast & furious
It’s not even the All-Star break yet and Dee Gordon has already hit career highs in almost every statistical category, including stolen bases (40), which is the main reason he is owned in 100 percent of ESPN leagues, and OPS (.760).
Comeback
Last year, Starlin Castro had fantasy owners waving the white flag, wondering what the heck happened to the Cubs shortstop. This season, Castro has rebounded big time, sporting a .288 batting average, 11 homers and 48 RBIs (all better than his 2013 totals).
Rookie letdown
Being that Gregory Polanco just arrived to The Show and Billy Hamilton is underwhelming as the top rookie, Roto Files won’t hand out a Rookie of the Year award. However, Travis d’Arnaud (.203, four homers, 13 RBIs, .594 OPS), despite not being drafted by many and being owned in just 1.8 percent of ESPN leagues, deserves to credit for the most disappointing rookie campaign.
Second to none
At a position that tends to lack pop, Washington’s Anthony Rendon has quietly had a breakout season for fantasy owners. Before Friday’s games, Rendon was hitting .280 with 12 homers, 48 RBIs, seven stolen bases and a .815 OPS.
Adam Dunn award
Ryan Howard (14 homers, .235 batting average) beats out Ian Desmond (15 homers, .236 batting average) because Howard struck out twice more than Desmond (104-102) heading into Friday’s games. Also in the running: Chris Carter (13 homers, .182 batting average), but even Dunn has a higher batting average.
Fantasy team name of the week
Braun on the 4th of July.