While it’s always good to look ahead, it’s still impossible to predict exactly how the future will turn out.
Take, for instance, Jacob deGrom. He was never high on the list of the Mets’ highly-touted arms like Noah Syndergaard, Zack Wheeler or Rafael Montero, but, as of late, the Amazin’s rookie certainly has been pitching as if he were. And fantasy owners are starting to take notice — he was the most added starting pitcher in ESPN leagues this week — and rightfully so as we embark on the second half of the season.
After being the hard-luck loser in many of his first seven starts (0-4, 4.39 ERA, .268 opponents batting average), the 26-year-old’s last five starts before the All-Star break were impressive. Over that span, deGrom was 3-1 with a 1.65 ERA and 38 strikeouts and a .237 opponents batting average.
DeGrom has his downside (a 1.33 WHIP to go along with 3.4 walks per nine innings), and he will run into trouble from time to time, but he’s on a team that suddenly is very exciting — and he’s a big part of the reason. He’s still available in 68 percent of ESPN leagues and Roto Files believes he will help any squad going forward.
While Roto Files’ crystal ball is predicting big things for deGrom, let’s see what it has in store for others in the second half:
Nelson Cruz, OF, Orioles: Cruz (.287, 28 homers, 74 RBIs, .923 OPS) has already equaled or exceeded his career averages for a full season in almost every category in the first half. Roto Files’ first-half AL MVP will not slow down. He’s out to prove something (and make every team — MLB and fantasy alike — look silly for not taking a chance on him after his performance-enhancing drug scandal).
Eric Hosmer, 1B, Royals: There’s no denying it was a disappointing first half for Hosmer owners (.268, six homer, 42 RBIs, .697 OPS), but that doesn’t mean he won’t turn it around. In the 13 games he played this month prior to the break, Hosmer was hitting .426 with two homers, seven RBIs and a 1.16 OPS. Look for him to wake up for the second half.
Cole Hamels, SP, Phillies: A pitcher with 106 strikeouts, a 2.93 ERA and 1.21 WHIP should have more than just three wins. The left-hander will continue to do his thing and won’t hurt your team in the process, but wins might be hard to come by (unless he’s traded to a contender).
Brian McCann, C, Yankees: In 11 games before the All-Star break, McCann’s bat was starting to heat up as he was hitting .357 with a homer and three RBIs. He’ll be more reliable in the second half.
Hiroki Kuroda, SP, Yankees: No pressure on Kuroda with CC Sabathia, Ivan Nova and potentially Masahiro Tanaka being done for the year, right? Oh yeah, there’s Michael Pine … never mind. Expect more of the same from Kuroda — a good start here, a bad start there en route to a double-digit wins and losses and an ERA above 4.00 (like it is now).
Jeff Samardzija, SP, A’s: It may take some time for the 29-year-old to get used to winning and playing for a contender, but it’ll grow on him. Roto Files believes he will be one of the better pitchers going forward.
Matt Cain, SP, Giants: Two wins in 15 tries? Cain’s not able. Jay Bruce, OF, Reds: Bruce was awesome in the first-half of 2013 and not so great after the break. Roto Files’ first-half NL LVP could reverse that trend and follow his awful first-half with an amazing second act this year.
Derek Jeter, SS, Yankees: Unless every pitcher decides to groove (or should we just call it “Wainwrighting”?) their pitches to the 40-year-old shortstop, Jeter’s fantasy value (owned in just 33 percent of ESPN leagues) will continue to be minimal. Unfortunately, giving Jeter a sentimental add to your roster during the final lap of his legendary career won’t help you earn the fantasy crown.
Kolten Wong, 2B, Cardinals: Since returning from the disabled list (shoulder) on July 6, Wong was hitting .321 with five homers, eight RBIs, three stolen bases (12 for the season) and a 1.28 OPS. The recent power surge isn’t likely to continue, but the 23-year-old can offer help at a position lacking depth.
Mark Buehrle, SP, Blue Jays: The old Buerhle seems to be rearing his ugly head. After winning 10 of his first 12 decisions, the lefty has gone 0-5 with a 3.60 ERA over his last seven starts. His last win came on June 1, so don’t expect another 10 wins in the second half.
Justin Morneau, 1B, Rockies: Touted as a sleeper pick by Roto Files during preseason, the 33-year-old first baseman has performed much like the 28-year-old version did in 2009. As long as he stays healthy, his numbers will, too.
Travis d’Arnaud, C, Mets: In 39 games before being demoted to Triple-A, d’Arnaud hit .180 with three homers, nine RBIs and a .544 OPS. In the 16 games since his return, before Friday night, the rookie catcher was hitting .295 with three homers 10 RBIs and a .863 OPS. He’s available in 95 percent of ESPN leagues, but shouldn’t be for long.
Lonnie Chisenhall, 3B, Indians: Remember that game when he had three homers and nine RBIs? Well, that’s the last thing anyone remembers about him as he hit .238 with two homers, eight RBIs and a .693 OPS in 28 games since. Don’t expect the breakout-like numbers the rest of the way.
Lucas Duda, 1B, Mets: Ike who? While Ike Davis (.237, four homers, 23 RBIs, .693 OPS) continues to struggle outside of Citi Field, Duda (still unowned in 46 percent of ESPN leagues) has made himself a viable option at first base. Expecting a repeat of his first half is not out of the question.
Fantasy Team Name of the Week: Swing Vogt