The Second Half

By Ryan Wendland on Wednesday, 22nd July 2009

Post All-Star Break Bad Hair Day - Here are some players I expect to have a rough second half in comparison to pre All-Star break statistics.

Brandon Inge 3B, C (DET)- “No way Jose”! I have been stunned by the first half of him, but I anticipate no more than 5 bombs (homers) the rest of the way. Pitchers are going to catch up with his strategy.

Mark Buerhle SP (CHW)- I don’t think he will be a bust, but don’t expect him to reach the 15 win plateau for the season. Expect some bumps in the road and some awful starts on the horizon.

Aaron Hill MI (TOR) - This was out of nowhere way more than Inge. Inge has at least hit 25+ bombs in the past. So, Inge continued here. I say no more than 5 bombs the rest of the way. Expect all his numbers to drop!

Raul Ibanez OF (PHIL) - Now, he could still have a productive second half, and this guy surprises me as it is. Just don’t hope for a repeat in production post All-Star break.

Paul Konerko 1B (CHW) - Whoever got him has been happy so far! He’s playing like he did 4 or 5 years ago. However, I’m not buying it post All-Star break. I figure for him to drop off significantly from here on out.

Edwin Jackson SP (DET) - Lights out so far! Don’t expect him to completely bomb, but expect his ERA to rise between 1-1.5 runs from here on out. That will mean a higher WHIP, and less wins too. There’s just no way he can keep this up.

Matt Capps RP (PITT) - Likely to get traded and end up in a set-up role! Otherwise, forget I said this because he could have a better post All-Star season.

Post All-Star Break Treasure Chest - Here are some players I think will turn their poor season around.

Johnny Peralta MI, CI (CLV) - Big-time under performer so far! He’s still a good player, and has to break out sooner or later; and have a big month. He could even hit 14 or more homers from here on out. Trade for him if you can trade in your league!

Ryan Doumit C (PITT) - He had the injury that put him out for most of the first half. However, if he stays healthy, then expect 10+ bombs and good other categorical stats for the remainder.

Most Washington players - This team is bad, and yes their pretty bad; but are they this bad? No way! Some of their young pitchers will bloom down the stretch, and their offense is not all that bad. Dunn and company will get mad; score; and win some games here.

Joakim Soria RP (KC) - Okay, I have him in one league. Now, hiss stats are good except for saves. The Royals have to start winning some games eventually. They’ll get on a good roll here, and Soria will push up his saves in the process.

Russell Martin C (LAD) - Can’t get much worse from an offensive standpoint. The hot summer in LA is going to heat him up down the stretch. You won’t be complaining come the end of September.

Jorge De La Rosa SP (COL) - Although he’s near his yearly averages, the Rox are a good team this year. We consider he will get on a roll with that big offense behind him. He already has solid strikeout and win totals thus far. Perhaps, the ERA and WHIP will follow.

Scott Baker SP (MIN) - The Twins are a good team, and they have not played up to par as of yet. Baker definitely has the repertoire to pitch at a level as one of the top 10 pitchers in the game. I forecast a big post All-Star break run that will drop his ERA into the mid 3’s by year’s end.

Tags: all star break, Fantasy Baseball

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Ryan Wendland

Ryan has been playing fantasy sports for over 15 years. He's mostly been involved in fantasy football, but also participates in some fantasy baseball and basketball too. Like many Ryan started playing in leagues with friends, and has graduated to high stakes leagues such as Fantasy VIP's and WCOFF where he's continued to have success. Ryan is a featured writer for the Fantasy Sports Group covering both baseball and football.