When the All-Star game was played last week only 41 batters ran across the freshly chalked foul lines. For those who didn’t get an invite, some were at home spending time with their families. Some spent time with their buddies tossing a few back. Some relaxed. And some were working on their game in hopes to stay in the show and not find themselves in their affiliates farm system.
The latter won’t be the case for any of the following players but you can expect them to improve their games or continue playing at an improved level as if they were. Some have battled injuries and others have battled themselves, but for the most part, you should expect these players to have a second half that would deem themselves worthy of a second half All-Star team … if that were a thing.
Fantasy baseball pitchers who will finish the 2014 season strong
Dustin Pedroia, Bos 2B
The former MVP is one of the few to remain in Boston after the dust has settled, and for good reason. He’s the epitome of consistency given his career average of .300, 529 total RBI and 700 total runs. And in a league with few great second baseman, he’s a good guy to have on your squad at this point in the season.
Pedroia opened up the second half of the season with a .333 average in the first two weeks of July after struggling to hit above his career average during the season. So far this season he’s hit .271 with 49 runs and 37 RBI. Unfortunately for those looking for home runs, he hasn’t been that guy with just four this season. However, if he can continue to hit at the pace we’re all used to seeing, improved power should be on the horizon given his surprisingly young age of 30.
Carlos Gonzalez, Col OF
I’m not Car-Go-ing out on a limb with this pick. He’s been an all-star the last two years and after just 60 games this season, I wouldn’t expect the the former MVP nominee (2010) to continue playing at the .250 (BA) and .301 (OBP) pace that he has this season. We’re accustomed to seeing his average loitering around .300 with a slugging percentage above .500 as he’s done that every year except his rookie season in Oakland (2008).
Before Tulo was placed on the DL, I urged his owners to trade the best shortstop in the league(hyperlink last article..can’t do it on the iPad) given Tulo’s unwavering consistency in the health department for someone who you could trust. Gonzalez is much more in line with someone you could trust if you’re looking to make a move. With around 60 games left in the season, I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw Gonzalez back at the .300 batting average and .500 slugging percentage we’ve grown accustomed to see.
Billy Hamilton, Cin OF
He’s figured it out. It took him some time to get acclimated to the major league level but he’s looking more and more like the player many thought he would be. Hamilton is no Rickey Henderson currently, but his numbers aren’t too far off from the base path’s most wanted.
The 23-year-old centerfielder makes us other 23-year-old’s not feel so accomplished given his 100 hits in 96 games (.281 BA), 49 runs, 40 RBI and 40 steals. His name wasn’t called during the All-Star game but he makes a case as solid as the ground that he covers on a daily basis.
Justin Upton, Atl OF
Through 95 games this season Upton has improved his batting average from .263 to .282 and is just 13 RBI and 5 doubles short of last year’s numbers. He’s quietly having the best season of his career and little has been said about the former No. 1 pick in the 2005 amateur draft.
Slated as the No. 4 outfielder in some leagues, Upton has not only come close to his numbers in year one in Atlanta, but is on pace to surpass or match all major offensive statistics. Upton has 18 homers, 52 runs, 57 RBI, 22 doubles and 7 steals; numbers that are better than Yasiel Puig, Robinson Cano, Josh Harrison and a handful of other 2014 All-Star’s.
If you haven’t already, make sure to checkout our list of second half star pitchers.
