What is Wrong with Adam Dunn?

Chris McBrien is a baseball writer for numerous websites and may be found at Dear Mr. Fantasy. He may also be followed on Twitter @cmcbrien.

Coming into the 2011 season, there was arguably no more consistent a player in all of major league baseball than Adam Dunn. When it comes to fantasy baseball, there is perhaps nothing more treasured to owners than a player that provides constant and consistent numbers, year after year. In a game where player statistics can veer wildly from one extreme to another, fantasy baseball owners often appreciate the opportunity to take a break from rampant speculation and go with a sure thing. And there was no more of a sure thing than Adam Dunn as fantasy owners approached the draft table this year.

After hitting exactly 40 home runs each season from 2004 to 2008, Dunn then cranked out exactly 38 home runs in each of his next 2 seasons. Changing teams and home ballparks had no effect on his production as he left Cincinnati’s Great American Ballpark (a great home run hitter’s park) for Arizona’s Chase Field (a good home run hitter’s park) before playing his home games at the more spacious Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. With 81 home games looming at home run hitter’s paradise, Chicago’s U.S. Cellular Field, it looked like Dunn was going to easily repeat with another 40 home run season.

Also, having signed to be the White Sox designated hitter meant no more patrolling the outfield for Dunn, meaning he could concentrate solely on offense. This shaped up to be a perfect situation as Dunn certainly brought a prodigious amount of offense to the game (and precious little defence). In the modern “Moneyball” statistical era, hitters like Dunn are the highest commodity possible. Dunn’s prodigious walk totals, extra base power and lack of speed make him the ideal player for the strategic model put forth in Michael Lewis’ book.

As of July 22, Dunn has hit a grand total of 9 home runs to put him in a tie for 50th in the American League in that statistical category. His 36 RBI rank 61st in the Junior Circuit. Dunn has never been one to produce an impressive batting average throughout his career, but a slash line of .163/.291/.301 is an abysmal offensive output by anyone’s standards. Consider his league-leading 125 strikeouts and you are looking at a season of epic proportions…. literally. The all-time worst batting average (among those with enough at bats to qualify) is Rob Deer, who hit a paltry .179 in 1991. Dunn would need to hit .210 the rest of the way to avoid Deer’s record. That doesn’t seem like much unless you consider the fact that it means he will need to achieve a whopping 47 point increase in his current average. The all-time American League record for strikeouts in a season is 197 (set by Jack Cust in 2008). Dunn is currently on pace to eclipse that record as well with a projected 205 Ks.

So where did it all go wrong? Some have suggested that becoming a full time DH has caused Dunn to falter at the plate. Never one to be confused with Willie Mays in the outfield, it is hard to believe Dunn has let his lack of playing in the field affect him so markedly. Others may point to the fact that the steroid era has led many to believe that a player who experiences a precipitous drop in power stats must have recently stopped taking steroids. There is also the fact that players decline as they age and some drop off astoundingly quickly (Dale Murphy comes to mind).

Regardless of the reason for his stunning collapse, Dunn is in the midst of a historic season. Whether or not he ends up setting records for most strikeouts, worst batting average or worst slugging percentage is yet to be seen. The one thing that is certain is that Dunn holds the record for most fantasy baseball seasons decimated by a single player. Just ask his owners.

Japanese Baseball Player Slams Face First into Wall to Make Diving Catch (video)

This is one hell of a catch. Very impressive stuff.

Follow Matt on Twitter and Facebook for all his baseball and Fantasy sports updates! For every update here at The Dugout Doctors, follow our official Twitter account @DugoutDoctors.

Interview with Boston Red Sox Prospect Miguel Pena

Andrew Martin appreciates and writes about all aspects of baseball and its history at his blog, The Baseball Historian. You can also follow him on Twitter at @RedSoxFanNum1.

For some people the third time is the charm. Let’s hope that is the case for Miguel Pena, a farmhand of the Boston Red Sox, currently playing with the Lowell Spinners. Pena, a left-handed pitcher, finally signed with the Red Sox after being drafted for the third time in his young life.

Pena was first drafted in 2009, right out of high school, when he was chosen in the 5th round by the Washington Nationals. He bypassed signing in order to attend San Jacinto Junior College. He made that look like a great decision after he went 14-2 with a 2.51 ERA in his freshman year. Such a great collegiate debut led to the San Diego Padres picking him in the 13th round in 2010. Reportedly turning down a six figure signing bonus, Pena opted to return to San Jacinto for his sophomore season, where he had an another excellent showing, going 13-3 with a 1.98 ERA, and earning a First Team All-American nod.

The Red Sox, a team in my biased opinion, with a sharp eye for talent, chose Pena in the 6th round of this year’s draft. This time around, Pena decided he was ready to start his professional career. Signing shortly after the draft for a reported $85,000 bonus, he was assigned to the Lowell Spinners, the Rookie League, low-A level team for Boston.

Although Lowell’s season just started, Pena looks to have a great learning experience in front of him. The Lowell coaching staff is composed of all former Major League veterans in Carlos Febles, Rich Gedman, and pitching coach Paul Abbott. As a high draft choice, the tools are obviously there, and with the type of experience his coaches bring, Pena has a great opportunity the rest of this summer.

Most scouts rave about a player’s speed or how their other physical tools rate on the baseball scouts’ “20-70 scale.” I have never seen Pena pitch, but I was able to witness one very import tool that not all players can claim. When it comes to personality, manners, and friendliness, Pena is a 70 at the least. In my time attending games and chatting with players, it is rare to come across a player of Pena’s make-up. While I am sure his physical abilities will take him far in baseball, his personable nature will be of great benefit to him both on and off the baseball diamond. I can say that I am now a fan and wish him the best. Now I just need to see him pitch a game.

Miguel Pena Interview

How did you first become interested in baseball?
It started off with my Mom. We had an open field in the back yard. I have two older brothers, and their friends and them would get back there and start playing ball. I was only two years old. My brothers would hate it when my Mom would play because every time she’d play I would always run along beside her. Ever since then I fell in love with the game and I started off from there. So pretty much from the age of two.

Did you have a favorite player or team growing up?
Favorite player growing up I would say Randy Johnson. I would always look up to him because he was a big tall lefty like I was. I’m actually ambidextrous. I was a righty up until the age of nine. I finally got a glove to throw with my left hand. As far as a team, I never really had a favorite team up until 2004 when the Red Sox finally got over that drought; so I would say the Red Sox.

What pitches do you throw?
I have four pitches. I have a fastball, changeup, slider, and a curveball.

If everything goes as planned, when do you hope to hit the Majors?
Hopefully in three or four years, but no one can tell. It depends how you progress in the system. Outside of professional baseball, my goal was always to get there from three to five years.

Who do you model your game after?
I have a friend that plays for the Cardinals. His name is Jaime Garcia. I don’t follow after him, but I mean I did work with him for a day, a whole day, about just pitching mechanics and all the good stuff you know? But there’s a bunch of good lefty pitchers out there that I try to follow. For example, Lester from the Boston Red Sox, Jaime Garcia, Zito, Barry Zito. Just all those high profile pitchers. That’s pretty much about it.

Interview with Baltimore Orioles Prospect Matt Hobgood

Andrew Martin appreciates and writes about all aspects of baseball and its history at his blog, The Baseball Historian. You can also follow him on Twitter at @RedSoxFanNum1.

When it comes to judging baseball prospects, evaluators can be tough. Patience goes only so far, and players who have been identified in the upper echelon are expected to produce immediately. You can’t blame teams for being impatient. In today’s game, top prospects earn into the millions of dollars for signing bonuses, and their teams want to see those investments pay off.

Right handed pitcher Matt Hobgood was taken as the 5th overall selection in the 2009 draft by the Baltimore Orioles. He was a high school phenom, setting 14 baseball records at Norco High School in southern California. Although he was the best power hitter his school district has ever seen, he showed even more promise on the mound, with a fastball in the 90’s and a sharp curveball. During his junior and senior seasons, Matt hit 40 home runs and went 21-1 as a pitcher. He was the 2009 Gatorade National Player of the Year as a senior, going 11-1 with a 0.92 ERA. The pitching-poor Orioles jumped on the chance to grab him in the draft, passing on the likes of Mike Leake, Drew Storen, and Aaron Crow.

As somebody who follows minor league baseball with a great deal of interest, I have seen that there have been a lot of critics who have jumped on Matt because he has not raced out of the gate to start his professional career. Coming into 2011 he has gone 4-9 with a 4.48 ERA in 29 starts. He was plagued with injuries to start this season and is just getting back to pitching in games. Because of this, he has fallen off the prospect radar a bit compared to others from his draft class.

I got into a good natured back and forth with Matt on Twitter this past week about the recent brawl between the Red Sox and the Orioles. I was pleased to find out shortly thereafter that he would be coming to Vermont as part of an injury rehab with the Aberdeen Ironbirds. He went 4 innings in the game I was able to see him pitch, giving up three runs and striking out three. He wasn’t dominating, but it did appear that the opposing team had a very difficult time with his curveball, as evidenced by the number of buckled knees. Later in the series, he graciously agreed to speak with me and I was finally able to meet him.

It will be interesting to see how Matt does as he continues to traverse through the Baltimore system. Even though he has not exploded on to the scene, he is still just 20. If he is able to get healthy, he has every chance to make an impact at the Major League level. One thing that stood out to me was Matt’s size. Listed at 6-4 and 245 pounds, he seemed even larger than that. I am a big guy myself, yet felt small when I was standing next to him. He definitely has the build of a power pitcher. All that remains to be seen is if he can put everything together and push on to the next level.

Matt Hobgood Interview

How did you first become interested in baseball?
I grew up in Arizona, and we had a three car garage, and the third car was actually just a brick wall. One day I somehow found a ball, and I was out there throwing. I was homeschooled until eighth grade. As my Mom tells it, my Dad came in and says ‘looks like he can throw the ball a little bit. Maybe we should get him into baseball.’ I was about nine, so that’s when I first started playing. And now here I am playing pro baseball.

Did you have a favorite player or team growing up?
Growing up in Arizona, there’s the Diamondbacks obviously. I really liked Randy Johnson. I still like him, just because of the way he goes after hitters. He strikes fear into a lot of hitters, and that all started with his appearance against Krukkie, where he threw behind him. Just the way he goes after them. I don’t really have teams per se. I mean I went to Game 2 of the World Series in ’01 and that was pretty cool to see. Just the atmosphere of regular season baseball compared to playoff baseball, and at that time, World Series baseball.

You went number 5 overall in the 2009 draft. What was that process like? Is the Jerry Maguire portrayal of agents pretty accurate?
Yeah. I’ve had an agent, or an advisor, quote unquote, since junior year, and he really helped me out with that a lot. Leading up to the draft it was pretty exciting. They told me if Ackley was there they were going to take him, and if he wasn’t, and they were going to take me. And that was just about an hour before the draft, so when he went second, I was kind of hoping for what could be coming next. It was a dream come true and something I had been working for, for a long time. Now I am starting a new goal of trying to make the Majors.

What has been your biggest challenge thus far in professional baseball?
Probably just the schedule. Just everything; throwing, playing every day. In high school you throw once a week and get Saturday and Sunday off. Up here you play 142 games; well at least last year in Delmarva I did. The bus schedule… your sleeping schedule gets messed up. It’s not coming out an hour before the game like high school and just playing. There’s a lot more to it, but I’m having fun with it.

What’s the craziest thing you have seen since becoming a pro?
Um, I don’t know. I would have to think last year in Delmarva we had a couple of fights break out, but nothing real bizarre.

Jim Thome Shows Delmon Young the True Meaning of Shock and Awe

Jim Thome went yard for his 596th career home run on Sunday. But there was more to the story than that. The blast traveled 490 feet and brought the Twins’ fans at Target Field to their collective feet. While Thome watched the ball fly out into the stands, Delmon Young nearly crapped himself, as evidenced by the animated gif below. (The file size is quite large, so be patient.)

Or if you’d prefer, here’s news coverage and video from MLB.com

Follow Matt on Twitter and Facebook for all his baseball and Fantasy sports updates! For every update here at The Dugout Doctors, follow our official Twitter account @DugoutDoctors.

Interview with Former New York Yankees Prospect Danny Borrell

Andrew Martin appreciates and writes about all aspects of baseball and its history at his blog, The Baseball Historian. You can also follow him on Twitter at @RedSoxFanNum1.

There is a lot of pressure on baseball players who are chosen in the first few rounds of the draft. The expectations for them to succeed are much higher than other players, not only because they have typically signed for more money, but also because they have more name recognition. The stress of making it is not only to fulfill their personal expectations, but to also meet those of front office staff and fans who have identified them as part of the Major League team’s future.

Danny Borrell was drafted in the second round of the 2000 draft by the New York Yankees. Before that he was a talented enigma in college with Wake Forest, serving as a utility player. He pitched as a starter and reliever, played some first base, and also served as the team designated hitter. In 1999 he hit 20 home runs for the Demon Deacons, but also had some success on the mound. When New York drafted him, they believed that his future was on the pitching mound and had him retire his bat for good.

Because he had only limited experience, Borrell was a project when he started in the minors. However, he was so talented, that his potential was obvious. In 2002, just a few years after he was drafted, he posted a combined 13-5 record and 2.32 ERA between High A and Double A. His most impressive statistic was that he only allowed 5 home runs in 167 innings that year. The reluctance to allow home runs was something that actually lasted his entire career, as he only gave up a total 52 long balls in 675 innings.

Unfortunately, once Borrell reached the upper levels of the minor leagues and was within sniffing distance of the Big Leagues, injuries started to kick in. He continued pitching until 2008, but was never able to stay healthy enough to realize the great promise he had flashed. He came oh so close to pitching in the Major Leagues, but like many players, he never got the chance because he couldn’t stay healthy. He ended up going 39-35 with a 3.49 ERA over 9 minor league seasons. Here is a link to his career statistics at Baseball-Reference.com.

Although he did not pan out as a player, the Yankees never gave up on Borrell. He pitched his last two professional seasons with the Oakland A’s organization, but upon retiring, decided to get into coaching. The Yankees brought him back and are currently utilizing him as the pitching coach for the Staten Island Yankees. Recently I was able to speak to several pitchers on that staff, and they were all unanimous in agreeing about what a great influence Borrell has been on them in helping them develop as players, new to professional baseball. I love meeting guys like Borrell, who may not have had things work out the way he wanted, but ended up making something out of it anyways.

Danny Borrell Interview

How did you first become interested in baseball?
I think it was just a product of my Mom and Dad both being athletes growing up. They never pushed me into doing anything; it’s just one those where I was young and probably saw it on tv and just started doing it.

Did you have a favorite team and player growing up?
Chicago Cubs and Ryne Sandberg. I used to watch them all the time. That’s all we had. We had WGN in North Carolina, so I grew up watching the Cubs.

Was there any particular pitcher you modeled yourself after or did you mainly play as a hitter growing up?
Yeah, you know what, I did both growing up. But I think I was a little more successful as a hitter than a pitcher until I got to pro ball. I really didn’t model myself after anybody, I just liked watching it. I probably took little bits from everybody.

What pitches did you throw?
I was fast, curve, and change. But I was a big project I would venture to say. Coming out of college I wasn’t really a pitcher; more of a thrower. My pitching coaches at the time did a good job refining what I had.

When you signed after the draft, did you do anything special for you and your family?
Not really. I knew that money wouldn’t last too long. Obviously I was very fortunate to be a second rounder. I bought a little truck, but that was it.

If you could do anything differently from your playing career, what would that be?
Yeah, not get hurt. You know what, I wouldn’t change a thing. I think I went about it the right way. I think I worked hard, but I just got hurt a lot throughout my career. I spent most of my time rehabbing, the last five years and after a while it just got old. You know, physically, it wasn’t the issue. I just got tired of rehabbing.

Fantasy Baseball: Catchers for 2011 Second Half

Chris McBrien is a baseball writer for numerous websites and may be found at Dear Mr. Fantasy. He may also be followed on Twitter @cmcbrien.

One position that has often befuddled fantasy baseball owners is that of catcher. Usually, there are one or two elite options and the rest of the pack has often consisted of filler players that will hopefully provide a little pop, no speed and not destroy your overall team batting average too badly. Although there are still elite options at the position (no, not Joe Mauer), there are also a few catchers in the major leagues that are worth taking a flier on as well as a few to be cautious with entering the second half of the 2011 season. I recently looked at shortstops for the second half of 2011, now let’s consider some options at catcher.

Brian McCann (ATL)

McCann has proven himself as the class of his position. He entered the 2011 season with more HR and RBI than any catcher over the past 5 seasons. With vision problems corrected last year and a place in the middle of the Braves batting order, you can expect McCann to keep up his power pace. With .308-16-53 numbers so far in 2011 and considering that McCann has traditionally put up consistent numbers in both halves, the Braves catcher should easily continue lead the pack of catchers from a fantasy standpoint. If you can get him, do it. Then consider him serious ‘keeper material’ for the next several seasons as well.

Alex Avila (DET)

Avila seemed to come out of nowhere early in the 2011 season. However, after getting off to a quick start, Avila has faded recently. Never one to hit LHP, Tigers manager Jim Leyland will be looking to sit his young catcher a lot more in the second half, including more days off against RHP as well. Leyland recently stated, “Alex is going to need some time. You can take that to the bank. If we’re not careful, we’ll play Alex into the ground. He’s going to need some time.” This is not a player who will see an overabundance of playing time in the second half. If you have him, sell high. Fast.

Matt Wieters (BAL)

The much-hyped phenom has yet to live up to his advanced billing. He has provided some pop with 10 HR so far this season, but none have come with more than 1 man on base. Combined with the fact that he often hits in the lower part of the Orioles batting order, and his RBI numbers have suffered. An incredible defensive player, Wieters will most likely deliver a monster year yet. However, 2012 or 2013 are more likely candidates for the breakthrough season.

Wilson Ramos (WAS)

Blocked by Joe Mauer in Minnesota, moving to the Nationals in the Matt Capps trade was a perfect fit. Under the tutelage of Ivan Rodiguez, Ramos continues to display a canon for an arm and a knack for calling a good game. Better still for fantasy owners is his steady improvement at the plate. With virtually the same statistics as Wieters, Ramos will cost you a lot less in a trade than the Orioles backstop. If you need a little pop from your catcher, you would be well served to grab Ramos.

Russell Martin (NYY)

Trending downward for years now, Martin showed some life early in the 2011 season in a potent Yankees line up. One of Martin’s strengths was always his ability to deliver stolen bases from the catcher position. Although he has 7 SB on the season, he has stolen only 1 base since June 3rd and recent hip and knee injuries have limited his ability to run like he used to. The real value he brings to the Yanks is his ability to call a game (A.J. Burnett loves throwing to him) and block pitches in the dirt. These are admirable qualities indeed, but of absolutely no help for fantasy owners. With phenom hitting prospect Jesus Montero in the minors (and a possibility to be called up in September), Martin is not an appealing choice for the second half.

Kurt Suzuki (OAK)

Suzuki has been an appealing option at catcher the past several seasons due to the fact that he plays a lot of games behind the plate and has hit regularly in the middle of the Athletics batting order, thus producing good RBI numbers. Although he is hitting for the same amount of power this season, his batting average has plumbed depths exceeding his 2010 rate of .242. Hitting only .228 through mid-July, it seems that catching all of those games the past few years is taking its toll on Suzuki’s overall play. Consider the Oakland catcher as one to avoid in the second half as his number of days off are likely to increase.

Ramon Hernandez (CIN)

At a position where many fantasy owners hope to draft a player and hope he won’t hurt with his statistics, Hernandez can actually help out in batting average. A .297 hitter in 2010, he has hit at a .315 clip in 2011. Although he has been sharing time with Ryan Hanigan (and should continue to do so), Hernandez does offer a nice blend of batting average and some pop (10 HR so far). If you are looking for an inexpensive option at catcher who will help out rather than hurt your overall team stats, Hernandez is a pretty decent option and available on many waiver wires.

Take a minute to look a little closer at the catchers available in your fantasy baseball league and hopefully you will take some of the confusion out of this most unique fantasy position.

The Best (and Worst) 2011 Throwback Baseball Uniforms

Robbie is the author of The Baseblawg and you can follow her on Twitter @clarkbar213.

The Best!

Braves and Phillies – May 14

In honor of Civil Rights Weekend in Atlanta the teams brought out replicas of the Philadelphia Stars and Atlanta Black Crackers Negro Leagues uniforms.

Cubs and Red Sox – May 21

What’s not to love about these uniforms honoring the 1918 World Series? The Red Sox unis are completely white, except for their namesake red socks, and the Cubs’ logo makes them look more like “the Ubs.”

Padres and Nationals – June 11

The Padres celebrated their 75th anniversary by wearing replica uniforms of the inaugural 1936 Pacific Coast League San Diego Padres. These uniforms are clean, simple, and the striped high socks complete the nostalgic feel. (And the Nats’ old Senator unis aren’t so bad either.)

Tigers and White Sox – July 16

During the 17th Annual Negro Leagues Tribute Game the teams took the field in replicas of uniforms worn by the Detroit Stars and the Chicago American Giants. The white pinstripes set against the navy background on Chicago’s uniforms are especially striking.

The Worst!

Phillies – May 15

The day after donning the great Negro Leagues replicas the Phillies took the field in these gems. I’ll be the first to admit I’m not a fan of uniform styles from the 1970’s, but these unis are bad by any standards.

Angels – July 1

From 1961-1965 the Angels hats featured a silver halo on the top. This is a look that should have remained in the past.

Dodgers – Six dates during 2011 season

Ok, maybe it’s not the 1970’s styles that I’m against, because these 1940’s Brooklyn Dodgers uniforms are also pretty rough on the eyes. Dressing grown men head-to-toe in this shade of blue is just too much.

Fantasy Baseball: Third Basemen for 2011 Second Half

Chris McBrien is a baseball writer for numerous websites and may be found at Dear Mr. Fantasy. He may also be followed on Twitter @cmcbrien.

As the temperature heats up heading into the ‘dog days of summer’, fantasy baseball teams will be looking for players which will heat up at many positions as well. The ‘hot corner’ has been anything but ‘hot’ so far in the 2011 season, as many players have battled through injuries and cold streaks, leaving the third base position rather shallow so far this year. Not to worry, there are several options for your fantasy baseball team after the All Star break to consider. Recently, I looked at second base options for the second half of 2011. Now, let’s consider some fantasy baseball players to consider (and some to avoid) in filling your roster spot at third base the rest of the way in the 2011 season:

Ryan Zimmerman (WAS)

Heralded by many as the ‘class’ of the position entering the season, Zimmerman has disappointed so far in 2011. An abdominal injury held him out of most of the first half of the season and this type of injury doesn’t portend well for his power numbers in the second half. Still a defensive dynamo, Zimmerman may no longer be the elite third baseman many felt he was. Batting only .214 since his return from the DL in mid-June, and with only 4 HR on the season, you may be best served by looking elsewhere for help at the position in the second half.

Mark Reynolds (BAL)

The biggest knock against Reynolds has been his prodigious strikeout rates to go with a batting average that has often flirted with the Mendoza line. His .198 BA monstrosity from 2010 can be blamed partly on an injured hand. Although never one to challenge for a batting title, Reynolds did hit .299 in June and has hit at a .286 clip so far in July. The strikeouts are still there, but considering the fact that he has 20 HR on the season, Reynolds may be a real source for power in the second half.

Aramis Ramirez (CHC)

Health has been an issue with Ramirez recently, but he did hit well after the break in 2010, producing a slash line of .276/.321/.526. Playing for a contract in 2012, Ramirez could be in for a decent second half this year. With Carlos Pena heating up and protecting him in the Cubs’ batting order, Ramirez could be one to watch after the break. At 32, he’s not over-the-hill, but injuries are a concern. If you like to gamble, he just may be worth it.

Chase Headley (SD)

Never one to impress with monster numbers, Headley is once again putting together a decent season. Although not a source of power, with 8 SB and a .305 BA so far in 2011, Headley is a solid option at third base that will not hurt your fantasy numbers overall. If you are looking for steady (if unspectacular stats), Headley is a middle-of-the-order hitter and a relatively safe bet the rest of the way.

Ryan Roberts (ARI)

If you are looking to add some speed to your team from the third base position, Roberts is currently leading the pack with 13 SB. Add in 11 HR, and he has put up a decent first half, to be sure. He has lost some playing time to Sean Burroughs recently and has hit only .221 over the past month, but even from a pinch-hitting role, Roberts has delivered. When the dust settles after the second half, Roberts should regain his playing time and should contribute some steady numbers.

Pablo Sandoval (SF)

After getting off to a blazing start to the 2011 season, “Kung Fu Panda” was felled by a broken hamate bone in his right hand that caused him to spend some time on the DL. However, he did show up this season slimmed down by approximately 25 pounds which has re-established himself with both the Giants brass and fantasy owners alike. He is currently riding a 22-game hitting streak (only 4 behind Jack Clark’s team-record 26-game streak from 1978). No longer looking like he swallowed the Giants’ bullpen catcher, Sandoval is playing his way back to fantasy baseball relevance and should continue that surge in the second half of the season.

When looking at your options for third base in the second half of the 2011 season, there are several options. Since the position is relatively shallow, making the right move just might have you rounding the hot corner and ‘heading for home’ in the last few months of 2011.

Fantasy Baseball: Shortstops for 2011 Second Half

Chris McBrien is a baseball writer for numerous websites and may be found at Dear Mr. Fantasy. He may also be followed on Twitter @cmcbrien.

Are you wondering about your fantasy baseball options at the shortstop position for the second half of the 2011 season? If so, there are many options to consider. Some players are over-achieving, some are under-achieving and some are just noteworthy. I recently looked at Fantasy Baseball third basemen in the second half, now let’s consider some options for filling your shortstop position for the rest of 2011.

Asdrubal Cabrera (CLE)

Playing the game with gusto, Cabrera has really turned his game up a notch. He battled through an injury-plagued 2010 season in which he put up less-than-spectacular numbers but 2011 has been a different ballgame altogether. Free from injury, he has been nothing short of fantastic so far this season. He got off to a hot start before fading, but with HRs in back-to-back games after the All Star break, Cabrera is shaping up to be a tier 1 fantasy shortstop for the remainder of the season.

J.J. Hardy (BAL)

Injuries have cut into Hardy’s production the past 2 seasons and the first half of 2011 was no exception. Shortstops with pop in their bat are rare indeed and Hardy has hit 25 HR as recently as 2008, so he qualifies as a source of power from the SS position to be sure. When healthy in the first half, Hardy has delivered. Not a prototypical leadoff hitter, Hardy has hit well out of the #1 spot this season. With no speed and an uninspiring OBP, he may be the Orioles only option at present. If he drops to the middle of the order, his fantasy numbers could get even better.

Dee Gordon (LAD)

After showing some decent speed atop the Dodgers batting order, Gordon struggled in June. With Rafael Furcal back from injury, Gordon was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque to get regular playing time and work on his swing. However, with Furcal a possibility to be traded (or go down with injury again), Gordon could find himself the regular shortstop at some point in the second half of the season. Keep an eye on the Dodgers SS situation and consider adding Gordon if he gets recalled as he could offer some help in the stolen base department to your fantasy team.

Alexei Ramirez (CHW)

From May through August last season, there was no more valuable shortstop in the game than Ramirez. Particularly prized in AL-only leagues where there is such a dearth of talent at SS, Ramirez looks to be a stud in the second half of 2011. Although his steals are down, manager Ozzie Guillen should be looking to kick-start the White Sox running game in the second half, so expect Ramirez’ SB numbers to increase. His career lows in the 5×5 categories are .277-15-68 with 65 runs and 13 SB. You’ll take that kind of production from the SS position any time.

Elvis Andrus (TEX)

After wearing down in the second half of 2010, the Rangers have taken to giving Andrus a little more time off this season and it seems to be working. With 26 SB (second in the AL) and only having been caught 4 times, Andrus adds a lot to the Texas batting order. He has been working on his walk rate recently, trying to get on base more. He realizes the value he brings to the team on the base paths and should continue to be a great source of speed and runs for your fantasy line up in the second half. Keep in mind that Andrus is young (only 22 years old) and the best is yet to come.

Emilio Bonifacio (FLA)

ESPN’s Fantasy Focus podcast has a running bit called “Bona Fide or Bonifacio” where the hosts decide whether a player is good (“Bona Fide”) or bad (“Bonifacio”). Although not bona fide, Bonifacio has been pretty darn good this year. Finally sticking as an everyday big leaguer, he has found a home at the top of the Marlins batting order. He could be a nice source of speed for your fantasy roster in the second half of 2011. His eligibility at multiple positions only adds to his value.

Whether you are looking for power, speed, average or runs scored, there are many options at the shortstop position to consider. Good luck in the second half and make sure to keep a close eye on the ‘short list’ at the position.

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