Read Wednesday’s Post…
The Case for Nick Markakis
What vehicle typifies Nick Markakis? Since Nick is a powerful throwback player, we see him in a muscle car vehicle similar to the original Fast & Furious car, which we believe was a 1970 Dodge Charger. He even resembles Vin Diesel a bit when he shaves his head!
Yes, Nick Markakis is having himself another solid season; however, we aren’t seeing a continued rise in his development. Is he going to be a career .300 hitter with 20 HR power and nice RBI contribution? While this isn’t something that fantasy owners would turn their nose up at, could he ever develop into a 30/30 type hitter that some deemed him prior to the 2008 season? Perhaps, but thus far, he hasn’t taken the strides to appear that he will be able to do so.
The 26-year old lefty’s numbers are nothing to sniff at, currently hitting over .290 with eight long balls and 45 RBI’s. His speed hasn’t been used effectively after topping out at 18 swipes in ’07; Nick dropped to 10 last year and has only two thus far after 70 games.
Markakis is still somewhat the focal point of the O’s offensive attack; however, with the surge of Adam Jones’ development along with the continued steady performance of Brian Roberts and the often under-valued Aubrey Huff, the pressure has been lightened to become the next great O-Bird. I don’t necessarily feel as if this is the ceiling for Nick the Greek (er…the half-Greek that is) and I truly expect him to have a second half surge that will raise the expectations and energize the confidence in his progress.
A glaring stat to be critical of on Markakis, would have to be his inability to start a rally. His BA without runners on is a paltry .268 and gets even worse when there is an out dipping to a measly .152. Should he be depended on as a catalyst in Maryland , especially after signing a big 6-year $66 million deal, it’s something that he is going to be depended on as a majority of AB’s over the course of a season come in such situations.
The Case for Andre Ethier
What car would make chef “Andre Ethier’s” mouth water? Playing out in LA, it’s gotta be a convertible! Andre is sort of a low key guy though – leaving the bling and media attention to Manny and Kemp – so we put Ethier in a silver James Bond 007 inspired Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster.
It has been a bit of a strange season for Andre Ethier. One that started out with great expectations and excitement about him taking the next step in his career, to that of disappointment from a bit of a slow start, followed by a heated month, to another slump, to…you get the picture.
With Manny Ramirez’ soon return to the fold after his 50 game suspension for steroid use, Ethier may be on tap for a 2nd half swell in his stats that will please fantasy owners and compliment their patience with his up and down trends.
The product of Arizona State University is on track to surpass his career highs in terms of power and stolen bases; however, across the board Ethier has slipped in the remainder of his peripherals. Runs scored, doubles and batting average have taken a noticeable decline which isn’t due to anything particular and can be excused as bits of bad luck and timing issues. Unfortunately at 27, it was previously assumed that this could be a break-out type season and with a crowded Dodgers outfield, Joe Torre may have to do some juggling to keep everyone in Dodger blue happy.
A slam on Ethier would have to be his inability to cash in when the table is set for him. Hitting only .233 with RISP and bringing home 33 RBI’s in 90 AB’s isn’t anything that puts a tag of elite amongst the top OF ranks, and things get even worse with two outs, dropping down near the Mendoza line to .205.
FANTALYTICS FINAL CALL
Ultimately, I keep wondering and thinking of legitimate reasons as to why I continue to do this to myself; however, a decision must be made. With so much on the line and only a tad more than half of the season remaining, who out of this group will continue to mash and become a post All-Star juggernaut at the dish? Who if any will have the fantasy air slowly leak out of their unlimited ceiling air balloon?
In a group of this level, if you are lucky enough to have one of these thoroughbreds honing the outfield behind first and second base, you are a happy camper, so let’s get that out of the way.
But seriously, a lot has to be taken into account and if all things are considered, I’m going to comfortably go with Nick Markakis as my respected winner, in a close near photo-finish with SUPER SPECTACULAR SUMMER RF EXTRAVAGANZA silver medalist Justin Upton. I truly feel as if the torrent pace that Upton has set in the first half won’t be able to keep up, all the while believing in Nick Markakis and his knack for upping the tempo and padding his stats after the All-Star break.
Find a Nick Markakis Bobblehead on eBay
Markakis’ numbers post midsummer classic (with the exception of last year when he was dealing with injuries) are tremendously better than in the cooler months prior and an increase of drastic percentage isn’t pushing the limits. There isn’t a guarantee that he will be able to dominate statistically in comparison to the others in their final lines comes seasons end; but, we are looking at the remainder of the season here and I see some cushy second half numbers when thoughts come popping into my crazy FANTALYTICAL mind.
Upton may be the winner when it comes to the final numbers come October, Cruz may belt the most round-trippers, Pence may have the greatest peripheral line contributing in everything from triples to OBP, Ethier may surge with Man-Ram back and not lose any PT in a jammed Dodger line-up; however, it is the left-handed #21 that I see taking the cake when it comes to performance from this point on.
Ranking 1, 2 or 3 in every statistical team category at his age is more than impressive and through 71 team games having an OPS above 1.000 is nothing short of phenomenal. He has cut down on his whiffs by nearly an entire AB (2.94AB/K in ’08 compared to 3.87AB/K this season) all the while appearing more patient each time he digs in. Positioned 3rd in the line-up, Upton has been given every opportunity to thrive and is showing that he isn’t willing to move from such an honor.
