RADIO
We're Baaaaaaaack!
What constitutes a bounceback or rebound year for hitters? For the sake of this list, I’m going to provide you with 10 hitters who should return to career averages or at least provide you with more than they gave in 2014.
Below are the first 5 hitters who should return you great “value” for their given ADP. Stay tuned for part 2 coming soon.
Jedd Gyorko, 2B, SD
I’m not the only one who expected a much better year than we got from Jedd Gyorko. After hitting 23 HR in his rookie season, Gyorko only hit 10 in 2014. Could this be blamed on the year-long battle with plantar fasciitis or being in a record breakingly bad Padres lineup? I don’t like to make excuses, but I think they're legit. With less pressure on him because of the abundant additions to the Padres lineup, Gyorko can return to 2013 form. His second half of 2014 was remarkably better than the first half, and I believe he'll outperform his current ADP of 290.
Ryan Zimmerman, 3B/1B, WSH
Ryan Zimmerman dealt with a thumb injury for most of 2014 as well as shoulder issues that really limited his power. Zimmerman may seem old but he is only 30. When healthy, he can provide consistent power numbers. His three seasons of fewer than 20 HR have all been injured years. He is only one year removed from a 26 HR and 84 RBI season while slashing .275/.344/.465. With a move to first base, he will be eligible in both corner spots, providing position flexibility. An ADP of 132 means Zimmerman is being overlooked.
Jason Kipnis, 2B, CLE
In Jason Kipnis’ first two full seasons, he averaged 15 HR, 80 RBI and 30 SB. Injuries to his hamstring and oblique held him to six HR, 41 RBI and 20 SB in 2014. Look for Kipnis to get back on track in 2015 with double digit HRs and 75 RBI. He should get back to stealing bases too. The power/speed combination is rare, and Kipnis will give you that in 2015. I’d take Kipnis over Dee Gordon and Brian Dozier, both being drafted ahead of him now. I expect an All-Star season.
Mark Trumbo, 1B/OF, ARI
Trumbo mash. In his first three full seasons, Mark Trumbo hit 29, 32, and 34 HR in Anaheim. His move to hitter friendly Chase Field was supposed to help him increase his power numbers. Unfortunately, he only played in 88 games due to a stress fracture in his left foot. After getting off to a powerful start in April with six HR, Trumbo offered little to the fantasy owners over the summer months. When finally healthy, Trumbo once again mashed, hitting six HR in the month of September with 22 RBI. If you need power in middle rounds, Trumbo can provide that for you as his current ADP is around 120.
Jay Bruce, OF, CIN
Yes, another power hitter on my list. Jay Bruce has been a favorite of mine for the last three years, but he really killed us last year. Bruce was just awful in 2014, and it can be attributed to injuries. Somehow, he managed to talk the Reds brass into allowing him back on the field 14 days after tearing his meniscus and having surgery to repair it. The injury usually takes four to six weeks to heal. I appreciate the Alex Brady(Best of the Best) like courage, but don't come back until your fully healed Jay.
Prior to last season, Bruce could be counted on to hit 30 HR and drive in 90 runs every year. Bruce finished 2014 on a high note as he hit eight HR and had 24 RBI after August. He is not flashy, but he definitely is not a .217 hitter like he was in 2014. Expect him to hit in the .260s with plenty of power numbers. If he can get you double digit SB like he did last year, that is just like getting 15 wings when you ordered a dozen. Bonus wings!
