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2nd Half Rankings: Hitters #1-100

Below you'll find my 2nd Half Rankings for Hitters.

1.      Ryan Braun: The HGH talk is a distant memory now, as Braun has produced an even better first half than in ’11. He’s just entered his prime, and is without question one of the three most gifted players in the game. Expect his average to remain above .300, and he should produce no fewer than 15/10 over the second half. He’ll be a finalist for NL MVP again.
2.       Miguel Cabrera: You don’t hear a lot about Miggy this year. Detroit is underperforming a bit. Prince isn’t knocking the cover off the ball. It’s almost as if some think Cabrera is having a sub-par year. Well, he’s not, as he’s on pace for another .315+/100+/30+/115+/5 season. He’s simply the most consistent hitter in the game, in his prime, in the middle of a solid lineup. There’s no reason to value him lower than here for the rest of this year, or for the few years to come.
3.       Mike Trout: While playing in 20 fewer games than other, healthy players, he’s managed to rank #6 on Y!’s player rater. 6!!! He’s a freak of nature, and if he’s not already, he will very soon be the best player in the game. He does it all for your fantasy squad too. .300/50/10/35/20 would be a very conservative projection for the 2^nd half. Don’t be surprised if he goes 20/30 FOR THE 2^ND HALF!!!
4.       Andrew McCutchen: Even after his top rated first half, not many expected to see his name this high. Not yet. Maybe next year, maybe two years from now. Well McCutchen is here to stay. He’s put together the most complete first half of any fantasy player, and he did it while NO ONE else on his team hit for the first month and a half. It’s very reasonable to think that his numbers will be even better over the second half.
5.       Carlos Gonzalez: After Braun, Trout, Cutch, he’s probably your last chance at a 15/15 post ASB stat line. The other two candidates in Kemp and Ellsbury are coming off injuries that will limit their speed and power, respectively. Doesn’t appear the Rocks will be in the mix, especially without Tulo, so CarGo will go out, have some fun, and rack up the stats.
6.       Matt Kemp: This ranking, obviously, assumes the hammy cooperates. He was on pace to have one of the great seasons when he went down; and let’s not forget this 27-yr old has just entered his prime. Don’t expect the SB like he produced last year, but he should be solid everywhere else, and will likely swipe 5-8, which will be nice for your squad.
7.       Jose Bautista: He’s got 27HR, and that’s after a horrendous start. As long as E5 is healthy behind him, I don’t see any reason why Joey Bats won’t hit at least 25 more over the 2^nd half. You take a slight hit for BA, but he’s a 3-cat monster. If your league uses OBP or OPS, I’d put him ahead of Kemp.
8.       Joey Votto: This season continues to prove how valuable consistency is in the fantasy game. There’s very little that’s flashy about Votto, but he steadily produces. For the rest of the season, you can bank on .320/45/15/50/5. Doesn’t that feel nice.
9.       Albert Pujols: Remember this guy? Not sure anyone has caused more hair to be pulled out across the nation. If you were one of the many that acquired The Machine after his awful start, kudos. The real Albert has returned over the past 6 weeks, and he’ll mash over the 2^nd half. The lineup around him continues to improve. He’ll drive in 50+ and hit 15 bombs ROS.
10.       Robinson Cano: Here’s another guy that has “quietly” put together a top-20 season. And he’s generally money in the second half. He’s managed to once again be the top rated 2B, and the safest play at that postion moving forward. .300/40/10/45/3 would be a pretty safe expectation moving forward.
11.       Josh Hamilton: I know this seems criminally low for perhaps the most talented hitter in the game. I know that he can win 3 categories for you when he gets hot. I know he hits 3^rd in perhaps the game’s best lineup. I know that stadium is a rake factory. I know! BUT, I’ve preached consistency and reliablility all year, and already above. He hasn’t had an extended absence yet, which means he’s due. I’d swap him for anyone listed above and take the safer play. *Disclaimer: If he doesn’t get hurt, he’ll win the MVP.
12.       Prince Fielder: Prince hasn’t been entirely Prince-like over the first half, but he’s still on pace for 30/110. Warmer temps, and getting settled into that lineup could, and should, equal a better half. He can go on one of those Bautista-like binges, and swat 25 ROS.
13.       Justin Upton: My preseason MVP has been anything but thusfar in ’12. I considered him a lock for a 30/20 season and thought he’d be right in the middle of the NL MVP conversation. He’s managed to score 57 runs and steal 10 bases, but has been a disappointment in every other category. You don’t draft 2-cat players in the first round. The good news is Upton is just 24, and seems to be heating up a bit at the midway point. He had a monster second half last year, if he can do it again, he’ll salvage the year for many managers. Still a must keep if you’re in a Keeper/Dynasty league.
14.       Adrian Gonzalez: A-Gon didn’t “appear” to have a bad first half, he did. No question about it. .283/6/45 is not what you signed up for when you used your first round pick on him. The Sox are a mess. Not sure if that explains it or not. I think a healthy Ellsbury and Pedroia in front of him would help, and hopefully that’s the case moving forward. I think he finishes the year above .300, and I think he’ll get to 20/100. So I guess what I’m saying is I expect a big second half. I’d take a chance on him
15.        Hunter Pence: Raise your hand if you were aware that this was Hunter’s first half line: .285/58/16/50/4? I know, me neither. And I own him! He looks funny. He swings at everything. But at the end of the day you have a solid fantasy outfielder; one on pace for a 100/30/100 season. Set him and forget him.
16.       Adam Jones: Welcome to stardom, Mr. Jones, thanks for teasing us for 3 years. I said in my pre-season ranks that he’d never be the player we thought he’d be. I was wrong. The O’s aren’t bad, and Jones is a beast. Don’t expect a repeat of the first half, but .280/45/15/40/8 ROS is nothing to complain about from a guy you got in the 10^th round.
17.      David Wright: As big a disappointment as Upton and A-Gon have been, David Wright has been equally as pleasant a surprise. Healthy, surrounded by a surprising group of talent, he finds himself on the MVP map. If you went into the season expecting 30+ bombs from Wright, you’re crazy. But if he can repeat his 11HR/9SB first half, and maintain his 100R/100RBI pace, not to mention his great BA, he will have been a steal for owners in the 3^rd Round. He’s always an injury risk, but the risk appears to be worth the reward this year.
18.       Ian Kinsler: 30/30 doesn’t appear to be in the cards for Kinsler owners this year, as his HR total is down (9). However he’s scoring more runs than anyone atop that stellar lineup, and he’s running with success this year. He’s also batting .279, which is a pleasant surprise for owners. I suspect he’ll continue the R/SB production, and you know you’re gonna get decent pop for the position from him. Like Wright/Hamilton, always a candidate to head to the DL.
19.       Michael Bourn: Never thought I’d be tauting him as a top-20 hitter, but here he is. He’s been locked in in ATL, and I expect it to continue. I wouldn’t expect him to hit another 7 HR this year, but repeating 60R and 25SB ROS is certainly reasonable.
20.       Jay Bruce: In my opinion, Bruce’s first half has been a bit disappointing. According to Y!, he’s pretty much on par with his #50 preseason rank, but I expected his success to continue after his breakout last year. I think you’ll see his average improve over the 2^nd half, I think he’ll hit at least as many HR as he did in the first (18), and I think he’ll steal 8 – 10 bases. Could be a sneaky ASB Buy.
21.       Colby Rasmus: I think Rasmus’ apperant breakout is legit. He’s flashed his talents before, and I think he’s found a home in the 2-hole in front of Bautista in that TOR lineup. He’s been a top-15 player since being inserted into that spot, and I think it continues. .270/45/15/45/7 is what I’m calling for ROS. Considering where you drafted him, that’s not bad.
22.       Curtis Granderson: I think it’s bit unfair to criticize Granderson for his .248 BA, and praise Bautista at the same time. Granderson’s not going to match Joey Bats HR for HR, but he’s sitting at 23 right now, to go along with 61 R & 6 SB. You could do a lot worse with a 2-hole hitter, and for your OF2. If Gardner returns into the 9-hole, expect Granyman’s RBI to climb.
23.       Adrian Beltre: As consistent as they come when he’s on the field. I worry about him missing time, but as long as he’s in there, he should maintain his 100/30/100 pace.
24.      Melky Cabrera: This is probably as high as you’ll see The Melk Man on these lists, but I’m buying. He hits the ball where it’s pitched, and he murders LHP, so don’t expect his average to fall too far. I think he’ll bat well over .300 ROS. He’s not a great source of power, but if he stays in the 3-hole, you can expect 50R, 45RBI, and probably 10 SB ROS. He’s a free agent after this year, so the motivation is there. He’s also just entering his prime.
25.   David Ortiz: Slim Papi is raking. He appears to be in great shape (for him), so I don’t think there’s any reason to expect regression. Plus he should be getting a healthy Ellsbury, Pedroia, and possible Crawford back around him; and if A-Gon steps it up, it will only help. I’d say he’s a lock for .300/45/18/50 ROS.
26.    Jose Reyes: The Fish have been a huge flop this season. Many thought they’d be in the hunt for the East, and I think their in the cellar. Stanton will be out for a while, which gives me reason to think Reyes will press on the bases a bit more. The average has to climb, and he should score 50 R and steal 25 bases over the 2^nd half. Should.
27.    Mark Teixeira: He’s Mark Teixeira. If he’s taught us anything, it’s that you throw out the first half. 50/15/50 should be the minimum for him ROS.
28.    Starlin Castro: He’s a good hitter with little talent around him. Arguably the best SS in the game right now. Very safe play at that position.
29.     Matt Holliday: This stings a little bit. He was on my Do Not Draft list, as I was certain he’d be hurt by now. Well he’s not. And he’s crushing. If healthy, he’ll be a top 20 hitter over the second half too.
30.    Jacoby Ellsbury: Who knows what he’ll do? But what you have is crazy upside; with about a 50R/15SB/.270 floor. Not a bad floor.
31.     Hanley Ramirez: I’ve been surprised how high I’ve seen him on other lists. 12/12 is decent from a SS, but he’s been terrible for the past month. I think there’s some nagging injuries here, which will hopefully heal up with the rest. But keep in mind, he’s coming off a career-worst year, and is no lock to have a good ROS. Proceed with caution. Sell if you can get decent value.
32.     Brett Lawrie: Crazy hype over Lawrie prior to this year. The production has been okay, as he’s on pace to hit near 20 HR and steal just over 20 bases. He’ll be a monster eventually, for the rest of this season, I’d consider him a nice, second tier 3B.
33.     Edwin Encarnacion: Crazy good first half. Contract year. Good lineup. Power with a little speed. No reason to think he won’t go 15/8 or better ROS.
34.     Carlos Beltran: I think he’s a sell because of his value right now, but let’s say he produces HALF of his HR/SB and 10 fewer R/RBI. What you have is a 40/10/55/4 guy, who’s likely your OF3.
35.     Nelson Cruz: This is a guy who get’s hot and jacks 10 HR in a two week span. He’s also a guy who pulls a hammy during a homerun trot. This seems like a happy-medium ranking.
36.     Ian Desmond: Hello This Year’s Asdrubal. Desmond has been a God-sent for Tulo owners (like me), producing a first half of which Tulo would have been proud to call his own. Like Asdrubal in ’11, expect some regression in the second half, but this is a guy batting in the middle of a solid lineup with great power/speed tools, who plays SS. And he’s not even sniffing his prime yet. Keeper, sign me up.
37.     Jason Kipnis: Another MI having a monster year. No one saw the 20 SB coming. Few saw the 11 HR. I think 8/15 is a reasonable expectation ROS, but Kipnis is here to stay among the top 5 or 6 second basemen.
38.     Shin-Soo Choo: Much like Rasmus in the 2-hole, Choo has taken off since being inserted into the leadoff spot. He’s a solid hitter, with pop to all fields, who should be a lock for a 10/10 half. I also expect his BA to continue to rise. I say he hits .310+ ROS.
39.     Mark Trumbo: I’m a Trumbo buyer. I think he’s a Nelson Cruz type with lower injury risk. I don’t think he’s a .300 hitter as he’s been to this point, but the crazy power with a bit of speed is legit. Position flexibility doesn’t hurt either.
40.     Alex Rios: Not a fan of Rios, but the Sox are better than expected, and he’s on a 95/20/95/25 pace.
41.      Paul Goldschmidt: Heating up like the Arizona summer. Trumbo-like power with some speed. Streaky, but worth the set and forget ROS.
42.     Jason Heyward: Great bounceback for Heyward. On pace for a 25/20 year, with about 80 R/RBI. Not bad.
43.     Brian McCann: He’s been one of the worst C to this point. Over the 2^nd half, I think he’s the best. Just too talented.
44.      Elvis Andrus: Remember, this kid is young, and getting better. Bank on 50R and 15SB from this SS.
45.     Pablo Sandoval: The Panda is healthy. He and the Melk Man are gonna help the Giants win another Division. .300/40/10/40 likely the floor for the second half.
46.     Dustin Pedrioa: Could end up producing 20 spots higher than this, or 30 spots lower. Just depends on how healthy he is when he returns, because we know he won’t stay on the DL longer than he has to. If he’s ok, he’s a 5-cat contributor at a thin position.
47.     Paul Konerko: Stats really dropped off last year after the break. I think they’ll do the same this year.
48.      Mike Napoli: Contrary to Pauly, Napoli picked it up after the break. That’s a great lineup, and he’s a better hitter than he’s shown thusfar. Expect a top-5 C second half.
49.     Billy Butler: Very underrated player. Nothing, and I mean nothing, flashy, but he’ll hit 12 HR and drive in 45 for ya the rest of the way, with a .295 BA.
50.      Brandon Phillips: If flashy defense was a category, he’d be 20 spots higher. Still solid production across the board. 10/8 ROS.
51.     Dan Uggla: I don't think I need to remind you of Uggla's 2nd half of '11. As usual, don't expect any BA help from Uggla, but he should continue to provide nice R/HR/RBI for his position.
52.     Ryan Zimmerman: After DL talks, and talks of another season down the drain for Zimm, the past few weeks have been pretty good for him. There's no question that when healthy, he's among the top talents, but that's a BIG question.
53.     Alex Rodriguez: Like Zimmerman, it's a matter of staying healthy for the aging A-Roid. He logged 300 ABs over the first half, if he can get 300 more, he'll be a decent play ROS.
54.     Asdrubal Cabrera: Cabrera has been somewhat of a disappointment for the Tribe this year. His .286/11HR are nice, but fantasy owners were also counting on around 20 SB from the SS. That doesn't appear to be in the cards, as he sits at 2. A 10/10 ROS would be welcomed.
55.     Michael Cuddyer: Cuddyer has been a solid, steady play for owners this year, particularly with his 2B-elig. 12HR and 8SB is about what was expected, and will likely be duplicated for the second half.
56.     Austin Jackson: Despite missing some time, Jackson has put together a great season. He's tweaked his approach, which has equaled better overall production. If he stays on the field, he's  a nice OF2.
57.     Carlos Ruiz: Chooch is hitting .350 with 13 HR. Wow! Now to expect that to continue is wishful thinking, but he's going to provide nice value at C. Even if he hits .275 with 8HR ROS, he's been a bargain for you.
58.     Allen Craig: After missing the first part of the season, Craig doesn't appear to have missed a beat from '11's Postseason. He's managed to put up a .313/13/44 line in under 200 ABs. 15/50 ROS isn't too far fetched.
59.     Mike Moustakas: If we're not already, by year's end, we'll be looking back at a breakout season from Moustakas. I wouldn't be surprised to see him improve on his first half, and end the year as a top 6 or 7 third baseman.
60.     David Freese: He, too, will continue to get better. 15/50 ROS.
61.     Jimmy Rollins: He's shown he's got something left in the tank. 50/7/30/10 would be a nice second half.
62.     Joe Mauer: Very little power, but a .300+ BA with decent R/RBI is a great asset at C.
63.     Ben Zobrist: 10/10 with nice R production will suit your 2B slot just fine.
64.     Evan Longoria: This is a tough one, as we have no clue how soon he'll be back. While on the field, he's been superb, and he could be a nice shot in the arm for your squad down the stretch.
65.     Shane Victorino: Not the player of 5 years ago, but 8HR/20SB potential for the second half.
66.     Eric Hosmer: Remember where this guy was ranked entering the year. He can only get better, and he's got the tools to be significantly better.
67.     Trevor Plouffe: I'm a Plouffe-buyer. I think the power is legit from this former first-rounder.
68.     Aramis Ramirez: Hitting behind the best hitter in the game. Finally seems to be settling in to Milwaukee.
69.     Bryce Harper: Energy isn't a category. .260/40/8/25/12 ROS.
70.     Aaron Hill: Great hitter at Chase Field.
71.     Corey Hart:  Same ol', serviceable, Corey Hart.
72.     Logan Morrison: My Breakout Player of the Year has done everything but; however, nobody in that lineup has really produced. He's turned it on the past few weeks, and could be a sneaky RBI add ROS.
73.     Neil Walker: On fire lately after a terrible start. Expect solid production as they make a run at the Central.
74.     Martin Prado: Consistent BA/R producer.
75.     Michael Young:  No way he's goes out like this. Rangers, and Young, turn it on in the second half.
76.     BJ Upton: 10/15 potential is always useful.
77.     Alex Gordon: Seems to be coming around a bit, but will never be the hitter he was in '11.
78.     Josh Reddick: Should see fewer and fewer pitches.
79.     Josh Willingham: Continues to be a solid RBI option.
80.     Yadier Molina: Likely won't repeat his first half, but a solid option at C.
81.     Miguel Montero: A better second half is almost a given.
82.     Andre Ethier: If the Dodgers are gonna stay in it, he and Kemp have to stay on the field and produce.
83.     Derek Jeter: You could do worse at SS.
84.     Giancarlo Stanton:May not be a matter of when he comes back, but if.
85.     Matt Wieters: Still young. Still improving.
86.     Kevin Youkilis: Torrid since the trade.
87.     Adam Dunn: 20HR...likely. <.230 BA...guaranteed.
88.     Freddie Freeman: Great 2nd half of '11.
89.     Michael Morse: Solid HR/RBI production.
90.     Howie Kendrick: Really thought he's have a huge year. Maybe he still will.
91.     Jason Kubel: Loving Arizona.
92.     Jose Altvue: The little engine that could, and is.
93.     Nick Swisher: "Floor" numbers in that lineup are still serviceable.
94.     Lance Berkman: Who knows? Could be worth a chance.
95.     Alejandro De Aza: One of the nice first half surprises.
96.     Carlos Santana: Ouch! Needs to rebound.
97.     Troy Tulowitzki: Will he return for another scorching September?
98.     Desmond Jennings: Remember in March when you overpayd for this guy
99.     Emilio Bonifacio: If he stays healthy, he'll steal 25 more bases.
100.     Adam LaRoche: Mr. Second Half.

Mid-season Awards

• Most Valuable Hitter: Andrew McCutchen
  • If you factor in draft position, you could go many different ways here. But Cutch, in my opinion, is on pace to put together the most complete, 5-cat season in 2012. He's on pace for 108/32/112/28, not to mention he's leading the league in hitting. It's also worth mentioning that for the first two months of the season, he was the ONLY Pirate hitting at all, so with the improvements around him, his run production should increase in the second half.
  • Hamilton, Trout, Braun
• Most Valuable Pitcher: R.A. Dickey
  • Raise your hand if you saw this one coming. Liar. Where to begin? He's got 12 W, most in baseball. He's got 123 K's through 120 innings, a better ratio than Verlander. His 2.40/0.93 stat line is sickening, particularly for all who watched him be picked up by others from free agency. If you're in a league that uses CG or SHO, he's posted 3 and 2, respectively. In his past 8 games, he's given up earned runs in two of them.
  • Cain, Sale, Verlander, Strasburg
• Most Valuable Reliever: Fernando Rodney
  • One could field quite a team just on FA pickups. Rodney has been unreal. Sub-1.00 ERA & WHIP, more than a K/IP, and 24 Saves, this coming after opening the year as a setup man. He's been as reliable as any.
  • Jansen, Johnson, Chapman, Kimbrel
• Breakout Player of the Year: Mike Trout
  • Could easily be the MVP as well. Poor Bryce Harper, he was supposed to be the rookie in the spotlight. Trout is the best player in baseball. He does it all. ESPN's Buster Olney tweeted this morning that Trout is on pace for 124 R, 24 HR, 88 RBI, and 58 SB! He's also hitting near .350. I'll say it for the third time, in Keeper/Dynasty, I would trade anyone for him. Anyone! Also, can we dub him "The Kingfish?" If that catches on, you heard it here first.
  • No Hon. Mentions in the same ballpark.
• The All-Free Agency Claims Team: If you missed your draft completely, this could be your team...Not bad...
  • C- Jarrod Saltalamacchia, BOS
  • 1B- Edwin Encarnacion, TOR
  • 2B- Jose Altuve, HOU
  • 3B- Trevor Plouffe, MIN
  • SS- Ian Desmond, WAS
  • IF- Chris Davis, BAL
  • OF- Josh Reddick, OAK
  • OF- Josh Willingham, MIN
  • OF- Alejandro De Aza, CHW
  • OF- Tyler Colvin, COL
  • UTL- Cody Ross, BOS
  • SP- R.A. Dickey, NYM
  • SP- Jake Peavy, CHW
  • SP- Chris Capuano, LAD
  • SP- James McDonald, PIT
  • SP- Lance Lynn, STL
  • RP- Fernando Rodney, TB
  • RP- Ernesto Frieri, LAA
  • RP- Rafael Soriano, NYY
  • RP- Casey Janssen, TOR

Second Half Forecasts

Players Whose Value Will Decline:

• Melky Cabrera: AVG, R, RBI will likely all decrease in the second half. Could be a great "sell high."
• David Ortiz:  First half has been stellar, but he's pushing 37, and has been known to experience an injury here and there.
• Carlos Beltran:  It's only a matter of time until his knees become a problem. He's a top ten player right now. I wouldn't expect him to finish in the top 50 for the second half.
• Paul Konerko:  Last year's splits: .319/22HR before AS Break; .272/9HR after the break. Expect more of the same.
• AJ Pierzynski:  He's a 35-yr old catcher whose previous high HR total was 18 (2005). Sell.
• Chris Sale:  Has already thrown more innings than any other year in his career.
• James McDonald:  He's still young, and the pressure will be mounting for the Bucs in the second half, as they'll be in the hunt. Opt for safer options.
• Wade Miley: The league's had a look at him a time or two. Will finish the year with an ERA north of 4.
• Jason Hammel:  Poor second half pitcher in his past. AL East has now seen him a few times.

Players Whose Value Will Increase:

• Adrian Gonzalez:  He's simply too good a hitter to continue this type of production.
• Dustin Pedroia: Hopefully the DL stint will allow him to finally heal so that he can produce down the stretch.
• Mike Napoli:  His stats looked eerily similar at this time last year. Then he blew up.
• Cliff Lee:  One W in '12 is a joke. Could go 2.50/1.05 the remainder of the year and finish with 10 wins.
• Ian Kennedy:  Career stats tell us he's a second half guy. Has shown flashes of '11. Needs to be more consistent.
• Matt Moore:  Still crazy young, with filthy stuff. When he gets it going, he's as good as any.
• Adam Wainwright:  The rust continues to be knocked off. He's the ace again in STL. He'll need to pitch like it after the break.

Players Whose Value Will Stay the Same:

• Trevor Plouffe:  The former first round pick's power is legit. .260 with 35 HR is very possible.
• Colby Rasmus:  Uber talented. Seems to have found a home in the 2-hole before Bautista.
• RA Dickey:  The knuckleballer is here to stay in '12. Will be a top 10 pitcher the second half, too.
• Shin-Soo Choo:  Seems to finally be back to his .300/20/20 form. He's loving the leadoff spot.
• Aaron Hill:  This guy LOVES to hit at Chase Field.