(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Original Article: Baseball Reflections
In last week’s Fantasy Focus, I announced the 2009 All-Underappreciated Team. This week, we shift gears as I present to you the All-Overappreciated Team.
Catcher: Russell Martin
Martin was the No. 1 drafted catcher in most leagues this year but has failed to live up to those expectations.
The 26-year-old is currently on pace to set career lows in HR (five), RBI (48), and batting average (.260). His .304 BABIP doesn’t suggest any poor luck, and he’s only collected 19 extra-base hits all season.
Martin is having a terrible season and is showing no signs of turning things around. Kurt Suzuki, A.J. Pierzynski, Miguel Montero, Yadier Molina, and even John Baker are all out-producing Martin.
If you own Martin in a public league, it’s probably time to cut your losses. Keeper and dynasty league owners can only pray this season-long slump doesn’t carry into 2010.
Honorable Mention: Geovany Soto
First Base: Adrian Gonzalez
Gonzalez went bonkers in April and May, bashing 20 long balls while driving in 40 runs with a .282 average. Since then, he’s managed to hit just 13 HR with 33 RBI and a .261 average.
A recent surge, which included a six-hit night, has put a halt to his downward spiral. One two-week stretch, however, cannot save the last three months.
The 27-year-old does have 33 HR but just 73 RBI to go along with it. In his previous two seasons, Gonzalez has hit 30 and 36 long balls, while knocking in 100 and 119 runs each year, respectively. His current .272 batting average is his worst since arriving in San Diego in 2006.
Unless you owned Gonzo in a roto league back in April and May, he’s likely been a huge disappointment. The big lefty is an exceptional hitter, but Petco Park and the Padres’ weak lineup are holding him back.
If you were able to cash in on Gonzalez’s hot start, pat yourself on the back. For the rest of you, try using his 33 HR as a selling point to land someone whose best performance has yet to come.
Honorable Mention: Aubrey Huff
Second Base: Dan Uggla
Dan Uggla carries a big stick but is prone to the strikeout and is a career .257 hitter.
While the 29-year-old does have 22 HR (something that should not go unnoticed at his position), his .237 average can really hurt your team.
After his 97/32/92/.260 2008 season, Uggla was probably being counted on to produce as the sixth- or seventh-best second baseman. Instead, he currently ranks No. 21 at his position, behind the likes of Clint Barmes, Mark DeRosa, and Jose Lopez.
Honorable Mention: Howie Kendrick
Third Base: Chipper Jones
This is likely to be an unpopular pick, but the numbers don’t lie. While it’s unfair to say that Chipper (or any player, for that matter) has played without injuries this season, he has not missed any significant time.
The following is a table that displays Chipper’s 2009 production (or lack thereof) compared to his 2008 totals, in just 68 fewer at-bats.
| R | HR | RBI | AVG | |
| 2008 | 82 | 22 | 75 | .364 |
| 2009 | 63 | 15 | 55 | .284 |
Russell Branyan and Casey Blake have produced at a higher level than Chipper this season—go figure.
Honorable Mention: Garrett Atkins
Shortstop: Rafael Furcal
Furcal is a .284 career hitter and has never finished the season with an average under .270.
That could change this year, as the soon-to-be 32-year-old is turning in a lackluster 2009 campaign, with just 67 runs, six bombs, 35 RBI, and six steals to go along with his .259 average.
The man who began his career with eight consecutive seasons of at least 22 steals may not reach double digits in 2009, limiting his fantasy value considerably. Marco Scutaro, Yunel Escobar, Erick Aybar, Cristian Guzman, and even Alberto Callaspo have outperformed Furcal, proving his worthlessness to fantasy owners.
Honorable Mention: Jhonny Peralta
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