Fantasy Baseball: 10 Players That Will Slow Down in June
Regardless of which position they play, baseball players know that slumps are inevitable.
How long the slump lasts and the amount of the damage is another thing, but displaying perseverance in the midst of one is crucial.
The following players thus far are having pretty solid seasons, to say the least.
Now, how much will they slow down? Well, that obviously remains to be seen, but it is bound to happen at some point.
That said, June is approaching, so it could be the month where they do slow down.
These players most definitely will be able to get back on track. However, the dreaded slump must run its course sooner or later.
Without further ado, check out June's victims so you can adjust your fantasy team accordingly.
NOTE: All stats are current through Monday May 16, 2011.
Andre Ethier: RF, Los Angeles Dodgers
1 of 10
2011 SEASON STATS
BATTING AVERAGE: .338
HRs: Four
RBI: 21
HITS: 54
Andre Ethier is definitely off to the best start of his career.
He had a great hitting streak and has been very consistent.
To this point in the season he leads the Dodgers in BA and hits and is second in RBI and HRs.
Expect that to remain throughout the month of June, but productivity will slow since he is due after having the hitting streak and all.
Jose Bautista: RF, Toronto Blue Jays
2 of 10
2011 SEASON STATS
BATTING AVERAGE: .370
HRs: 16
RBI: 27
HITS: 44
Last season Jose Bautista finished with a .270 BA and a .995 OPS.
Thus far in 2011, his .370 BA and 1.365 OPS are one impressive jump.
Now, keeping up those numbers will be tough, so he will drop down a bit.
That said, as long as he can minimize the damage, the Blue Jays can easily contend for the AL East.
Michael Young: 3B/DH, Texas Rangers
3 of 10
2011 SEASON STATS
BATTING AVERAGE: .344
HRs: Two
RBI: 31
HITS: 56
Michael Young's current .344 BA is the best of his career, and the crazy thing is there were trade demands a few months ago.
Well, Ranger fans can breathe a sigh of relief since Young remained, but with Josh Hamilton and Nelson Cruz on the DL, this productivity will slow sooner or later.
However, he is a seasoned vet, so the damage won't be too bad, but it will be enough for fantasy owners to be concerned.
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Travis Hafner: DH, Cleveland Indians
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2011 SEASON STATS
BATTING AVERAGE: .339
HRs: Five
RBI: 19
HITS: 37
The past three seasons have been rough for Travis Hafner as he battled through multiple slumps and injuries.
Well, he has more than made up for them with this great beginning to 2011.
At some point he will hit a slump, so better to be aware now.
However, since this seems to be the Tribe's year thus far, he'll come out of it with minimal damage.
Just be sure to keep an eye out for when the slump does occur, because it will.
Curtis Granderson: CF, New York Yankees
5 of 10
2011 SEASON STATS
BATTING AVERAGE: .280
HRs: 14
RBI: 31
HITS: 40
Curtis Granderson hasn't batted around .280 or better since the 2008 season.
However, that year he only hit 22 HRs with 66 RBI.
Based on his current stats, he's far ahead of himself.
June will be tough, so you have been warned.
But don't get too worried, because all of the attention in the Big Apple is on Jorge Posada and Derek Jeter (as always).
So the media pressure is not too much of a concern.
Matt Holliday: LF, St. Louis Cardinals
6 of 10
2011 SEASON STATS
BATTING AVERAGE: .373
HRs: Five
RBI: 28
HITS: 50
Matt Holliday's .373 BA and 50 hits lead the Cardinals, who, by the way, also have Albert Pujols and Lance Berkman.
He also leads them with 13 doubles, so getting those extra-base hits comes in handy.
But once June rolls around, he'll either hit cruise control or gradually decline a bit.
Let's face it—batting .373 to this point is difficult, and another whole month is asking a lot.
Max Scherzer: SP, Detroit Tigers
7 of 10
2011 SEASON STATS
ERA: 2.81
RECORD: 6-0
INNINGS: 57.2
STRIKEOUTS: 53
At some point we know he's going to lose a game.
The month of June for Detroit doesn't appear to be easy either, since it travels to Chicago, Texas, Colorado and L.A. (Dodgers) while facing the Indians at home.
Scherzer has an outstanding ERA and is one of only two starting pitchers who remain undefeated.
After going 12-11 in 2010 and 9-11 in 2009, he is having a breakout year, but a cold spot seems rather inevitable.
Josh Johnson: SP, Florida Marlins
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2011 SEASON STATS
ERA: 1.64
RECORD: 3-1
INNINGS: 60.1
STRIKEOUTS: 56
The fact that Josh Johnson is on the day-to-day DL just adds wood to the fire of what has the makings of a slump.
Most concerning, though, is that he only posts a 3-1 record in nine total starts.
That means five have been no-decisions, which, although it will be attributed to run support, cannot go overlooked.
The ERA is nasty. However, can that last with Atlanta, Philadelphia, Tampa Bay and the Los Angeles Angels coming up in June?
Jake Arrieta: SP, Baltimore Orioles
9 of 10
2011 SEASON STATS
ERA: 4.03
RECORD: 5-1
INNINGS: 51.1
STRIKEOUTS: 46
The 4.03 ERA is an issue, but it is an improvement from 4.66 last season.
As long as he keeps on that slight incline, great.
However, the run support will not be there every time he hits the mound, so actually getting better is key.
That 5-1 record is solid, but don't be surprised if he disappoints come next month.
Huston Street: CP, Colorado Rockies
10 of 10
2011 SEASON STATS
ERA: 3.32
SAVES: 13
INNINGS: 21.2
STRIKEOUTS: 21
Despite the fact that there are many skeptics of the save statistics, Huston Street has been "game over" good once in the game.
That said, the Rockies have a rough stretch in June.
They have many critical divisional games versus San Francisco, L.A. and San Diego.
Then they face AL leaders Cleveland and New York.
He will be tested, so just be prepared for the worst-case scenarios.
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