Several stars and duds have already shone through during the first month of the Major League Baseball season.
It’s almost May, so it’s become apparent that some fantasy owners will remember April as being the one where their season either started out on a high note or where they searched the waiver wire for dire assistance.
Who’s the best and biggest disappointments of the season so far?
Shining brightest – Adrian Gonzalez
Nobody has swung the lumber like Gonzalez. The left-handed first baseman owns a .382 batting average with seven home runs, and 18 RBIs and runs scored apiece. His on-base percentage is .424 and he’s not showing any signs of slowing down.
He doesn’t have the most homers or RBIs, but he’s consistent in all categories related to success in fantasy. His runs, batting average and on-base percentage are some of the best in the Majors this season, and his past years’ success have many fantasy owners excited for what the rest of the year will bring.
Dim light – Shin-Soo Choo
This award could go to a lot of players. Chicago White Sox outfielder Adam Eaton comes to mind. Toronto’s R.A. Dickey or Baltimore’s Chris Tillman also could make the list.
But Choo is showing that his drop off last year is what the norm will be. From 2008 to 2013, Choo was a player who could hit for average, get on base and steal a bag or two. He was a player that fantasy owners could depend on for providing consistent numbers across the board.
Then last year happened. His stolen bases dropped to three, and all of his other stats were down during his first year with Texas. Now, he’s batting .096 with four runs scored and five RBIs. He doesn’t have any stolen bases and he may not stay in the starting line-up.
Surprising star – Alfredo Simon
This is a tough one. There are so many options and since April is only a one-month snapshot, it doesn’t prove to be a realistic barometer for success for the rest of the season.
Simon has four wins for the season, with 16 strikeouts and sub-2.00 ERA and sub-1.00 WHIP. The strikeout numbers aren’t great, but three of his four statistical categories would be a boon to any fantasy roster.
Will Simon continue this success? It’s not likely. He also raced off to a hot start last year, only to see it disappear in the season’s second half. Detroit’s offense will give Simon plenty of opportunities to win, and so far, his stuff has been good enough where he doesn’t need the added run support.
