Since it seems like the rest of the Razzball “professors” (notice the quotes) are putting out their second half rankings I feel overwhelmed by the pressure of doing the same. Even if there are only twelve points league readers I still owe it to them to put a little elbow grease into this and generate a solid set of rankings and rest of season projections. Speaking of the people’s elbow, it looks like The Rock is moving forward with plans to run in 2020. Ok, well maybe these aren’t exactly his plans, but there is a committee that is standing behind him. Will Dwayne Johnson become the most electrifying president in American history? Is he going to “rock the vote”. Ha! I can’t wait for the debates.
I swear, if I hear Aaron Judge’s name once more I’m going to lose it. I seriously hope the kid tanks the second half, hitting .240 with 12 home runs. He would still finish the season with MVP numbers, but at least it will quiet down the peanut gallery. For someone that owns Mike Trout in zero of his double digit leagues, I’ve never been happier to see him return. If anyone can push Judge out of the forefront, it’s baseball’s best player. Before he fell victim to injury Trout was doing his best Mike Trout impersonation with a league best 0.99 points per plate appearance. Freddie Freeman was one one hundredth of a point behind him at 0.98 PPPA. Judge’s PPPA for the first half was an impressive 0.84 PPPA, which he did sustain over 366 plate appearances, as opposed to Trout’s 206.
The points league MVP of the first half is none of the players I’ve just mentioned. Despite being on a horrible team, at 33 Joey Votto is having a career year. Coming into the break he has a league high 361 points and is on pace for 656. Translating points to stats that turns into 47 home runs, 125 RBIs and a .315 batting average. Can someone tell me why he wasn’t the starting 1B for the National League All-Star team? They really have to do away with this fan voting sh!t. Seriously, it’s stupid. Let the fans decide the final vote, but not the starting lineup. Enough already. The fact that Ryan Zimmerman got the starting nod over both Votto and Paul Goldschmidt almost makes me want to wish a season ending injury on him.
Here are my 2017 second half rankings based entirely on my rest of season points projections. Not to state the obvious, but if I project Buster Posey to score the most points amongst catchers from this point on, the laws of fantasy baseball math dictate that he must be ranked number one for catchers.
This post is based on the following points distribution:
1B(+1), 2B(+2), 3B(+3), HR(+4), RBI(+1), R(+1), SO(-1), BB(+1), SB(+1), CS(-1), HBP(+1), SF(+1)
In order to be eligible for the list below, a player must project to score at least 150 points over the remainder of the season.
Catchers
Buster. Buster. And Buster. That pretty much sums up the catcher scene. The thing to watch in the second half will be the battle between Gary Sanchez and Salvador Perez to see who can emerge as number two. It will also be interesting to see if Jonathan Lucroy can rebound and safe face a bit. I’d like to see Yasmani Grandal get out of the way and let Austin Barnes get a shot at the full time gig. I don’t expect this to happen, but injuries have been known to happen. Lastly, if I was weak at catcher I’d be keeping an eye on Tom Murphy who is currently struggling in Albuquerque.
Buster Posey – ROS: 167 points, YTD: 219 points, Preseason Projections: 378
Gary Sanchez – ROS: 140 points, YTD: 154 points, Preseason Projections: 312
Salvador Perez – ROS: 138 points, YTD: 208 points, Preseason Projections: 257
J.T. Realmuto – ROS: 124 points, YTD: 181 points, Preseason Projections: 241
Yadier Molina – ROS: 119 points, YTD: 168 points, Preseason Projections: 245
Brian McCann – ROS: 117 points, YTD: 159 points, Preseason Projections: 240
Jonathan Lucroy – ROS: 116 points, YTD: 129 points, Preseason Projections: 317
Willson Contreras -ROS: 115 points, YTD: 141 points, Preseason Projections: 257
Alex Avila – ROS: 114 points, YTD: 128 points, Preseason Projections: N/A
Evan Gattis – ROS: 114 points, YTD: 156 points, Preseason Projections: 242
First Base
This is Joey Votto’s world and we just live in it. That’s a direct quote from Miguel Cabrera who seems to have finally lost his mojo. Cabrera is well on his way to his worst season since ever. As you can see, I expect a close race for the top spot between Votto and Paul Goldschmidt. While I have Votto winning by one point, this one could obviously go either way. However, if Freddie Freeman can pick up where left off before his wrist was untimely broken, he could very run away with it.
Joey Votto – ROS: 236 points, YTD: 361 points, Preseason Projections: 461
Paul Goldschmidt – ROS: 235 points, YTD: 319 points, Preseason Projections: 463
Anthony Rizzo – ROS: 228 points, YTD: 298 points, Preseason Projections: 491
Freddie Freeman – ROS: 221 points, YTD: 221 points, Preseason Projections: 420
Daniel Murphy – ROS: 210 points, YTD: 306 points, Preseason Projections: 421
Jose Abreu – ROS: 201 points, YTD: 259 points, Preseason Projections: 396
Edwin Encarnacion – ROS: 199 points, YTD: 229 points, Preseason Projections: 443
Miguel Cabrera – ROS: 197 points, YTD: 168 points, Preseason Projections: 460
Carlos Santana – ROS: 193 points, YTD: 228 points, Preseason Projections: 426
Cody Bellinger – ROS: 190 points, YTD: 221 points, Preseason Projections: N/A
Eric Hosmer – ROS: 179 points, YTD: 235 points, Preseason Projections: 373
Ryan Zimmerman – ROS: 179 points, YTD: 258 points, Preseason Projections: 215
Matt Carpenter – ROS: 176 points, YTD: 228 points, Preseason Projections: 378
Logan Morrison – ROS: 174 points, YTD: 248 points, Preseason Projections: 212
Justin Smoak – ROS: 169 points, YTD: 245 points, Preseason Projections: 174
Buster Posey – ROS: 167 points, YTD: 219 points, Preseason Projections: 378
Justin Bour – ROS: 162 points, YTD: 215 points, Preseason Projections: 277
Eric Thames – ROS: 161 points, YTD: 222 points, Preseason Projections: 366
Brandon Belt – ROS: 161 points, YTD: 215 points, Preseason Projections: 348
Yulieski Gurriel – ROS: 158 points, YTD: 204 points, Preseason Projections: 229
Albert Pujols – ROS: 156 points, YTD: 179 points, Preseason Projections: 392
Wil Myers – ROS: 152 points, YTD: 174 points, Preseason Projections: 347
Second Base
Was there ever any doubt that Jose Altuve would be atop my 2B rankings? I guess if you’re a Daniel Murphy fan club member, you might have been hoping otherwise. With Jose Ramirez nearly reaching my season long projections already, second base is the only infield position to have three players with more than 300 points at the All-Star break. After these three, however, there is quite the drop to Robinson Cano. Jonathan Schoop owners should continue to see solid dividends on their investment (204 ADP). I’m not quite sure how to project Trea Turner, but obviously if when he returns to full strength he’s a guy you will want in your lineup.
Jose Altuve – ROS: 219 points, YTD: 309 points, Preseason Projections: 463
Daniel Murphy – ROS: 210 points, YTD: 306 points, Preseason Projections: 421
Jose Ramirez – ROS: 203 points, YTD: 304 points, Preseason Projections: 317
Robinson Cano – ROS: 185 points, YTD: 249 points, Preseason Projections: 415
Jonathan Schoop – ROS: 177 points, YTD: 230 points, Preseason Projections: 354
Matt Carpenter – ROS: 176 points, YTD: 228 points, Preseason Projections: 378
Brian Dozier – ROS: 170 points, YTD: 192 points, Preseason Projections: 396
Starlin Castro – ROS: 169 points, YTD: 200 points, Preseason Projections: 272
DJ LeMahieu – ROS: 169 points, YTD: 204 points, Preseason Projections: 346
Jean Segura – ROS: 165 points, YTD: 171 points, Preseason Projections: 323
Dustin Pedroia – ROS: 164 points, YTD: 193 points, Preseason Projections: 354
Dee Gordon – ROS: 162 points, YTD: 200 points, Preseason Projections: 276
Rougned Odor – ROS: 158 points, YTD: 167 points, Preseason Projections: 367
Ian Kinsler – ROS: 156 points, YTD: 177 points, Preseason Projections: 377
Whit Merrifield – ROS: 150 points, YTD: 179 points, Preseason Projections: 127
Third Base
This looks like it’s going to be a fight to the bitter end between Jose Ramirez and Nolan Arenado for the top spot at 3B. If my calculations are correct, Arenado will edge Ramirez out by a single point. While I expect Manny Machado to bounce back in the second half, his owners will still likely be disappointed by his 2017 numbers. Who would have expected Mike Moustakas, Jake Lamb and Travis Shaw to outperform Machado! If you need help at 3B, you might want to keep an eye on Yangervis Solarte’s rehab progress.
Nolan Arenado – ROS: 217 points, YTD: 291 points, Preseason Projections: 501
Jose Ramirez – ROS: 203 points, YTD: 304 points, Preseason Projections: 317
Kris Bryant – ROS: 200 points, YTD: 246 points, Preseason Projections: 442
Josh Donaldson – 195 points, YTD: 109 points, Preseason Projections: 480
Anthony Rendon – ROS: 194 points, YTD: 254 points, Preseason Projections: 368
Manny Machado – ROS: 189 points, YTD: 198 points, Preseason Projections: 436
Justin Turner – ROS: 185 points, YTD: 228 points, Preseason Projections: 350
Mike Moustakas – ROS: 183 points, YTD: 235 points, Preseason Projections: 300
Adrian Beltre – ROS: 182 points, YTD: 122 points, Preseason Projections: 398
Kyle Seager – ROS: 181 points, YTD: 194 points, Preseason Projections: 405
Jake Lamb – ROS: 180 points, YTD: 254 points, Preseason Projections: 302
Matt Carpenter – ROS: 176 points, YTD: 228 points, Preseason Projections: 378
Evan Longoria -ROS: 164 points, YTD: 222 points, Preseason Projections: 354
Todd Frazier – ROS: 163 points, YTD: 192 points, Preseason Projections: 359
Travis Shaw – ROS: 160 points, YTD: 256 points, Preseason Projections: 230
Miguel Sano – ROS: 159 points, YTD: 203 points, Preseason Projections: 276
Yulieski Gurriel – ROS: 158 points, YTD: 204 points, Preseason Projections: 229
Josh Harrison – ROS: 150 points, YTD: 199 points, Preseason Projections: 270
Shortstop
Carlos Correa has been far and away the best shortstop this season. Expect this trend to continue for approximately seven years. I expected Machado to lead the way this year, but he has been nothing short of a disappointment, and after this season he will no longer have SS eligibility. Both Andrelton Simmons and Elvis Andrus have exceeded expectations so far.
Carlos Correa – ROS: 196 points, YTD: 288 points, Preseason Projections: 407
Manny Machado – ROS: 189 points, YTD: 198 points, Preseason Projections: 436
Francisco Lindor – ROS: 184 points, YTD: 235 points, Preseason Projections: 389
Elvis Andrus – ROS: 178 points, YTD: 241 points, Preseason Projections: 312
Corey Seager – ROS: 175 points, YTD: 225 points, Preseason Projections: 388
Xander Bogaerts – ROS: 171 points, YTD: 208 points, Preseason Projections: 372
Zack Cozart – ROS: 170 points, YTD: 203 points, Preseason Projections: 247
Jean Segura – ROS: 165 points, YTD: 171 points, Preseason Projections: 323
Andrelton Simmons – ROS: 156 points, YTD: 230 points, Preseason Projections: 270
Asdrubal Cabrera – ROS: 151 points, YTD: 146 points, Preseason Projections: 288
Didi Gregorious – ROS: 150 points, YTD: 162 points, Preseason Projections: 298
Aledmys Diaz – ROS: 150 points, YTD: 134 points, Preseason Projections: 334
Outfield
Even though he’s batting a paltry .222 in his rehab stint with the Inland Empire 66ers, Mike Trout is going to lead all batters in points in the second half. And that’s all I’m going to say about the outfield position.
Mike Trout – ROS: 240 points, YTD: 203 points, Preseason Projections: 504
Mookie Betts – ROS: 227 points, YTD: 313 points, Preseason Projections: 485
Bryce Harper – ROS: 218 points, YTD: 217 points, Preseason Projections: 452
Charlie Blackmon – ROS: 217 points, YTD: 304 points, Preseason Projections: 407
George Springer – ROS: 205 points, YTD: 298 points, Preseason Projections: 360
Jose Ramirez – ROS: 203 points, YTD: 304 points, Preseason Projections: 317
Kris Bryant – ROS: 200 points, YTD: 246 points, Preseason Projections: 442
Aaron Judge – ROS: 196 points, YTD: 309 points, Preseason Projections: N/A
Andrew McCutchen – ROS: 193 points, YTD: 264 points, Preseason Projections: 390
Cody Bellinger – ROS: 190 points, YTD: 221 points, Preseason Projections: N/A
J.D. Martinez – ROS: 189 points, YTD: 162 points, Preseason Projections: 351
Nelson Cruz – ROS: 189 points, YTD: 250 points, Preseason Projections: 397
Giancarlo Stanton – ROS: 188 points, YTD: 261 points, Preseason Projections: 335
Marcell Ozuna – ROS: 180 points, YTD: 261 points, Preseason Projections: 303
Andrew Benintendi – ROS: 179 points, YTD: 228 points, Preseason Projections: 351
Melky Cabrera – ROS: 175 points, YTD: 221 points, Preseason Projections: 351
Michael Brantley – ROS: 173 points, YTD: 173 points, Preseason Projections: 284
Adam Duvall – ROS: 172 points, YTD: 232 points, Preseason Projections: 292
Christian Yelich – ROS: 171 points, YTD: 220 points, Preseason Projections: 366
Corey Dickerson – ROS: 170 points, YTD: 236 points, Preseason Projections: 262
Ender Inciarte – ROS: 169 points, YTD: 225 points, Preseason Projections: 304
Khris Davis – ROS: 169 points, YTD: 212 points, Preseason Projections: 331
Jay Bruce – ROS: 168 points, YTD: 237 points, Preseason Projections: 293
Nick Markakis – ROS: 166 points, YTD: 197 points, Preseason Projections: 323
Brett Gardner – ROS: 164 points, YTD: 226 points, Preseason Projections: 293
Justin Upton – ROS: 164 points, YTD: 200 points, Preseason Projections: 327
Jose Bautista – ROS: 163 points, YTD: 194 points, Preseason Projections: 393
Eric Thames – ROS: 161 points, YTD: 222 points, Preseason Projections: 366
Brandon Belt – ROS: 161 points, YTD: 215 points, Preseason Projections: 348
Josh Reddick – ROS: 161 points, YTD: 227 points, Preseason Projections: 292
Tommy Pham – ROS: 161 points, YTD: 159 points, Preseason Projections: N/A
Michael Conforto – ROS: 159 points, YTD: 193 points, Preseason Projections: 199
Lorenzo Cain – ROS: 159 points, YTD: 208 points, Preseason Projections: 296
Miguel Sano – ROS: 159 points, YTD: 203 points, Preseason Projections: 276
Domingo Santana – ROS: 158 points, YTD: 214 points, Preseason Projections: 226
Clint Frazier – ROS: 155 points, YTD: 27 points, Preseason Projections: N/A
Josh Bell – ROS: 154 points, YTD: 205 points, Preseason Projections: 275
Scott Schebler – ROS: 154 points, YTD: 209 points, Preseason Projections: 221
Matt Kemp – ROS: 153 points, YTD: 165 points, Preseason Projections: 333
Cameron Maybin – ROS: 152 points, YTD: 176 points, Preseason Projections: 205
Nomar Mazara – ROS: 151 points, YTD: 198 points, Preseason Projections: 301
David Peralta – ROS: 151 points, YTD: 194 points, Preseason Projections: 258
Adam Jones – ROS: 150 points, YTD: 179 points, Preseason Projections: 352
Avisail Garcia – ROS: 150 points, YTD: 192 points, Preseason Projections: 205
Curtis Granderson – ROS: 150 points, YTD: 179 points, Preseason Projections: 314
Max Kepler – ROS: 150 points, YTD: 188 points, Preseason Projections: 295
Shin-soo Choo – ROS: 150 points, YTD: 201 points, Preseason Projections: 257
In unrelated news, Sammy Sosa is now apparently white.
Follow malamoney on Twitter at @malamoney.
