
Panda is coming off a year in which he took a considerable step backwards. Through his first 2 seasons in the big leagues he had consistently performed offensively:
Year |
Games |
R |
HR |
RBI |
AVG |
OBP |
SLG |
BABIP |
2008 |
41 |
24 |
3 |
24 |
.345 |
.357 |
.490 |
.356 |
2009 |
153 |
79 |
25 |
90 |
.330 |
.387 |
.556 |
.350 |
These stats show a player who is very consistent from a balls-in-play and batting average standpoint. Quite frankly, someone who is drafting a 3rd baseman after the first 3 or 4 rounds would love this type of production.
In 2010 someone changed the tune and forgot to tell Sandoval:
Year |
Games |
R |
HR |
RBI |
AVG |
OBP |
SLG |
BABIP |
2010 |
152 |
61 |
13 |
63 |
.268 |
.323 |
.409 |
.291 |
Definitely a steep fall for a player who fantasy owners had good expectations for heading into the season. Unfortunately, the Round Mound of Pound had continuing expanding in size throughout his tenure in the big leagues. I guess it does become harder to get to first base when you’re trying to drag almost 280 pounds down the base line.
This offseason Panda was able to slim down to 240 after undergoing arduous work outs and will enter the season with a renewed sense of confidence. This is roughly the same weight he was at during his breakout 2009 campaign. Drawing motivation from watching his team win the world series while he was on the bench, expect to see Kung Fu Panda back in the groove in 2011.
2011 Fantasy Forecast: 80 R, 25 HR, 90 RBI, .315 Avg
Like this:
Like Loading...
Related
I’m really high on the Panda rebounding well too. It is nice that you can get him at cheep because even if he barely improves from last season he will still finish a top 10 3b at a much lower draft day price.
What is yalls take overall on Mike Young (tex)?
Agreed on Panda and he’s started the spring hot too. I think Young will be about what we’ve come to expect, .290 Avg, 90 runs, 20+ HR’s, 80 RBI and a handful of steals. Assuming he stays in Texas the interesting part will be which positions he gets eligibility at, 2nd is looking pretty good with Kinsler’s injury history.
Pingback: Fantasy Baseball Bounce Back Player Of The Week: Jason Bay « 4TH and HOME: Fantasy Baseball and Football
Pingback: 2011 Bounce Back Player of the Week: Lance Berkman, St. Louis Cardinals « 4TH and HOME: Fantasy Baseball and Football