Three Rightfielders Likely to Improve
Jul 9, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Houston Astros center fielder George Springer (4) bats during the game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
George Springer: Houston Astros
George Springer was a fantasy force in his limited rookie season that began on April 16th and ended on July 19th due to a quad injury. His 78 games were quite noteworthy as Springer managed to crush 20 homers in just under half a season. Furthermore, it took George Springer 20 games to hit his first MLB home run, but he made those final 59 games of his rookie season count.
Clearly, Springer profiles as an elite power hitter, but he also has a significant amount of speed. In 2013, George Springer split his time between AA and AAA where he hit a combined 37 homers and stole 45 bases. In the Majors, Springer only stole five bases with the Houston Astros. That speed will come and his numbers will be even better.
Beyond that, Springer only had a .294 BABIP with the Houston Astros, which is significantly lower than his career .379 BABIP in the Minors. Granted, he struck out in one-third of his big league at-bats, but George Springer also fanned in over a quarter of his Minor League at-bats. Springer will always strike out a lot, but he can obliterate the ball and steal a ton of bases.
George Springer has truly elite fantasy baseball upside. He could very easily find himself in the top 10 to 15 outfielders this upcoming season, and he could be one of baseball’s premier rightfielders in the near future.
Kole Calhoun: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Calhoun was one of the big surprises for the Angels this past season. His .775 OPS, 17 bombs, and 90 runs scored made Kole Calhoun a valuable fantasy option in his first full MLB season at age 26. Calhoun will now be in his prime at 27 and hit high up in a lineup that will produce a boatload of runs.
I see no reason that Kole Calhoun cannot hit 20 homers and score 100 runs. Plus, his line drive rate of 23.8% is very exciting because that means he makes a lot of good contact. Calhoun is in a great lineup that should complement his good hitting abilities. He is a very solid rightfielder in any fantasy outfield.
Matt Kemp: Los Angeles Dodgers
Kemp was on top of the fantasy baseball world in 2011 when he posted unearthly contributions. Matt Kemp was a five category monster when he scored 115 runs, crushed 40 home runs, drove in 129 RBI’s, swiped 39 bags, and hit .324/.399/.586. Since then, Matt Kemp has dealt with a host of injuries, namely repeated hamstring issues.
However, Kemp’s power came back in full swing in the second half of 2014. He played in 66 games after the All-Star Break and hit to the tune of a .309 batting average. His 17 HR combined with his average reminded everyone why he is such a great ballplayer.
Matt Kemp is now a terrible defensive rightfielder with hamstring issues, so I highly doubt he is ever a real threat on the bases again. However, Matt Kemp could still be a bonafide stud if his second-half power stays around.
I am quite bullish about Kemp’s return to dominance at the plate, and his 2014 second half leads me to believe that his 2015 production could be Matt Kemp’s best season since his incredible 2011.