As another Monday approaches in the MLB season, many teams are bracing to hit the significant milestone of their 100th game. This juncture offers a clear view of players' performances and underlines the crucial stages of the season. Among the standout players this year, Cody Bellinger and Nolan Arenado have scripted varying tales of success and struggle, respectively.
Cody Bellinger's Home Run Prowess
Cody Bellinger has been a beacon of consistent power for his team. In 79 games played to date, Bellinger has launched nine home runs. This follows his strong performance last season, where he managed 26 home runs in 130 games. Bellinger's steady contributions highlight his value in the lineup and underline his knack for turning games around with his batting prowess.
Nolan Arenado's Slump
Nolan Arenado, conversely, is amidst a rough patch. This season, Arenado's on-base plus slugging (OPS) stands at a career-low .702. As a player who has set commendable standards for himself over the years, this slump is glaring. Fans and analysts alike are keening their gazes on Arenado, expecting him to rebound and showcase the talent that has defined his career.
Impressive Performances from Bobby Witt Jr. and Others
Amidst the seasonal grind, certain individual performances still glisten. Bobby Witt Jr. shone brightly in his recent game, going 3-for-4 with a double, an RBI, and a run scored last Saturday. Such performances are quintessential, contributing not just to team morale but also to the broader competitive landscape of the league.
Strategic Picks: Alex Bregman and J.P. Crawford
Turning to the strategic aspect of the game, Alex Bregman and J.P. Crawford present intriguing options for fantasy baseball aficionados. Bregman, priced at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,200 on FanDuel, has displayed noteworthy form since July 4. With a .314 batting average, three home runs, 10 RBIs, and 10 runs across 13 games, Bregman has maintained a robust .885 OPS. His career numbers against left-handed pitchers further bolster his credentials – a .278 batting average coupled with an .862 OPS is indicative of his capability.
On the mound, the Athletics are set to start left-handed pitcher Hogan Harris on Monday, who carries a career ERA of 5.53. This matchup may serve as fertile ground for Bregman to extend his purple patch, making him a tantalizing option for daily fantasy sports enthusiasts.
J.P. Crawford, similarly, stands priced at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,000 on FanDuel. Crawford's historical performance against Tyler Anderson has been steady, registering a 3-for-10 batting record along with two walks. His current season's performance against southpaws is impressive too, boasting a .284 batting average and an .805 OPS. In his 88 at-bats against left-handed pitchers this season, Crawford has hit four home runs. However, it's been a challenging season for Crawford overall, marked by the lowest batting average (.204) and OPS (.643) of his career. His pattern against right-handed pitchers has been lackluster, with five home runs in 206 at-bats.
Renowned fantasy sports analyst McClure, featured in the book "Fantasy Football (and Baseball) for Smart People: How to Turn Your Hobby into a Fortune," endorses rostering J.P. Crawford. Such endorsements, combined with Crawford's batting history, add an analytical facet to the player's fantasy appeal.
In the grand tapestry of an MLB season, milestones like the 100th game serve as reflective pauses. They allow for appreciating consistent performers, from Bellinger’s home run prowess to Witt Jr.'s magnificent game. Simultaneously, they place the struggling players, such as Arenado, under the microscope, amplifying the narrative arcs of the league. And in the world of fantasy sports, the insights provided by experts and statistical data ensure that players like Bregman and Crawford remain at the forefront of strategic discussions.