Forget the Cold Starts, These Players Are Just Getting Warm

By Chris McBrien
Updated: June 13, 2011

One of the keys to success in fantasy baseball is being able to spot the trends and then acting upon them. Obviously, it makes a lot of sense to watch out for players who are starting to heat up so that they may possibly be added to your line up through either a trade or the waiver wire. This is even more important when dealing with players that have gotten off to extremely slow starts so far in 2011.

One thing which all the following players have in common is that they all got off to a slow start to the 2011 season but are just now starting to really heat up:

Carlos Pena (CHC) –

After enduring an injured thumb earlier in the season which all but sapped his ability to hit for power, Pena has been on quite a tear lately. After hitting 0 HR in his first 25 games, Pena has come on strong hitting 8 HR in his last 28 GP. This hasn’t halted the trade rumours however. In a compelling post at Cubbies Crib, the case is made for the Cubs to consider a Carlos Pena trade. Regardless of where he plays, Pena should deliver on the power (although NOT on the batting average).

Mark Reynolds (BAL) –

Talk about a resurgence! After whimpering his way through the beginning of the season, Reynolds has turned it up big time. In his last 5 games, he is 5-for-15 with 3 HR and 8 RBI. In addition, over the last week he has a hit .294 which is absolutely Ichiro-like by Reynolds’ standards.

Raul Ibanez (PHI) –

After a 0-for-35 dry spell, Ibanez has been clipping along at a .311 pace lately (41-for-132). He has been hitting particularly well at home recently with a .370 BA (27-for-last-73) at Citizen’s Bank Park.

J.J. Hardy (BAL) –

Since returning from the Disabled List (where he landed because of a left oblique strain), Hardy has been hitting very, very well. He has even moved into the leadoff spot recently. He won’t steal many bases but the power is coming around to be sure. His last week at the plate: 6 R, 2 HR, 5 RBI, .400 AVG.

Gordon Beckham (CWS) –

Left for dead in many fantasy baseball leagues, Beckham has had a nice little turnaround by going 11/37 (.297 BA) and hitting his first 2 HR of 2011.

Oh yeah, one more thing these players all have in common…. They all are on myfantasy baseball team. Think about adding them to yours as well. You won’t regret it.