RADIO
BALLER MOVE: Target ~65
CURRENT ADP: 82
ANALYSIS: Boston Red Sox infielder Xander Bogaerts has been a troubling fantasy shortstop to own. Annually, there is a concern whether he will provide power or stolen bases. In 2014, he provided power, but little speed and even lower batting average. In 2015, Bogaerts provided more speed and much higher batting average, but the power suffered. In 2016, he provided career best home runs (21) and some stolen bases (13) at the expense of his batting average (.294).
Going into 2017, there was an expectation that he would develop both. However, that was not the case, as his season was derailed by an injury to his wrist. Bogaerts was hit by a pitch in July and played through the pain for the rest of the season. He managed only 10 home runs and 15 stolen bases to go with a .273 average. In the first half, Bogaerts hit .303, but he slumped to a .235 batting average in the second half. His hard hit percentage dropped during that time frame as well, from 32% to 30%, saved by 38% hard hit in September.
Expect Bogaerts to regain his focus after a full offseason of rest and become a bounce back candidate. If you can get Bogaerts in the sixth or seventh round, be very happy.
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