Adam Dunn (OF - Nationals) - I think it might happen. He's at 37 now. I think he can end the season on exactly 40. I've written about this a couple of times this season, but one of the most freakishly interesting stats among active players is that Adam Dunn has hit exactly 40 HR's in each of his last 4 seasons. That includes a total of 40 split between the Reds and the Diamondbacks in 2008. In total, this has been a tremendous breakout season for Dunn. While the power has remained consistent with previous seasons, his average is way up to .282, easily his career high and well above his career average of .251. His OBP, as usual, is high because of his ability to draw the walk, but its over .400 for the 2nd time in his career as well (first time was back in 2002 when he posted an OBP of exactly .400). There aren't many things to get excited about in Washington, but watching Adam Dunn draw over 100 walks, drive-in over 100 RBIs, and hit 40 HRs is pretty exciting.
David Wright (3B - Mets) - David Wright, his fans, and his fantasy owners are all waiting for that elusive HR. He has just one dinger since August 1st and has yet to hit one since returning from the head beaning. He's only hitting .200 in September with one extra base hit and simply looks really uncomfortable at the plate, striking out 13 times in his 35 ABs this month. The 26-year-old Wright has all the talent in the world and we have seen him realize that talent with back-to-back 30+ HR seasons in 2007 and 2008. Without a supporting cast, a new ballpark the size of the Polo Grounds, a losing season, and a concussion, the cards have certainly been stacked against Wright in 2009. He's a big name and fantasy owners will likely write-off 2009 and value him based on 2007-2008 when entering 2010 drafts. I don't see him dropping too low.
Jonathan Sanchez (SP - Giants) - Sanchez gets the start today against the Dodgers and deserves a look. He's 5-for-7 in quality starts dating back to the beginning of August. He has a respectable 4.04 ERA, 1.35 WHIP for the season, but the big alluring quality is the K's. He has a total of 154 K's in 138.1 IP for a K/9 of 10.02 (or 1.11 K's per inning pitched). Looking forward, he'll face the Dodgers again next week and then most likely the Diamondbacks in the final week of the season. While his next 3 starts are not exactly a walk down easy street, they should lead to more K's. Arizona leads the National League in team K's with a total of 1,103.
Carlos Lee (OF - Astros) - Lee has quietly gone about his business this season putting together another solid effort of .300+ average, 20+ HR, and 90+ RBI. The overall numbers are great, but this is easily his worst season in a Houston uniform. He is averaging a HR for every 24.2 AB, lower than previous two years of 19.6 in 2007 and 15.6 in 2008. His OPS is lower as well, trending at .852 this year compared to .882 and .937. Overall, this leads to FPI's from 2007 to 2009 of 0.72, 0.77, and 0.68. Still a very respectable season for Lee, but at 33 years old, you have to wonder if the age decline will begin to set-in in 2010. I would drop him slightly on my draft boards heading into next year's fantasy season.
Lance Berkman (1B - Astros) - Berkman is heating-up and at just the right time for fantasy owners. He has HRs in back-to-back games, giving him 20 on the season and a total of 71 RBI. In total, this is definitely not the Lance you drafted in March. He has only played in 117 of 141 games for the Astros this year, driving his totals way down. When he is in the lineup, he still has a .900+ OPS for the year and is still averaging a HR for every 19.7 AB. That's not all that different from the 19.1 in 2008 although it is quite a variance from his previous season's 16.5. Regardless, he looks to be swinging a hot bat right now and looks like he's out to help redeem himself to fantasy owners for having an off year.
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