Can Andruw Jones Turn it Around?

July 16, 2007 @ 14:26:55

By Aaron Adams
Edited by KFFL Staff and Ryan Dodson

After posting mediocre numbers including a batting average near the Mendoza line for the first half of the season, many were calling Atlanta Braves center fielder Andruw Jones a "buy-low" candidate but owners seem to think that he will bounce back as he hasn't been moved in a significant amount of leagues thus far. 

So far, this season has been a nightmare for Jones, who went into the All-Star break with a .211 batting average in a contract year. Although his average is at an anemic level, he did post decent power numbers with 15 homers and 54 RBI, putting him in good position to hit 30 home-runs and drive in 100 RBI for the third straight season. Jones' power numbers and career batting average of .264 make him a good choice as a "buy-low" candidate. 

Jones seems to finally be turning the corner, going 11-for-34 (.324) with four home runs, 10 RBI, 11 runs and two steals over his last 10 games giving a peek at what the second half might hold.

What to Expect

Expect second half numbers to rise above his futile first half, with him possibly reaching .235 to .240 on the season. While he doesn't have the speed he once had, he could also give you a steal or two each month.

Jones is showing some wear after spending 12 years in the league. He had a quadriceps injury flare up recently. While it's scary as a fantasy owner to see someone like Jones get pulled from a game due to an injury, Jones has performed well since then. If Jones' quadriceps continues to bother him but doesn't land him on the disabled list, expect the lower end of his predicted numbers.  

While Jones' batting average can't get much worse than it was in the first half of the season, he is still only a .264 career hitter. You shouldn't expect his average to go much higher, although he could produce far greater power numbers if he continues to hit at a high average.

What to do with Jones

If you have Jones, there is no definitive answer to your quandary. It all depends on the rest of your roster, the league you are in, your position in the standings, who's available on the waiver wire, etc. One important thing to remember however is positional depth, and the outfield offers perhaps the deepest pool of fantasy talent. This means if you can upgrade a middle infield position or your pitching staff and have a few decent outfield options available on waivers, now would be the time to capitalize on others "buying low". 

Similarly, even though the outfield is a deep position, Jones should be on your radar if you are in desperate need of outfield help and have a surplus that meets the opposing owner's needs. While his low batting average is a liability, it will be hard to match his power numbers. As the season wears on, he will be reminded more that he will enter the free agent market next season, so he will have even more motivation to pick things up for the rest of the season. 

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Aaron Adams
Aaron has been with KFFL since 2007.

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