This could have been another list of All-Star game snubs, but rather than focus on the negative, let’s take a look at the positive and see some players who could go on a tear in the second half of the season:
There was never any denying this guy’s talent, but injuries and mental questions have kept him from reaching his full potential. However, in only 32 games this season, Ramirez is hitting .406 with seven home runs and 20 RBI. Hitting is contagious, and with the Dodgers rallying around Yasiel Puig, Hanley Ramirez could be a nice supplement to a Los Angeles run.
Hamilton might be the biggest disappointment so far this season, but the Angels are getting it together and so is he. In the past two weeks, Hamilton has hit for an average of .388 and a slugging percentage of .638. Don’t look now, but Hamilton could soon start to earn his paycheck.
Longoria is a perennial MVP candidate who always puts the Rays’ offense on his back, and this year is no different. The third baseman has 17 home runs and 49 RBI. The only change this season is he seems to have some more help with the likes of Ben Zobrist and Wil Myers, which could result in a boost in his numbers. The Rays are in contention once again, and barring any injuries that have haunted Evan in the past, he could go off on a major hot streak in August and September to help get his team to the top of the AL East.
The Diamondbacks’ second baseman was a pleasant surprise last year, but has missed a lot of time this season after an injury in April. Aside from his hot start to the season, he has hit for an average of .307 since his return in late June, and should only improve as he gets into a rhythm with more at-bats.
In some ways a Hill/Ramirez combo, given injuries and character issues, Jose Reyes is a talented ball player with unreal speed. He missed a good chunk of the season, but in only 21 gamest has an average of .333, an on-base percentage of .380, and six steals. To make Reyes even scarier, the Blue Jays’ lineup is only now beginning to reach its full potential, which will mean more runs and total bases for the shortstop.
About Ronald Haraka