Starling Marte- Starling Marte has proven to be one of the better power/speed combinations in the National League in 2015. The biggest difference to Marte owners this season has been his ability to generate more power. His 14 home runs already have exceeded his 2014 total. The worrisome part moving forward for Marte owners is that this newfound power may not be sustainable moving forward. His contact rates are disturbing for a player who needs to continue to hit for power to maximize his value. His 53.8% ground ball rate is in line with his career averages, and his HR/FB rate of 20.6% does not seem sustainable based on his career averages. At this point in the season, Marte has obviously earned his place. He is basically a lock for a 15/25 season with the upside of maybe 18/30, but I'd be cautious when looking at him in coming seasons that his power may not be sustainable.
Daniel Murphy- The fantasy value of Daniel Murphy has been slowly declining over the course of the last two seasons. Murphy hit 13 home runs and stole 23 bases in 2013. Those totals decreased in 2014 to 9 home runs and 13 steals. This season 8 home runs and 1 steal thus far. Murphy has become a player whose entire value is tied to his .280 batting average. The lack of any legitimate power or speed really leaves Murphy as a desperate injury replacement.
Khris Davis- Khris Davis' power has come back with a vengeance of late. After hitting 6 home runs in his entire first half, Davis has hit 8 home runs in the second half. He has regained his status as a useable fantasy asset thanks to this latest power display. The power outburst has seemingly been on the way as Davis has been hitting fly balls at a solid 41.4% rate. He is, also, walking at 11.2% of the time, which is a solid sign that his plate patience is improving. At this point, Davis is definitely worth an add in almost all standard leagues based on his current power explosion.
Dee Gordon- On a Marlins squad with very little in the way of positive results in 2015, Dee Gordon stands apart as maybe the Marlins most productive asset. Gordon has sustained his excellent batting average throughout the season, which was an issue last year with the Dodgers. The stolen bases have slowed down considerably later in the season, but he is a solid bet to crack the 45-50 steal range, which will put him amongst the league leader in that categories. Overall, he has been a top option at 2nd base all season and the lone bright spot on for the Marlins.
Alex Wood- Alex Wood has struggled to produce the same results for fantasy owners as in 2014. The biggest difference has been his inability to generate strikeouts. His K Rate is way down in 2015. He was at a 24.5% K Rate in 2014, and now, he is at 18.1%. The substantial drop-off has essentially taken a strong fantasy asset and removed his viability. The biggest issue for Wood has been decreased effectiveness with his fastball. His velocity is essentially the same, but what was a plus pitch for Wood in 2014 is now a mediocre offering in 2015. His long term valuation is tied directly to him regaining that value on his fastball. Without it, Wood is about what we have seen this season, which is a league average starter at best.
Today's National League Player Blog is brought to you by Nicholas Rossoletti. You can follow Nicholas on Twitter @NRoss56.
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