LestersLegends.com

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By Matt Carpenter
twitter.com/carmatts
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The majority of major leaguers use Spring Training to get prepared for the season and hit the ground running come opening day. For others, the first half of the season seems to be a tune up for the stretch drive that comes after the All Star break. One of the most famous examples is Adam LaRoche. Like clockwork, every year LaRoche would get off to a terrible start, only to turn it on after the mid summer classic. This year however, LaRoche is out for the season, so we must look elsewhere for a second half push. Here are some of the most proven post break stars.
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Ryan Howard: Howard’s career first half numbers are mediocre at a .261 average and an OPS of .866. His second half numbers are .295 and a monstrous 1.017 OPS. With power down in baseball, Howard can carry you in the power categories.
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Troy Tulowitzki: Tulo is a decent first half hitter and a downright stud in the second half. His career post All Star break average of .314 and OPS of .923 dwarf his first half numbers. In September 2010, he cranked 15 HR’s and 40 RBI’s, single-handedly winning fantasy titles.
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Mark Teixeira: Big Tex is a notoriously slow starter who kicks into gear as the season goes on. His second half average of .299 is almost 30 points higher than his first half numbers.
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Gordon Beckham: The newest addition to the notorious second half hitters club is Beckham. Since his debut in 2009, he has posted dismal first half averages of .236 and .642 OPS. His second half numbers are .285 and a .851 OPS. The formula is holding thus far in 2011, as he hit .194 in April but has picked it up and is hitting .286 in July.
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Bronson Arroyo: His first half ERA is 4.80. His second half ERA is 3.66. His first half BAA is .277. His second half BAA is .248. Only twice in his long career has Arroyo posted a better first half ERA. Pick this guy up for the stretch run.
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Chad Billingsley: Billingsley is close to a half a run better in the second half. If you take out his 2009, where he bucked the trend and had a great first half and terrible second half, the discrepancy is even greater. This year he began his surge a little early with a June ERA of 1.69 and .088 WHIP. With poor run support and the on-going off the field drama in LA, Chad could be a good buy low candidate.
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Wandy Rodriguez: Wandy has turned in a nice first half for a last place ball club. Traditionally, he has really stepped it up in the second half including a 2010 that consisted of a 2.11 ERA 1.04 WHIP and miniscule .204 BAA. If he gets traded to a contender, as is the rumor, his value skyrockets.
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Also check out:

• Can Emilio Bonifacio Keep Up His Terror on the Bases?
• Should You Continue to Order the Worley Bird Special?
• Should Ted Lilly Owners Jump Ship?
• Can Garrett Jones Continue to Produce?
• Fantasy Baseball Free Agent Pool – 2011 RBI Guys Vol. 6

I am going to vote for the MLB All-Star Game every Friday morning based on who I feel deserves it at the time.  My decisions will be based upon cumulative stats to date.

(Based on stats through 6/24)

American League
1B – Justin Morneau
2B – Aaron Hill
3B – Evan Longoria
SS – Jason Bartlett
C – Joe Mauer
OF – Torii Hunter
OF – Carl Crawford
OF – Jason Bay
SP – Zack Greinke

Be sure to go the MLB.com to place your vote.

2008 MLB All-Star Game
J.D. Drew took home MVP honors going 2 for 4 with a Run, a HR, 2 RBI, a Walk, and a SB.  Home Run Derby Champ Justin Morneau went 2 for 4 with 2 Runs (including the game-winner), a Double, and a Walk.  The NL got solid offensive contributions from their Shortstops as Hanley Ramirez and Miguel Tejada each went 2 for 3 with a Run.  Tejada added a Walk and a SB.  Albert Pujols also collected two Hits.  Matt Holliday clubbed a HR for the game’s first Run.  It was the NL’s only Extra-base Hit.

Obviously pitchers don’t last long in All-Star Games, but a few performances stood out.  Starters Cliff Lee and Ben Sheets each allowed 1 Hit in 2 scoreless Innings with 3 Ks.  Aaron Cook had the longest outing throwin 3 scoreless Innings.  Ryan Dempster struck out the side.  Carlos Zambrano, Dan Haren, and George Sherrill all pitched at least 2 scoreless Innings.  Scott Kazmir pitched a scoreless 15th Inning for the Win.