So as we come to the end of 2021, I feel it’s a good time to see where I stand after all my research. Most people like to show their wins. But I am here to put it all out there….MY WINS AND LOSSES. So let's start with what I got right.
TY FRANCE .291AVG 18HR 73RBI .368OBP 1B/2B
France was my choice to break out this year after a monster minor league season that saw him hit 30 plus homers and bat well over .300. Finally locking down a starting gig is all Ty needed to make his mark. With a strong 2nd half batting .321 with 10 bombs, he locked down a full-time role in 2022 as the team's primary first baseman. Due to the deep position, I expect France to be a value once again and sign off in all formats.
BYRON BUXTON .306avg 19hr 9sb .358obp
I really hope my editor leaves Byron in this article. My love for Buxton goes way back and like most other owners will say…..LOVE HURTS (literally). The power/speed combo is super sexy and will all dream of what a full healthy season can look like. Byron gets hurt and is still a win for me. Why??? The hit tool finally showed up. We expect a .240-.260avg but this year he was hitting .306 at the time of injury. He is developing!!! Bottom Line- I WILL LIVE AND DIE WITH BYRON.
BRYAN REYNOLDS .302AVG 24HR 90RBI 5SB .390OBP
The breakout finally came!!! After slumping (.189avg) in the short Covid season, I was targeting him everywhere expecting a big payoff. Improving his K rate by 9% helped as his found success simply putting the ball in play. Reynolds didn’t struggle at any time last year as he had a very similar batting avg thru the year (.302 1st half .303 2nd half). Turning 27 years old this year, expect him to only get better.
HARRISON BADER .267AVG 16HR 9SB 367ABS
Another one of “my guys”!!! Bader finally found his stroke as he hit .281 with 10 bombs in the 2nd half. The Cardinals were looking to upgrade their outfield until all three young players took a big step forward. His ADP last year was basically free which led to way too many shares. Gold Glove winner as well which keeps him on the field going forward. ALL IN
LOGAN WEBB 11-3 3.03ERA 1.11WHIP 158/36 K/BB
This was Trader Andy’s biggest win of the year. Webb finally developed into a front-line starter, which included 14 playoff innings and a 17/1 k/bb, and just one earned run. Will his value be any higher this offseason? Losing Buster Posey and his game-calling prowess to retirement should hurt Logan a bit. I am not paying the high ADPs this off-season, and in keeper/dynasty leagues I will sell high.
Even though I made it to the winner's circle in most of my leagues, I did miss on some of my projections. Here are my losses.
TREVOR BAUER 17 GAMES. 8 WINS
Stack Attack was heavily invested here and should be again in 2022. We managed to cash even with this situation that couldn’t be predicted. And that is all I will say on this matter. HAHA
JOEY VOTTO vs ALEX KIRILLOFF
VOTTO .266AVG .375OBP 36HRS 99RBI
KIRILLOFF .251AVG .299OBP 8HRS 34RBI
This was a question that we took live on a podcast this spring, and wow was I wrong. I took AK47 and was expecting a big year in his first year with a full-time gig. A wrist injury quickly derailed his season and sapped out his power when he returned. Who saw this monster season by Votto?? I admit to taking a LOSS here but my hot take for 2022….BUY AK47!!!
Michael Conforto .232avg 14hrs
This just hurts in so many ways. Not only did he hurt a few of my fantasy teams, but he killed my Mets with way too many bad at-bats. A change of scenery is exactly what the doctor ordered and that looks like a reality once this work stoppage comes to an end.
Dominic Smith .244avg 11hr .304obp
Last spring I made the bold statement that Dom was the best hitter on the Mets roster after a 2020 season of .316 avg 10 hrs .377 obp. Smith was very frustrating to watch as he chased breaking balls in the dirt most of the year. Playing in the OF for the first time could have been a small factor in his struggles and I already see myself buying into him for 2022. With the possibility of a full-time DH in the NL, Smith can find himself at first base all year with more relaxed at-bats!
Sometimes you get burned beyond return. Here is a small list of players who have burned me in the past and will not be on my team. They are dead to me. Cross them off, then.
Ian Happ .226avg 25hrs
The big second half makes this pick not look so bad but I am getting off the roller coaster here.
Cavan Biggio .224 7hr
Yes, I was one of the guys who bought into his amazing OBP skills and drafted him in the 4-7th round last year.
Adalberto Mondesi .230 6hr 15sb
This kid burned me too. I won't admit to where I drafted him last year in a few industry leagues. His struggles I just can't endure another season.
In closing, Fantasy Baseball is just like the stock market. Sell high and buy low. Buying Biggio in round 5 last year was horrible. I just said he is dead to me….but getting him in round 21 of a 15 teamer is a worthy risk.
For further information or opinions on any of these players, you can reach Trader Andy on Twitter @Amac22nj, otherwise check him out on the Stack Attack Fantasy Podcast.