If you made it big in the restaurant business, you got a Chef’s Table.
At Fantasy Alarm we have one too. Expect here you don’t need a reservation. Or a fat stack to pay for it.
Each week I will profile a player or players based on increased street cred throughout the industry. Whether because of a recent hot streak, increased playing time or a promotion because of an injury. From there I will break down the recipe for that player’s success and determine if he is just a flash in the pan or someone who is gonna bring home the bacon.
Today’s Special: Josh Hamilton, OF (TEX)
After a rocky two-year stretch with the Angels, the Rangers were able to make a move to bring Hamilton and all his baggage back to the Lone Star State. In the end, the Angels basically paid him $70 million to go away, which could end up being a blessing for both teams involved considering he was clearly on the outside looking in among the Angels organization. Before returning to the field Hamilton will need to finish up his rehabilitation from shoulder surgery followed by a brief stint with Triple-A Round Rock on a rehab assignment. Now that it appears he is a few weeks away from making his 2015 debut, is he worth stashing in terms of fantasy?
For starters, Hamilton is now three years removed from the 43 home run-128 RBI season that landed him is $128 million contract and at the age of 33, it is clear that his best days are likely behind him. However, now that he will be back around a solid support group, who have experience in dealing with his demons in the past, we could see a different version of Hamilton once he toes the batter's box. Let's not forget, he has yet to bat under .250 over his seven year career while average 24 home runs and 84 RBI in that same stretch, and that includes his two down years with the Angels and an injury-plagued 2009 campaign.
Once back in the mix, Hamilton is expected to slot behind Adrian Beltre in the Ranger's everyday lineup, whether serving as a designated hitter or logging time in left field. Considering the career on-base percentages of the players expected to hit ahead of him, Hamilton is in line to put up solid RBI totals as long as he can recapture the swing that resulted in many all-star appearances. Even if he only provides two-third of his full potential, the middle of the Rangers lineup will be one of the most lethal in the American League with the likes of Beltre and Prince Fielder joining Hamilton.
Again, all this hype could just as easily frizzle away if Hamilton's rehab assignment doesn't go as planned, but just like the Rangers' front office prospective fantasy owners have very little to lose if making the small investment on Hamilton's services. With more just six weeks gone in the season, Hamilton has the potential of posting upwards of 20 home runs while providing plenty of run production as long as he can stay on the straight and narrow. Again, the risk is still there, but the upside is certainly worth it, especially those in need of a power bat after a slow start to the fantasy season.