During every offseason, expectations are set for many players based on their performances throughout the previous year. For some men, those expectations are often met and even surpassed; but for others, they fall well short and leave fans and teammates scratching their heads asking what went wrong. Luckily for those players about to be mentioned, the season has only progressed 30 games and there is plenty of time for improvement.
Josh Hamilton, OF, Los Angeles Angels
After a phenomenal 2012 season as a member of the Texas Rangers, Hamilton has struggled immensely thus far in 2013. His 43 home runs and 128 runs batted in last year were large contributing factors to the fact he will make $17.4 million this season. However, he sure hasn’t earned that paycheck so far. Hamilton is batting .208 with two home runs and only nine runs batted in through 31 games played. To reinforce how disappointing Hamilton has been this year, he is on pace for only 10 home runs and 45 RBIs, while on pace for 200 strikeouts.
R.A. Dickey, SP, Toronto Blue Jays
After his Cy-Young Award winning campaign of 2012, Dickey signed with the Toronto Blue Jays. So far, it’s safe to say that the Jays are less than satisfied with their offseason acquisition. Through seven starts, Dickey is just 2-5 with a worrying 5.36 earned run average. These numbers are especially discouraging after a 20-6 mark last season. He still has plenty of time to turn his numbers around, but at age 38 coming off a season that dwarfs any other season in his 10+ year big league career, I wouldn’t expect him to win more than 12 games in 2013.
Roy Halladay, SP, Philadelphia Phillies
After Halladay's lackluster season in 2012, the majority of baseball minds expected him to bounce back in 2013. However, it seems that the 35 year-old righty is still on a steep downward spiral. Through his seven starts, Halladay has a record of 2-4 with an abysmal 8.65 earned run average. Out of 110 eligible pitchers this year, Halladay ranks 107th in strike percentage and 109th in ERA. In four of his seven starts, he has given up at least five earned runs in no more than four innings pitched. His fastball has lost some of its’ velocity this year, and his pitch command has been less than desirable. You can’t discount the success that this man has had in his career, but this season has been a major disappointment thus far.
Josh Reddick, OF, Oakland Athletics
Coming off a career year in 2012, saying Reddick has underperformed so far this year would be a gross understatement. This young man has all the talent in the world, but for whatever reason, it just hasn’t shown through this season. After belting 32 home runs last season, Reddick has only one long ball this year through 88 at-bats. Furthermore, his .148 batting average has him looking up at the Mendoza line like Muggsy Bogues looking up to Yao Ming. Like I said though, Reddick is a very talented individual and the A’s are a very good ball club, so expect him and his beard to bounce back and salvage his season.
B.J. Upton, OF, Atlanta Braves
After being reunited with his younger brother, Justin Upton, in Atlanta, it seemed as if the table was set for a great year for the pair. However, it’s been a tail of two Uptons so far this season. Justin is off to a blazing start, leading the majors in home runs with 12, and B.J. is ice cold with a .154 batting average and 36 strikeouts. He is on pace for a career low in runs batted in and a career high in strikeouts. Luckily for him, the Braves lineup has been able to pick up the slack and he has played solid defense in the outfield. Reading between the lines could lead some to believe that B.J.’s younger brother’s success so far has affected him mentally and contributed to his struggles, but I think it’s merely some early season rust.
On that note, I believe that all three position players on this list WILL bounce back and play pivotal roles in their team’s success. These men are way too talented to struggle all season long like they have early in the season. However, the two pitchers that are severely struggling might be something more than shaking off the rust. Both Dickey and Halladay are in the ladder stages of their careers and have had command issues thus far. Halladay has been placed on the 15-day disabled list as of May 6th, so maybe he will bounce back after addressing his shoulder issues.