New Studs on the Block takes a look at players ready to make the leap from "possibly productive fantasy player" to "must-have fantasy stud." This is not a "you've never heard of this dude, but ... " series -- these should be names you already know.When Andre Ethier came into the league as a bright-eyed, bushy tailed 24-year-old, people knew he was going to hit major league pitching. He was a second-round pick who made consistent contact, always sported a high average and drove home runs. One thing he didn't really appear to have, though, was big-time home run power.
In less than four major league seasons, Ethier has progressively blossomed into a legitimate power hitter.
Heading out of Arizona State, Ethier was thought to have the potential to grow into a home run hitter, but he hadn't yet been one. He hit 14 home runs his junior year, which looked a bit low considering his runs and RBI totals exceeded 110 and he hit a whopping .372. That summer, he hit just one homer in 203 at-bats between rookie ball and low-level Class A. In 2004, he went yard just 7 times in 419 at-bats. He did hit 18 bombs his last full minor league season (2005), but that was in 135 games -- hardly a Ruthian output.
Through Ethier's first three major league seasons, he reinforced the previously held held notion of just what he would be. From 2006-2008, he hit .299 with a .364 on-base percentage. If you looked closer, though, you would have noticed his power was developing. His slugging percentage went from the mid-to-high .400s to .510 in 2008. His doubles totals went from 20 to 32 to 38. His home runs went from 11 to 13 to 20. His isolated power went all the way up to .206 in 2008, which is power hitting territory.
This season, he's flashing more power than most scouts ever predicted when he entered the league. Ethier's on pace for 33 home runs and 110 RBI, drastic jumps from his 2008 campaign, which appeared to be a breakout one from a purely power standpoint.
In addition to everything else likable about Ethier, he's only 27 and the Dodgers have a stacked lineup around him. Things won't be changing for the worse anytime soon. We're looking at a middle-of-the-order hitter, after expecting him to look more like a 2-hole guy just two years ago.
So, Andre, welcome to the club of fantasy studs. We expect your stay to be lengthy, thus, feel free to get comfortable.
