List of top 100 performers in the game – MLB 2012 Update - Part 35
69. Andre Ethier
After showing glimpses of his strength and hitting ability in his first two seasons in Major League Baseball, Andre Ethier put it all together in 2008 season as he went on to record one of the finest seasons of his career with 20 home runs, an incredible .885 OPS and 77 RBI’s. Things continued to get better for the right handed striker as he had yet another successful season in 2011, hitting 31 home runs with 106 RBI’s (both career highs). However, his most astonishing feat that season was the four walk off home runs he smashed.
However, after having a successful time from 2008-2010, Ethier was unable to maintain his form in 2011 as his SLG fell to .421 from .479. In addition to his poor performances on the field, the guy faced several health and injury problems off the field. Playing through a knee injury did not help the cause either. While, he may never be able to outdo his pre 2009 performances, there is a strong chance his stats for 2012 will be far more in line with his career averages.
Ethier has been representing Los Angeles Dodgers since he joined Major League Baseball back in 2006. He will be hoping to produce match winning performances in the season starting in less than a couple of months, to let the Dodgers reach the post season. Dodgers, on the other hand, will be looking to give the striker more confidence so he can recover his lost form and contribute significantly in their success.
“To have one walk-off home run is unbelievable. To have four, I don't know what's going on,” said Ethier in an interview.
“I wasn't an all-American, and I wasn't drafted until the second round. I wasn't that guy everybody said to watch out for the next couple of years because I was going to make a big impact. I guess that lights a little fire under you and makes you want to show what you can do,” he further added.
"He's very competitive. Sometimes he can drift a little bit in his thought process because he is so competitive. But he's gotten better and better as a player,” said Dodgers' General Manager Ned Colletti.
70. Jonathan Papelbon
Jonathan Papelbon had a very disappointing 2010 season as he fell short of his targets by a large distance. It was a testing time for him as everything seemed to be working against him. But the guy showed great composure, fighting spirit and determination to come through those times and make it to the list of top hundred performers.
Finding his form just at the right time, Papelbon posted one of the strongest seasons of his career in 2011. His 1.53 FIP was easily his best mark in six Major League seasons. Raising the level of his game play, he played a crucial role in the Red Sox success this past season. His WHIP of 0.93 was impressive and he cut his rather unhealthy 3.76 BB/9 down to 1.40.
Since he took over the closing job for Boston, very few closers have been able to give better performances than Papelbon. One of the best closers in the game will now be moving to Philadelphia and undoubtedly he will be looking to prove he’s worth $50 million over four years.
Continued in Part 36
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