Fantasy baseball world: Players doing well in second half of season

Staff writer Tim Hubbard looks as some impressive second-half contributors.

Tanner Roark

SP | Washington

In a rotation that also features Stephen Strasburg, Jordan Zimmermann and Gio Gonzalez, it was Roark who turned heads during the Nationals’ late and unsuccessful push for a playoff spot. Since his call-up in August, the right-hander is 7-1 with a 1.74 earned-run average and 0.96 WHIP.

Michael Wacha

SP | St. Louis

Few outside of St. Louis knew Wacha’s name until Tuesday night when he was an infield single away from a no-hitter. But Wacha has been a key contributor since August, posting a 4-1 record with a 2.78 ERA and 65 strikeouts in 642/3 innings working out of the bullpen and as a starter.

Billy Hamilton

OF | Cincinnati

Hamilton stole 155 bases in the minors last year, so nothing he does with his legs should be surprising. Yet, watching him wreak havoc on the basepaths while helping the Reds wrap up a playoff spot has been exhilirating. Thirteen steals 12 games. Who wouldn’t want that shot of adrenalin?

Kole Calhoun

OF | Angels

Shuck, Trout and Calhoun sounds like a firm of backwater barristers, but in reality it has been the Angels’ outfield for much of the second half. Mike Trout is a superstar and J.B. Shuck has been a pleasant surprise, and lately Calhoun has enjoyed his crack at the big time, hitting .276 with eight home runs and 31 runs batted in in only 185 at-bats. Of course, Albert Pujols’ return from injury next season will most likely leave Calhoun or Shuck without a starting spot.