Kelly Johnson may be hitting just .176 this year but there is reason for hope.
Analysis: Kelly Johnson’s BABIP this year is 93 points below his career average, so he’s having a bit of an Aaron Hill 2010 season thus far. There is still plenty of time to bounce back and despite all his struggles Johnson still has four bombs and four stolen bases. He is only one of three second baseman in baseball with at least four homers and four swipes and his 14 runs is still good for fourteenth among major league second baseman. There really isn’t a reason why Johnson is available in over thirty percent of fantasy leagues but other owners lack of patience is your gain. Although Johnson did peak last year with a .284 batting average and 26 home runs he’ still on pace for 20 home runs and his BABIP will bounce back. He hits in a great hitter’s park, second base isn’t as deep as everyone thinks it is and when he returns to action Tuesday against the Giants he should return to form. Johnson is still a viable option at second in deeper leagues and is certainly bench worthy in every league.
Projection: Johnson should hit nearly twenty homers and will end up with about fifteen steals. His average should come up into the .240 range, sixty points above what he is hitting now. Have some faith.