Bounce Back Bat: OF Shin-Soo Choo
By Bill Pivetz
Jul 22, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; Texas Rangers left fielder Shin-Soo Choo (17) bats against the New York Yankees during a game at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
In this series, I will look at some of the fantasy busts of the 2014 season and highlight which ones could bounce back this season and become a staple of your team. The player to lead off this series is Texas Rangers outfielder Shin-Soo Choo. Choo signed with the Rangers at the end of the 2013 season for seven years, but did not perform up to expectations. With another year of Spring Training, Choo should bounce back to the player the Rangers wanted him to be.
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After spending seven seasons with the Cleveland Indians, Choo spent the 2013 with the Cincinnati Reds. He turned that one season into a big payday. In 2013, Choo hit 21 home runs, 54 RBI and a line of .285/.423/.462. As the Reds’ leadoff hitter, he provided the team with some power early and getting on base for his teammates.
In the following offseason, the Rangers signed Choo to a seven-year, $130 million deal. This would give the Rangers an anchor in the outfield as the team figured the other spots out. Unfortunately, Choo’s first year in Texas was a struggle. He finished with 13 home runs, 40 RBI and .242/.340/.374 line.
It wasn’t because Choo was hurt, he played 123 games, but the fact everyone around him was missing time. Another big-time signee, Prince Fielder, only played in just 42 games and J.P. Arencibia played in 63 games. With the lack of chemistry in the lineup, Choo’s production suffered.
Choo has low expectations surrounding him entering the 2015 season. This will be his 11th season at the age of 32. Fantasy experts have ranked Choo accordingly. Rotochamp.com has him at 241 overall, ESPN ranks him at No. 188, 48th outfielder. You should be able to draft him late, between Rounds 21 and 23.
Choo possesses good power for a leadoff hitter, but can also get on base when necessary. Expect 78 runs, 16 home runs, 68 RBI and a .262/.369/.419 slash line from Choo in 2015. He would be a perfect fourth outfielder for your team.