Sophomore Slumping

There is no good explanation for “sophomore slump”, but it is as real as Mexican jumping beans or Silly Putty. Every year, sophomore slump claims at least one player that everyone assumed was primed for greatness. In 2003 it was Blue Jays 3b Eric Hinske. In 2004 it was Royals SS Angel Berroa. Last year it was A’s 3b Bobby Crosby, though his season was cut in half due to injury.

Let’s take a look at last year’s top three in the NL rookie of the year voting and see how they’re fairing this year:

Jeff Francoeur: So far this season, Francoeur is hitting .194 with 14 RBIs on the road before Thursday, and .313 with 28 RBIs at home. Obviously, this hometown hero is more comfortable in the safe confines of Turner Field. Total, he’s hitting .253 with 12 homers and 42 RBIs and a paltry .271 OBP. Francoeur has struck out 46 times and walked only four times, which is a little silly for a guy with such average power. In his defense, Francoeur plays a solid right field and has an arm like a cannon. Verdict: Francoeur is Sophomore Slumping.

Willie Taveras: The speedy ‘Stros outfielder is hitting .260 with 0 homers, 14 RBIs and 9 stolen bases. That’s pretty lousy, any way you spin it. He plays good defense, but not good enough to make up for his low offensive numbers. Despite only 16 walks, his OBP is a surprisingly high .312. I can’t figure out how that is possible. He’s struck out 40 times, way too high for a guy with no homeruns. Verdict: Taveras is Sophmore Slumping.