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2001 Busts

© Peter DeYoung

As we move closer to June, fantasy owners are slowly reaching for the panic buttons. A slow start can cause prolonged and agonizing pain for any owner. While the season is only 7 weeks old, in this day of instant gratification, owners can no longer wait it out. Waiver wires are filling up with players who had excellent seasons just a year ago. Is it time to jump ship on one of your top picks, or can we ride out the wave a little longer? Here is a look at some guys who have yet to break out in 2001.

1) Bernie Williams, Yankees. Williams has been one of the most consistent players for the Yankees the past few seasons. In the last two seasons he has hit over .300 and driven in over 115 runs. Couple that with 25+ home runs and 100+ runs and you are looking at a top ten fantasy outfielder. Yet Bernie is off to an awful start because his mind has been with his recently deceased father. Hitting is 90% half mental, and Bernie’s numbers have fallen because his focus has been understandable elsewhere. He is hitting .214 with 3 HR and 15 RBI. He is too good a player not to produce. Once he regains his focus, look for him to put up similar numbers to his last few seasons.

2) Darin Erstad, Angels. Erstad has been slowed by some nagging injuries thus far in 2001. Last season he was a fantasy animal, hitting .355 with 121 runs, 25 home runs, 100 RBI and 28 SB. For many he was a first round pick this season. Yet, as of today he is hitting .247 with just 2 HR, 20 RBI and 4 SB. The loss of Mo Vaughn in the lineup has hurt the Angels. Erstad is a gamer and I think he will bounce back, but do not expect similar numbers this season. I think .280, 16 HR 70 RBI and 18 SB is more like it.

3) Steve Finley, Diamondbacks. Finley is another outfielder who has stumbled out of the block this season. He has just 1 HR so far this year and 12 RBI while hitting a measly .207. These numbers are a far cry from his previous two seasons when he combined to hit 69 HR and drive in 199 runs. He is 36 years old now, so maybe age is finally catching up to him. I love the way he plays the game, but owners have fallen off his wagon for good reason. I would not touch him until he shows he can regain the bat speed he had the past few seasons.