Player Comparison Stanton vs. Bruce

Giancarlo Stanton vs. Jay Bruce

In today's Fantasy Sports Java we are comparing outfielders Giancarlo Stanton vs. Jay Bruce based on ADP(average draft position).
2012 Notable Statistics
Stanton-.290 BA, 37 HR, 86 RBI ,75 R, 30 2B, 46 BB , 6 SB, 143 K in 449 AB's
Bruce   -.252 BA, 34 HR, 99 RBI, 89 R, 35 2B, 62 BB, 9 SB, 155 K in 560 AB's

Both players are young, big-time, OF eligible, power hitters who have progressed each season.  However, Stanton is ranked a solid 2 rounds ahead of Bruce.  Let's take a deeper look as to why Stanton is ranked so much higher and which player you should target come draft day.

Giancarlo Stanton 

(9)Overall ADP (13)Overall Rank on Fantasy Pros
-Pros-
 Has the raw ability to blast tape measure bombs 
 Has increased HR production each of his three years in the bigs from 22 to 34 to 37
 Only 23 years old and has a ridiculous amount of upside
-Cons-
 Has had chronic knee issues over the past year
 Has no protection in a weak Miami Marlins lineup
 Plays in the new massive Marlins Park

In Depth 

In the brand new Marlins Park last season Stanton hit 16 HR in 247 ABs (68 Games) while slugging 21 HR in 202 ABs (55 Games) on the road. Stanton hit .304 in the spacious Marlins Park while slugging .591.   However, on the road he only batted .272 yet he slugged a ridiculous .629. 

 

Jay Bruce

(37) Overall ADP (40) Overall Rank on Fantasy Pros
-Pros-
On a very good Reds team with lots of protection and no pressure to be the main guy
Plays in a very hitter friendly Great American Ballpark
Has also increased HR production, but for 5 years in the bigs. 21,22,25,32,34
-Cons-
An extremely streaky hitter and usually is hot and cold for months at a time
Occasionally, when in a slump Dusty Baker will sit him against leftys
Struggles on the road

 

In Depth

In the hitter friendly Great American Ballpark Bruce hit .286, 21 HR, and slugged .607.  However his road splits were troubling hitting a meager .218, 13 HR, and slugged .421. Keep these splits in mind if you draft Bruce this year.

 

Analysis 

Both players have not seen their best years yet, production-wise, in the majors.  I personally believe that Stanton is slightly over-valued and will not finish the season as the 9th overall player in the game.  However, if he stays healthy he has the potential for 50+ HR.  I believe Bruce is valued in the right range and if he is taken in Round 4, then that is a solid pick.  If an owner can draft other consistent position players then Bruce is worth the Round 4 pick.

 

Target=Jay Bruce 4th Round

 

Final Note

Even though Stanton has the ability for 50 HR, I don't beleive it will happen this year, so owners should target Bruce in Round 4 rather than Stanton in Round 1 or 2.  Although Bruce's average will stay in the .250-.270 range he is bankable for 32+ HR and 90+RBI. Instead of slightly over paying for Stanton, target Bruce 2 Rounds later and in Stanton's spot, target someone else.
Bruce is very comparable to Stanton and offers similar numbers for a player drafted 25 slots later.   

Feel free to comment on our player comparison and for individual fantasy advice email us at jwestfall19@gmail.com.  We will answer your questions within 24 hours!