Coming into the 2011 season, many fantasy writers (I don't like the "experts" term), including me, were of the belief that Blue Jays outfielder Jose Bautista could not repeat his 2010 season which saw him hit .260-.378-.617 with 54 HRs, 124 RBIs, 109 runs and 9 SBs with a 20% K rate and 15% BB rate.
After Sunday's effort, which saw him hit not one, not two, but three home runs and drive in four in his five at bats, Bautista is now hitting .368-.520-.868 with 16 HRs and 27 RBIs. The Blue Jays need to find some hitters who can get on base ahead of him as he is hitting too many solo home runs so far.
Some amazing facts about Bautista's hot start:
16 HRs in 114 at bats
HR/AB = 7.1
HR/FB% = 27.7% (prior to his 3 HR day on Sunday)
K/BB = 19-35
ISO = .500
OPS = 1.388
In his last 10 games, he is 15-39 with 8 HRs, 14 RBIs and a 3-9 K/BB rate. According to ESPN, he is on pace to hit 65 HRs. I don't think he will hit 65 HRs, but he very well could hit 50 HRs again this season. Assuming he gets around 500 at bats going forward, he would need to hit a HR every 14.7 at bats, roughly twice the rate at which he is hitting them now.
In a year where runs scored and power are down, Bautista is having another special season.