SPECULATOR: All-2nd half team

We have spent our last two columns pointing out first-half stud hitter and pitchers who we don't like for the balance of the year. So, you might reasonably ask, who do we like for the 2nd half? This week, we answer that question with a lineup's worth of players. While they may not have much in common in terms of first-half performance, these are players are likely on the upswing.

Catcher: Mike Napoli, TEX
For a catcher, Napoli hasn't been bad this year. But his .228/12 HR first half is extremely disappointing in light of his .320/30 HR, 1000+ OPS breakout of 2011. The truth is, Napoli is an extremely streaky hitter, and the second half of 2011 was one enormous hot streak for him. Half-season splits aren't predictive; we can't just...

Almost!

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