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ANALYSIS: After two straight years hitting over .300, many thought Joe Panik might actually be a contender for the batting title in his third Major League season. It hasn't panned out that way so far, with Panik hitting a mere .251. Panik is not a slugger, as he has never reached double digit homers in any professional season. If he isn't reaching base at a high rate, he just isn't valuable. Fortunately, Panik may be due to turn things around soon. His .265 BABIP is 65 points lower than last year and 78 lower than the previous year. His .156 ISO, although well below league average, is up from his own standards the last two seasons. He may actually reach 12-15 HR for the first time, if he plays a full season.
Even with a sub-par performance early on, Panik has scored 25 R and can substantially improve on that if he does approach .300 on a veteran Giants team, with the likes of Hunter Pence and Buster Posey to drive him in. Panik is a great buy-low candidate at the moment. He could finish in the top 10 among second baseman in runs and average, given his past pedigree. He certainly won't ever compete with the big boys at 2B, but Panik is a solid fall back option in deep leagues.
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