Should We Be Worried About Some Early Season Slumps?

People tend to get very excited for the beginning of the baseball season but when a player is struggling they tend to overreact way too early. There are some guys who will eventually bust out of some slumps but there will be some that never put it together this season. I will breakdown some early season slumps and if there is a reason to panic.

B.J Upton: 4-for-29 (.138 BA) 1 2B 0 BB 13 K

Upton had a miserable season last year and was really looking to turn things around this season. He has done the exact opposite thus far. He has struck 13 times and has not drawn a single walk. Braves fans it is time to PANIC with Upton. This is a slump that has now lasted over a year. Especially since he just signed a five-year $75 million contract just last off-season. I think Braves fans wish they would have kept Broun over Upton.

Allen Craig: 3-for-31 (.097 BA) 3 RBI 1 BB 6K

Unlike Upton, Craig had a great 2013. He has been one of the most clutch hitters in the game the past 2 seasons and led the league in hitting with runners in scoring position with a .454 average. Craig is off to a brutal start to the season. He has only drawn 1 walk and is hitting under .100. With Craig it is too early to panic. He has been a run producer the past 2 seasons and I expect him to break out soon.

Prince Fielder: 6-for-37 (.162 BA) 3 RBI 0 HR 2 BB 5 K

Rangers traded all-star second basemen Ian Kinsler to Detroit and got back Prince Fielder in return. Fielder has been one of the most consistent players in the game. He came into Texas this season with some high expectations hitting in the middle of this stacked lineup. So far Fielder has struggled this season. His power numbers did slip a little in Detroit but I don't think it is a cause for concern. Ranger fans I wouldn't panic just yet, but I would be a little worried if this continues.

Bryce Harper: 6-for-29 (.207 BA), 1 HR, 3 RBI, 1 R , 1 BB, 13 K

Ok we all know that Harper has all the tools to be a star in this league and one of the all time greats. He is still the youngest player in the game and has high expectations. A lot of people were picking him to be the MVP of the NL this year banking on a big year. So far it has not turned out that way. Harper has 13 strikeouts which is extremely high. Even with the slow start fans or fantasy owners should not panic.
Harper will eventually breakout of this slump in a big way. We saw some signs last night when Harper hit his first home run of the year.

Mike Moustakas: 1-for-26 (.038) 1 RBI, 3 BB, 7 K

Coming into this season it was a make or break year for Moustakas who hasn't reached his full potential after being a highly touted prospect in the Royals farm system. Now the Royals are looking to take the next step and Moustakas could be left behind. After a hot spring training and people started to believe this could be the year, he has disappointed thus far. It is time to push the panic button with Moustakas. Looks like soon he will see a decrease in playing time due to his poor start. He better get it going. 

Brian McCann: 5-for-33 (.152) 2 RBI, 1 BB, 4K 

McCann signed a 5 year-deal worth $85 million this offseason with the Yankees. He has gotten off to a slow start thus far with the Yankees. McCann has been one of the best hitting catchers in the league for a while now and should see an increase in his power numbers now playing in Yankee Stadium. There really should be no panic with McCann. He has been put the ball in play which is a good sign with very few strikeouts. Give it a week or so and we shouldn't be talking about a slump anymore with this guy.