It's happening again with Brock Holt.
By "it,'' I mean a second-half drop-off.
Last year, Holt's first full season in the big leagues, the utility man experienced a significant downturn in his play after the All-Star break. In the first half, he posted an .834 OPS, but came back down to earth in the second half with a .548 OPS.
It was suggested that Holt got worn down physically from moving all over the diamond, playing seven different positions, particular as the weather got hotter in July and August.
Additionally, part of that regression could be attributed to a concussion that he sustained in late August, which went undiagnosed for a while. Still, the slide in performance had begun well before that.
But the trend is being seen again this year.
In fact, it began even earlier this season. Since June 23 -- not long after being named to his first All-Star Game -- Holt has hit just .228 with a .284 OBP and a paltry .242 slugging percentage.
Boston Red Sox
In those 39 games, covering just about a quarter of the season, he has only two extra-base hits -- both doubles -- in 149 at-bats.
Holt's versatility should be valued; few can play as many positions competently, and that's a nice skill to have on a roster.
But his inability to maintain his offensive production over an entire season should temper those who insist he should be an everyday player.