The curious case of Andre Ethier, 2011 All-Star, continues

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He is slumping again, or at least by his standards. And his standards are part of his problem. Athletes are largely measured against their own ability (see: Matt Kemp, 2010) and past achievement.

Ethier entered the year as the Dodgers’ best, most accomplished hitter. He almost started the season with a 30-game hitting streak. Slumped some, but seemed to rally and earned his second consecutive invite to the All-Star game.

And pretty much has been in a slump ever since -- by his standards.

Since the All-Star game Ethier has hit .248, which isn’t even the problem. In his 29 games since the break, he has one home run, seven RBI and a .296 slugging percentage.

Ethier has a career .481 slugging percentage. Over his last three seasons, he has averaged 24.7 home runs and 88 RBI. He’s currently at 10 homers and 51 RBI on the season.

It’s hardly a disaster, but it is shaping up as a disappointing season. He is the Dodgers’ No.3 hitter. And he is looking for a big contract, after one more season of arbitration.

He is not in the Dodgers’ lineup Friday in Colorado.

[Updated, 4:04 p.m. Aug 19: Ethier is out with an infected big toe.]

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-- Steve Dilbeck