Owners pay for high pick on Trea

Some lessons just need to be learned the hard way. In Greek mythology, when Icarus was told by his father not to fly too close to the sun, the boy failed to heed the warning and paid the ultimate price — the heat destroyed his man-made wings and sent him plummeting to his death.

When fantasy baseball pundits warned the masses not to invest a first-round draft pick in Nationals second baseman Trea Turner, overzealous owners scoffed at passing up on such potential and took the youngster as high as fifth overall. Nearly two months into the season, Turner owners are now feeling the burn.

Every year, fantasy owners are warned: Just because a player has a successful half-season in the majors during his rookie callup, it doesn’t mean he is a guaranteed superstar.

Too many people were prorating Turner’s half-year of 13 home runs and 33 stolen bases in 2016 to a full season of, at minimum, 20/70 production this year and using it as justification for the high draft choice. Warnings were ignored as they soared closer to the sun.

Turner’s start to the season was uninspiring, and a quick trip to the disabled list should have tempered enthusiasm. Unfortunately, upon his return, the Nationals had a fourgame set in hitter-friendly Colorado, and Turner batted .524 (11-for21) with four doubles, one triple, two home runs and 11 RBIs. Ignoring the obvious, owners’ expectations ascended even higher.

Since leaving Colorado, Turner has batted just .155 (13-for-84) with two homers and five steals. His strikeout rate has pushed above 25 percent. He doesn’t draw walks, and his overall numbers are not what anyone would consider first-round material.

Though there certainly is enough time for him to turn his season around, those who were relying on his expected production are scrambling to make up for lost stats.

Instead of juicy power/speed numbers, they are left with nothing more than melting wax and burning feathers.