AL Central Rankings: Who stands tall as best 2nd baseman?
By Brett Pnazek
No. 3: Jason Kipnis (Cleveland Indians)
Sep 14, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Cleveland Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis (22) makes a throw against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
2014 Stats
Batting Average: .240
HR: 6
RBI: 41
SB: 22
DWar: -.7
Fielding Percentage: .989
To say ’14 was a disappointment for Kipnis would be an understatement. Kipnis regressed from his ’13 numbers considerably.
Injuries limited Kipnis to 129 games played, but was thought to affect his play throughout the season.He is No. 3 on the list because of his upside when compared to the previous two on the list.
The Indians’ second baseman still managed to steal 20 bases, but that was the considerable highlight from last season. His offensive outlook should improve this year if healthy as the Indians offense looks to be a little more potent.
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Kipnis posted a respectable fielding percentage, but fell on the negative side of wins above replacement. His defensive metrics are not very good and have hovered right around average. It would not shock me if he were moved to a corner outfield position especially if Francisco Lindor proves himself more than capable of hitting big league pitching.
Kipmis is still one of Cleveland’s best players and they are banking on him to return to ’13 form. If he can stay healthy there is no reason why he should no€™t improve upon his numbers from last year and even exceed ’13.
As mentioned above he will be the Indians starting second baseman, but there is a small possibility depending on how the competition at shortstop turns out that he could see some time in the outfield.
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