Who AL Central LF is the best in the division?
By Brett Pnazek
No. 4: Yoenis Cespedes (Detroit Tigers)
Mar 8, 2015; Lakeland, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers left fielder Yoenis Cespedes (52) runs drills before a spring training baseball game against the Houston Astros at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sport
2014 Stats
Batting Average – .260
Home Runs – 22
Runs Batted In – 100
Stolen Bases – 7
Offensive WAR – 2.7
Defensive WAR – .7
Cespedes being fourth isn’t an indictment on his play but rather the strength of the position. He played for both Oakland and Boston last year and is now on his third team in less than a year in Detroit.
Opportunities with runners in scoring positions will be plentiful for him this year hitting behind Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez so I expect another 100-plus RBI season. However it’s my belief that he’s not going to hit for a high average which is the main reason why he’s No. 4 on this list.
His metrics show that he performed at a starter level at the plate and was in the reserve level in the field. He’s got a gun for an arm as most of us have seen the highlights but his range is questionable.
Cespedes is entering a walk year, so he’ll have plenty of motivation to stay healthy so he can net himself a nice contract in the offseason. He’ll face no competition and unless he gets traded during the season will be the left fielder for the entire season.
Next: No. 3 ranks in from Chicago