Who AL Central LF is the best in the division?
By Brett Pnazek
Melky Cabrera (Chicago White Sox)
Mar 4, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Chicago White Sox outfielder Melky Cabrera bats in the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during a spring training baseball game at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
2014 Stats
Batting Average – .301
Home Runs – 16
Runs Batted In – 73
Stolen Bases – 6
Offensive WAR – 3.6
Defensive WAR – -1.1
Cabrera is making a return to the division after spending last year with Toronto. He is going to be counted on to provide the consistency that he has provided in previous stops with the White Sox. He will not wow you with great offensive numbers but he’s going to hit and get on base. He’ll stabilize the White Sox offense and help Jose Abreu see better pitches.
He was and has been a plus guy in the offensive side of WAR. This should be expected year in and year out.
However the reason why he is No. 3 on this list is because he is a defensive liability. I’m not expecting him to get much better this year, but as long as he catches the balls that he gets too and hits the cut-off man I will not mind because he is an upgrade over Dayan Viciedo.
Being how he just signed with Chicago, I expect his job security to be tight. He’s going to be counted on to produce and the only way he does not see the field is if he is injured.
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