AL Central: Who is the top right fielder?
By Brett Pnazek
No. 4: Brandon Moss (Cleveland Indians)
Feb 26, 2015; Goodyear, AZ, USA; Cleveland Indians first baseman Brandon Moss (44) poses during photo day at Goodyear Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
2014 Stats
Batting Average: .234
Home Runs: 25
Runs Batted In: 81
Steals: 1
Offensive Wins Above Replacement: 2.2
Defensive Wins Above Replacement: -.5
Moss spent last season with the Oakland A’s. While his batting average took another drop from 2012, he battled injuries but played through them.
He started 69 games in the outfield last year, so whether or not he can handle 162 games and remain healthy remains to be seen. The biggest question concerning him is if his off-season hip surgery sapped any of his power potential.
Moss is more than capable of putting up big power numbers offensively, but like the other guys on this list he average at best defensively. He will not be winning a Gold Glove but his offensive gains should outweigh the defensive liability.
Moss is being counted on to provide some pop to a Cleveland offense that was lacking it last year. He should be batting cleanup for the Indians and has some high OBP guys in front of him that should help him see better pitches.
I’d be surprised if he plays more than 150 games in the outfield and doesn’t spend some time at DH or First Base in order to help keep him healthy.
Next: No. 3: Spiderman Returns to the Twin Cities