AL Central Rankings: Who is the No. 1 centerfielder?

No. 5: Aaron Hicks: (Minnesota Twins)

Mar 9, 2015; Bradenton, FL, USA; Minnesota Twins center fielder Aaron Hicks (32) pops a ball up to third during the fifth inning of a spring training baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at McKechnie Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

2014 Stats

Batting Average: .215

Home Runs: 1

Runs Batted In: 18

Steals: 4

oWAR: .5

dWAR: -.2

Hicks is No. 5 and deservedly so. He played in only 69 games last year but according to MLB.com is the Twins’ starting centerfielder on their depth chart.

There really isn’t much to dwell on here. His batting average rose from .192 the year to .215 but really hasn’t proven to be much of a threat at the plate.

Analytically, he was at a reserve level in both offensive and defensive WAR. He does possess some upsides at the plate and in the field, whether it ever materializes will be another thing.

He’s also in the most precarious position when it comes to starting. If he doesn’t hit, the Twins won’t play him and will look at other options such as Jordan Schafer, who played well in the 41 games he played for Minnesota after coming over from the Braves.

Next: No. 4: The Return to Glory?

No. 4: Michael Bourn (Cleveland Indians)

Mar 10, 2015; Goodyear, AZ, USA; Cleveland Indians outfielder Michael Bourn against the Chicago Cubs during a spring training baseball game at Goodyear Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

2014 Stats

Batting Average: .257

Home Runs: 3

Runs Batted In: 28

Steals: 10

oWAR: 1.5

dWAR: -.2

The upside with Bourn is still there, but at age 32, one has to ask how his legs will hold up.

After managing to play in only 106 games last year, he’ll look to increase that number closer to 130 games. He’s only played 130 games or more in only six of the 10 seasons where he was expected to be a full-time player.

If healthy, the stolen base potential is 30-plus, and he can lead the league in triples, something he did last year in limited time.

Bourn was slightly below average on the offensive side of WAR, and that was due to him producing enough when he was healthy.

He doesn’t have much of an arm, and injuries have limited his range. However, he has been a positive dWAR player for the majority of his career, with above-average years mixed in, so he is far from a liability.

Bourn’s biggest obstacle is himself. If he can avoid the injury bug, especially those to his legs, he can rebound nicely. He does have upsides this year, and while he may never be at an All-Star caliber level again, he can provide a spark to the offense.

Next: No. 3: The Incumbent

No. 3: Rajai Davis (Detroit Tigers)

Mar 11, 2015; Melbourne, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers left fielder Rajai Davis (20) connects for an RBI sacrifice fly Washington Nationals at Space Coast Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

2014 Stats

Batting Average: .282

Home Runs: 8

Runs Batted In: 51

Steals: 36

oWAR: 2.3

dWAR: -1.4

Davis played the majority of center field for the Tigers last year.

He responded by tying a career high in home runs and fell just short of a career high in RBIs. Davis is known more for his speed, and he showed that off with 36 stolen bases in 47 attempts.

With the solid offensive numbers, Davis posted his second-highest oWAR in his career, putting him in that starter-type range. In the field, he didn’t post a very good dWAR. The -1.4 was his lowest of his career, and his career dWAR is -1.3, so it’s something to be concerned about.

To make matters worse, the Tigers went out and traded for Anthony Gose. He’s a younger version of Davis and also a former Blue Jay like Davis.

Gose could steal some at bats against righties as Davis hit only .247 against them last year. The uncertainty that Davis faces is one of the reasons why he is third on the list.

Next: No. 2: The Sparkplug

No.2: Adam Eaton (Chicago White Sox)

Aug 30, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox center fielder Adam Eaton (1) makes a leaping catch against the Detroit Tigers during the fourth inning at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

2014 Stats

Batting Average: .300

Home Runs: 1

Runs Batted In: 35

Steals: 15

OWar: 3.7

DWar: 1.8

I really wanted to put Eaton at No. 1, but the lack of home runs is why he falls to second overall.

If he shows more pop this year, then he can make a strong argument for the top spot next year. Eaton was limited to 123 games last season, and he was more than adequate at setting the table for the White Sox hitters behind him.

He actually had the highest OBP of all the guys on this list and was tied with Bourn for the most triples in the league.

Eaton posted the highest oWAR of all the players on this list. Playing at “The Cell” helps him, and if he stays healthy, he can post even better numbers with a better offense behind him.

Defensively, Eaton performed quite well, which was an improvement over the year before when he was at Arizona. He has defensive ability, and while he does not really wow with the arm, he does cover a lot of ground and makes plays in the outfield.

Eaton is very secure in his position. He’ll be the everyday starting centerfielder, and the White Sox are very hopeful he can stay on the field and play 150-plus games. With their lineup improvements, he has the ability to score a lot of runs.

Next: No. 1: Royalty at Number One

Lorenzo Cain (Kansas City Royals)

Jun 29, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals right fielder Lorenzo Cain (6) doubles against the Los Angeles Angels during the third inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

2014 Stats

Batting Average: .301

Home Runs: 5

Runs Batted In: 53

Steals: 28

oWAR: 2.2

dWAR: 2.7

The Royals centerfielder comes away with the No. 1 overall spot. He was arguably the best all-around player on this list in 2014, and I think he can sustain that success in 2015.

He has the ability to hit for a high average and steal a decent amount of bases. The stolen bases and RBIs were career highs, and his average was his highest since his rookie year, where he only played in 43 games.

Cain’s metrics were balanced as he was positive 2-plus in both defense and offense. He’s in the prime of his career and has a good chance of repeating these number for years to come.

Cain won’t face any competition from within and has a team-friendly contract as he is heading into his arbitration years. If his numbers remain the same, he will be in line for a friendly bump.

The question is whether the Royals will want to pay that next year, sign him to a long-term contract to buy out those years or possibly trade him to acquire more pieces if this year doesn’t go as they hope.

Next: AL Central: Who has the best RF in the division?

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