Each White Sox outfield target as a Christmas gift
Marcell Ozuna: The New Puppy
Jun 29, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins center fielder
(13) connects for a solo home run during the sixth inning against the Oakland Athletics at Marlins Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Marcell Ozuna is the new family puppy. It’s adorable and all the young children squeal as it fights its way out of make shift gift wrapping.
It’s young and precocious and filled with promise.
That’s Marcell Ozuna. The Miami Marlins center fielder is just 25 years old and has already shown some impressive pop, namely in 2014 when he was good for 23 home runs, 23 doubles, and 5 triples.
He had a more uneven year in 2015, in which he was sent back to Triple-A for what many believe was a concern over service time issues more than anything else.
It’d be nice to see the walk rate edge closer to 7.0 percent and the strikeout rate fall to around 20 percent, (Ozuna had a 26.8% rate in ’14 and it dropped to 22.3% last season). Ozuna’s plate discipline should improve and his floor is a little higher because of his plus defense.
Like a puppy, Ozuna is still growing and the final product is ambiguous. He could be a 30 home run guy controlled through 2019, or a bust if he doesn’t get a grip on his plate discipline.
Still, Ozuna’s owner seems ready to just give him away, and the White Sox would be wise to see what the price is at the pound.
The Marlins are said to be looking for pitching, and I’ve always thought Erik Johnson could be a fit. If they want more upside, Spencer Adams and Tyler Danish are also there for the taking.
It’s time to give this puppy a home, and U.S. Cellular field is a nice backyard for him to play in.
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