2012 in Review: Russ Canzler

Bats: Right Throws: Right

2012 Age: 26

2012 oWAR (B-Ref): 0.2

2012 dWAR (B-Ref): -0.4

2012 WAR (Fangraphs): -0.1

2012 Salary: $480,000 (Split Contract/Renewal)

2013 Contract Status: Renewable

There isn't much to review about Russ Canzler's season, at least at the major-league level. Because the Indians went with a combination of Shelley Duncan, Johnny Damon, and Aaron Cunningham, Canzler spent most of the 2012 season in Columbus. This season was supposed to be Canzler's big chance; the Indians acquired him last winter from Tampa after Canzler hit .314/.401/.530 in Durham in 2011. He was right-handed, could play both the outfield and first base, and the Indians were thin at both positions to say the least.

Canzler struggler initially after getting sent down to Columbus, perhaps a hangover from not making the big-league club, but he quickly rebounded, and by August, he had improved his OPS to .815, which included a .487 slugging percentage. After all three of the previously-mentioned outfielders were designated for assignment, that finally gave Canzler the opportunity to get extended playing time in September in both the outfield and first base.

He hit .269/.299/.398 with the Indians in 97 Plate Appearances, with 3 homers and 3 doubles, though with that came 22 strikeouts and just 4 walks. I don't think the Indians can give Canzler a starting job, though given all the holes at power positions (first base, left field, DH), Canzler should get a prominent role on next year's club. The Indians are still left-handed heavy, and Canzler is one of the few right-handed power hitters in the organization.