Cleveland Indians predictions contest 2015 - Carlos Santana

This post is part of a series allowing the LGT community to weigh in with their predictions for the 2015 season. Bragging rights are at stake! There will be two separate contests, one for hitters and one for pitchers. Last year's contest was scored against the field, however, this year's points system will work relative to the stats - the closer to final number in each category, the more points you can earn, despite what other participants predict. You need not submit predictions for every single player in order to win, but doing so will increase your chances to win.

For position players, you'll be asked to predict each player's plate appearances (PA), home runs (HR), stolen bases (SB), batting average (AVG), on-base percentage (OBP), and slugging percentage (SLG).

Comments for each post will remain active until the night of Sunday, April 5th, 2015.

Click here for previous entries in this series.

Carlos Santana

Despite a slight dip in numbers from Carlos, he still managed his second most productive full season at the plate, according to wRC+. His batting average took a big hit, but that seems at least partially influenced by an abnormally low BABIP, while his OBP skills remained elite and intact. You can read more about Carlos' 2014 here and here.

Courtesy of FanGraphs

The Predictions

Both the major players are predicting more of the same from Carlos with an improved average and BABIP, though without the corresponding bump in OBP points. There really isn't anything to be upset about here and I think that the casual fan will be more pleased with his batting average, though still disappointed in the amount of home runs.

What I Think

I also don't think 2015 Carlos hits 30 home runs. But I do think we're going to see the average return AND the OBP get bumped. I think the home run total will stay nearly level but the power numbers will increase with more doubles - more balls in play, more balls finding gaps. I think we're going to see a big year from Carlos, full time first baseman.

PA: 655
HR: 26
SB: 2
AVG: .255
OBP: .387
SLG: .469

Your Turn

Feel free to make numbers up if you'd like but, if you'd rather be more scientifically accurate, you can use these calculators to help you get there:

• Batting Average
• On-Base Percentage
• Slugging

To submit your entry, simply copy and paste the text below into a new comment and fill in your predictions!

PA:
HR:
SB:
AVG:
OBP:
SLG: