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Last week, we discussed where Terry Francona might rank in the AL Central as a manager. This week, it's time to talk players, starting with third base. Rather than look back at 2015, we will look at the projected stats of the players expected to man the hot corner in the AL Central.
Cleveland Indians
Giovanny Urshela is the incumbent, and as long as the Juan Uribe rumors are held at bay, should get most of the playing time at the third for the Tribe in 2016. He is currently backed up by Jose Ramirez, and in a pinch, maybe even Lonnie Chisenhall. But I think Yandy Diaz might get the call as well.
Giovanny Urshela |
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PA |
HR |
AVG |
OBP |
SLG |
wOBA |
wRC+ |
WAR |
|
Steamer |
336 |
8 |
242 |
284 |
381 |
289 |
81 |
0.7 |
ZIPS |
472 |
9 |
247 |
285 |
371 |
286 |
|
1.0 |
Marcel |
344 |
9 |
244 |
303 |
384 |
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Chicago White Sox
After dealing for Todd Frazier, he should get the bulk of the playing time for the Sox. He is backed up by Brett Lawrie and former prospects Mike Olt and Tyler Saladino. The top actual prospect in the organization is Trey Michalczewski, who hit .259/.335/.385 in High-A ball last year.
Todd Frazier |
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PA |
HR |
AVG |
OBP |
SLG |
wOBA |
wRC+ |
WAR |
|
Steamer |
633 |
27 |
250 |
318 |
448 |
330 |
107 |
3.4 |
ZIPS |
624 |
25 |
255 |
318 |
449 |
337 |
|
4.0 |
Marcel |
605 |
26 |
256 |
320 |
462 |
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Detroit Tigers
Nick Castellanos will still only be 24 years old this season, so there is a chance he can still break out. He will be backed up by old friend Mike Aviles and Andrew Romine. The top prospect in the Top 30 for the Tigers in the MLB Pipeline is Zach Shepherd who hit 245/327/339 in A-ball last year.
Nick Castellanos |
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PA |
HR |
AVG |
OBP |
SLG |
wOBA |
wRC+ |
WAR |
|
Steamer |
568 |
16 |
269 |
321 |
431 |
325 |
104 |
0.9 |
ZIPS |
614 |
16 |
265 |
314 |
428 |
321 |
|
2.0 |
Marcel |
555 |
14 |
265 |
314 |
425 |
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Kansas City Royals
Mike Moustakas looks to have finally fulfilled his top prospect ranking the past two seasons. He will be a free agent after the 2017 season. He is backed up by Christian Colon and Cheslor Cuthbert, although neither should get much playing time. Cuthbert is the top prospect at third in the system.
Mike Moustakas |
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PA |
HR |
AVG |
OBP |
SLG |
wOBA |
wRC+ |
WAR |
|
Steamer |
582 |
19 |
262 |
322 |
435 |
328 |
106 |
3.0 |
ZIPS |
577 |
19 |
256 |
313 |
426 |
320 |
|
3.0 |
Marcel |
557 |
18 |
252 |
312 |
419 |
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Minnesota Twins
Trevor Plouffe is the longest tenured starter at this position in the divdion and has had a knack for giving the Tribe particular trouble. But he wil be 30 this season and is in his final year of his deal. If he struggles, Miguel Sano could shift back to third. The backups include Eduardo Nunez and Eduardo Escobar. The top guys in the system are Trey Cabbage or Travis Blankenhorn, both of whom are 18 and played Rookie Ball last year.
Trevor Plouffe |
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PA |
HR |
AVG |
OBP |
SLG |
wOBA |
wRC+ |
fWAR |
|
Steamer |
542 |
17 |
249 |
314 |
419 |
319 |
100 |
1.5 |
ZIPS |
569 |
18 |
252 |
315 |
427 |
322 |
|
2.0 |
Marcel |
574 |
17 |
251 |
313 |
423 |
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My take
As much of a fan I am of Urshela, and I truly believe he will rebound due to that bum shoulder he had last year, I can't even fathom him jumping from the bottom of this list, at least initially. And honestly, even signing Juan Uribe won't move the needle much if at all. Now if David Freese is signed, I could see him perhaps surpassing Plouffe, but I wouldn't put good odds on it.
I am going to go with Moustakas as the top guy as I don't have faith that Frazier can duplicate his hot first half last year. I think Plouffe has the highest chance of falling down precipitously.
I'd rank them as follows:
- Moustakas
- Frazier
- Plouffe
- Castellanos
- Urshela
Please post your rankings in the comments.