FanPost

2015 - Left field discussion



At this point there are basically 4 possibilities for left field in 2015:

1. Melky Cabrera with an expected contract somewhere between 3/45 or 4/72 (Age 30y, 8m in April).

With Melky we can expect 2-3 WAR with below average defense and above average offense. At the end of the contract he will likely lose a bit of speed and power as he ages.

2. Colby Rasmus with a QO of $15M (Age 28y, 8m in April).

It isn't unreasonable to expect a bounce back season from Rasmus. Probably worth 2-3 WAR but a lot less certainty than Cabrera. He could also be worth 1 WAR or 5 WAR. He's had problems with the increased use of shift defenses in MLB. One possibility is to bat him in front of Bautista and EE (or between the two) and then have him bunt anytime the shift is used against him.

3. A platoon of prospects and 2nd year players such as Gose, Pompey, and Pillar (with one of the above playing CF).

Probably not a lot of WAR here (maybe 1-2). Good/great expected defense for LF with questionable offensive value. A lot of variability here as well as it is possible to get a breakout year from someone. Also a very economical option if we were to choose to spend money in other areas or pad Rogers' bottom line.

4. A free agent signing or International free agent. One possibility is Yasmany Tomas at about 7/100 (Age 24 in 2015)

So far Cuban players have been well worth the money they have received. A big risk/reward decision however. Here's a scouting report from Fangraphs

Editor's Note: This is a FanPost written by a reader and member of Bluebird Banter. It was not commissioned by the editors and is not necessarily reflective of the opinions of Bluebird Banter or SB Nation.