Santiago Espinal had a terrific rookie season, last year. I figured he was playing over his head and would revert to a lower-average player, but with a very good glove.
But then he had a pretty terrific start to this season.
But then, since he’s been alternating between hot and cold stretches. He’s had hitless streaks and hitting streaks. Back in May, he had a 16-game hitting streak (with a .357/.403/.464 line). In early June he had a stretch where he hit .400/.441/.655.
His batting line:
Age | G | PA | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | CS | BB | SO | BA | OBP | SLG | OPS | OPS+ | GDP | HBP |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
27 | 80 | 309 | 283 | 30 | 77 | 20 | 0 | 6 | 37 | 3 | 2 | 22 | 53 | .272 | .324 | .406 | .730 | 107 | 9 | 1 |
Much like last year, he's been killing lefties (.354/.419/.585) but having troubles vs. right-handers (.248/.294/.353). Against lefties, he could lead off or bat cleanup. Against righties, he should hit at the bottom of the lineup.
The leftie numbers are a small sample, just 65 at-bats, but, considering he was much the same last year (well not to the same degree) I think we can trust that he is better against LHP.
Defensively, he’s looked great, he’s made just 3 errors at second base (of course he’s made 2 errors in just 64 innings at third base, but then third basemen tend to make errors). UZR doesn’t agree that he is terrific at second (-0.9 UZR/150). I’m thinking the number will improve as the season goes on. In Outs Above Average he is third in the AL at second base, at 6.
Santiago is a finalist in All-Star voting (voting starts today). I’d love to see him play in the All-Star game.
Baseball Reference has Espinal at a 2.0 WAR. FanGraphs 1.8 which puts him tied for third on the team.
Poll
For the first half I’d give Santiago Espinal an
This poll is closed
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27%
A
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44%
B+
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21%
B
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4%
B-
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0%
C+
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0%
C
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0%
C-
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0%
D+
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0%
D
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0%
D-
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0%
F
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