MLB Offseason

Hello everyone, check out Chris Saunders coverage of the MLB offseason. Chris gives his insight into some of the best hitting players, that have been signed this offseason. Check it out here on the WAPJ Sports Blog.


Article by Chris Saunders

Third Baseman- Pablo Sandoval
Sandoval has proven to be a useful player who hits for average with slightly above-average pop and surprisingly solid defense given his physique.  He’s a better hitter than Chase Headley and is much younger than Aramis Ramirez, so Sandoval is the best third baseman available.

Strength- Useful hitter who can hit for average, depending on the ball park his slightly above average power can play bigger or smaller with different dimensions. When under the correct weight he is agile with almost cat like reflexes both to his arm side/glove side at Third Base. Always has had an accurate strong arm and able to make all the throws. When it comes time to the postseason is as clutch in the game right now as it comes, always a calm demander. Pablo can fit in any clubhouse with his loving attitude, non selfish ways, and will to win/perform in the big spot.

Weakness- One thing with Pablo has been his weight, as in some years he hasn’t come to Spring Training in the best shape, thus reflecting poorly on offense, but also defensively as well. If he cannot stay under the proper weight, especially has he enters the latter part of his career, he could be looking at a DH role sooner rather than later. That’s what scares some teams, because the amount of money he is looking for 5+ years at over 100 million+, to a guy who has had trouble controlling his weight makes teams wonder if motivation will be a problem.

                                    Possible teams- Red Sox, Yankees, Blue Jays, Tigers Mariners

                                    Destination- Signed with The Red Sox 5 years 95 million

   DH- Victor Martinez

 Martinez had been on fire all year, hitting .344/.433/.526 in 180 plate appearances.  He’s been among the best hitters in all of baseball this year, and no other free agent comes close to his 2014 production.  Martinez is mostly a designated hitter at this point, and he’ll turn 36 in December.

 Strengths- Although he isn’t a catcher anymore, Victor has really grown into a player who can play the role of DH very well as you have seen by his numbers last couple of years with Detroit averaging 16 Hr’s, 96 RBI’s, over .300 batting average in his three years with Detroit. Victor is a dangerous hitter because he doesn’t have a weakness anywhere around the plate, thus making his power/ walk totals sky rocket. Although he is going on 36 of age, he has been healthy throughout his time with the Tigers, minus the one year he had surgery on his legs. Victor would be a great clubhouse leader both on the field with his hitting, but also teaching the young hitters how to be a “professional hitter”.

Weakness- As with any player you look at age, and Victor’s body has been though a lot between surgery’s, being a catcher for a portion of his career, and you wonder how much one team could give him before you start to question is that too much for a 36 year old DH. Whatever team that signs him probably might have to take their chances on a three-year deal, possibly in excess of the $45MM.

 Destination- Signed with the Tigers for 4 years 68 million dollars

 

Catcher- Russell Martin

 Russell Martin. Perhaps Martin can’t maintain his .271 batting average, but he’s in the midst of another solid campaign and doesn’t turn 32 until February.  Teams are also placing more and more emphasis on catching defense, and Martin has gunned down 37 percent of attempted base-stealers while ranking sixth in extra strikes added via pitch framing.

 Strength- Martin has always been known as a player who puts his heart/soul into catching and it shows. Pitchers love throwing to him, coaches like having him back there calling the game and he won’t kill you at the plate. With teams putting more stock into stealing bases and speed (A la royals game plan the whole postseason), you need to have a backstop who can throw runners out at a steady pace.

Weakness- You always has to add a couple years in age when it comes to catchers, because the wear and tear on one’s body runs its course eventually. Martin has been someone who cares about being in the best shape possible, and with martin playing Third Base before moving to catcher in the minors (Dodgers System), he might not have as old of legs as one would think. Obviously the bat will slow down especially with a Veteran catcher, but martin could hit in the .250 range and still be an effective every day catcher. Martin will be looking in the range of 3-4 year deal, worth 30-35 Million.

Destination- Signed with the Blue Jays five years 82 million