Call to the Pen’s All-AL East team
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
LEFT FIELD
After making headlines this week for signing a 4 year, 50 million dollar extension to stay in pinstripes, it’s clear that the Yankees see the same thing we did in their left fielder. Brett Gardner is the clear choice from this group, as his game changing speed and resultant elite defense would be a huge asset on any team. He put up a solid year in 2013, playing in 145 games after injuries stole most of his 2012, and though playing in left field instead of center significantly lowers his WAR-type value, no one can argue that a .340+ OBP is undesirable anywhere on the diamond. He may not see a season like his 6 WAR peak unless he returns to center, but his offensive line may still be more similar than that would make it appear. His 8 home runs were a career best by one, and though his stolen bases are down (25 last year, 49 in his last full season) he is still contributing solid value on the basepaths.
Voting: NYY Gardner, BOS Daniel Nava, TOR Melky Cabrera, TB David DeJesus, BAL David Lough
CENTER FIELD
Center field ended up being one of our tighter races for a spot on this team, with Jacoby Ellsbury narrowly edging out the Orioles’ Adam Jones. Ellsbury enjoyed the second best season of his career as he stormed to both a career and league high stolen base total of 52. His .298 average, .355 OBP and fantastic defense combined with the stellar performances of his teammates are the reason that Boston is defending the crown this year, and the New York Yankees have high hopes that their new center fielder will be as adept at beating up on his former team as he was at beating up on them when he wore the grey and red.
Voting: NYY Ellsbury, BAL Adam Jones, TB Desmond Jennings, TOR Colby Rasmus, BOS Jackie Bradley Jr.
RIGHT FIELD
Jose Bautista, in spite of spending parts of the last two seasons on the disabled list, appeared either first or second on every ballot submitted by our staff. Toronto’s powerful right fielder may not recapture the 50+ home run power that resurrected his career from bench bat to superstar, but the power is certainly still there. Even in limited action, the slugger has hit 55 home runs the past two years and been worth 7.2 WAR. He continues to maintain an elite walk rate with a well-below-average strikeout rate that sees him walk nearly as often as he whiffs; desirable traits for a power hitter and both should help the slugger age gracefully.
Voting: TOR Bautista, TB Wil Myers, NYY Carlos Beltran, BOS Shane Victorino, BAL Nick Markakis
DESIGNATED HITTER
Arguably the best designated hitter of all time had a phenomenal season in 2013 for the Championship Sox. (funny how a lot of their players are on here) Though he missed 25 games, his contributions when he was there more than made up for it. His .395 OBP was the 10th best in the game amongst qualified hitters, and his 152 wRC+ ranked eighth amongst that same group. He followed up his spectacular regular season with one of the most prolific postseasons of all time, culminating in an insane .688 batting average in the World Series.
Voting: BOS Ortiz, NYY Alfonso Soriano, TB Matt Joyce, TOR Adam Lind, BAL Nolan Reimold
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