CF: Lorenzo Cain – KCR
Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Going into the 2014 postseason, Lorenzo Cain was a relatively obscure name in baseball. He had just come off a regular season where he hit over .300, yet this was in limited at-bats where he did not qualify for the batting title. However, on the big stage in the 2014 postseason, Cain performed admirably. During the Royals’ near World Series title run, Cain made multiple fantastic catches and plays while patrolling center field. He also hit .333/.388/.417 with two steals and eight RBI as the Royals’ No. 3 hitter, taking home ALCS MVP in the process.
In the ALCS, Cain destroyed the Orioles on both sides of the ball — with his hot bat and by robbing hit after hit with his spectacular defense in the outfield. A good amount of the frustration that came from O’s fans being swept by Royals went to Cain, and I can’t say I was exempt from that myself.
Now with Cain in camp set to be the starter in center for first time in his career with the reigning American League champs, he is primed for maybe his best season yet. His extraordinary defense should keep him in the lineup no matter what happens.