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MLB All-Star Game: Race for Final AL Outfield Spot

By David Dickey

Apr 4, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; A general view of a game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres during the eighth inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; A general view of a game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres during the eighth inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

10 B: Adam Eaton: .277/.359/.401; 2.4 WAR (1.3/11.5 Off/Def) (>#15 IN AL OUTFIELD VOTES)
He’s faded from his early hot start with the bat, but his glove is his calling card, and it’s been in top form all season. His 15 DRS are tops among AL outfielders. Only Kevin Pillar has contributed more total defensive value. Combined with Eaton’s overall decent numbers at the dish he’s produced a 2.4 WAR, good to tie for 5th in WAR for all AL outfielders. The only reason he’s not higher on this list is because I don’t like to reward guys whose games are too one-dimensional.

10 A: Jose Bautista: .230/.360/.455; 0.8 WAR (6.3/-8.0 Off/Def) (#6 IN AL OUTFIELD VOTES)
Part of this is, yes, more about lifetime achievement. At a certain point in your career you earn that benefit of the doubt. Ranking potential All-Stars is a sometimes frustrating and perplexing endeavor due to the small sample size from the start of a season you’re forced to make your determinations from. However, his play in the field has significantly reduced his overall value. He’s no longer even the third best hitter in his own lineup, and he’s currently on the shelf, so for all those reasons the king of the bat flip remains down here.

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