Infield:
- Catcher: Salvador Perez
- First Base: Eric Hosmer
- Second Base: Javier Baez
- Third Base: Todd Frazier
- Shortstop: Troy Tulowitzki
Admittedly, I’m probably being a little harsh here, but that does not change the fact that these guys are overrated. Two of these guys were all-stars (Perez and Hosmer) and the other three are widely regarded as fan favorites. However, looking at their stats it’s easy to see the illusion being put up.
The Royals duo, Perez and Hosmer, were the ones to make the all-star team yet may be the most overrated of the group. Perez is definitely one of the best catchers in baseball, but that it because of the shortage of quality catchers. The only reason Perez is deemed so valuable is his fielding. Yes, he has great fielding, but with a slash line of .247/.288/.438 shows his lack of offensive production. Hosmer on the other hand, actually had a negative WAR. On the surface his offensive numbers are decent, 25 homers 104 runs batted in and a .266 average. Yet, his offensive production is still labeled as average, and his fielding is absolutely horrendous.
As a Dodger fan, I was sick and tired about hearing about Javier Baez this postseason. Baez seemed to be Fox’s golden boy. I remember he covered second on a ground ball in the shift and Joe Buck praised his heads up play for the entire inning. Baez proved to be a below average hitter, with his fielding being his saving grace. He is a good, young promising talent. But he isn’t the superstar he is made out to be.
With Tulo and Frazier, they are just the recipients of bad seasons. Both men have shown flashes of elite play, with their numbers simmering down as of late. Because of this simmer their worth is not actually what is often interpreted. They still proved to be above average players in their spots, but were shells of what they are thought to be.