So looking forward to next year, I decided to look at our #s vs the rest of the league by position. To keep it simple I limited to OPS which is a decent metric to show the offensive productivity of a player.
Lets start with the positives. We have the best short stop in baseball. We have a well above average second baseman and right fielder. This isn't anything we didn't know already.A 21, 25, and 25 year old are the core of our team for many years to come.
To me the most glaring need for improvement is DH. Gattis is not going to cut it. He's well below the median of AL DH's. If its through FA or if its through the minors (AJ Reed) we need to upgrade at DH next year. Its as simple as that.
Next is Mr. September. We cannot wait around for Carter to come around again. Even with the late season surge, he is a below median hitting first baseman. Some have some said Gonzalez should jump in and the #s say he's better than the median, but I think I like him better as a spot starter and UTL guy.I think the obvious choice here is to bring up AJ Reed. Maybe Tyler White too and have 1 DH and 1 play 1st. Regardless this is a position that needs an upgrade and we have guys ready to try in the minors.
Moving on to 3rd, Valbeuna lived off an early season hot streak that kept him even with an average AL third baseman.I think his defense, the lack of a true MLB ready prospect (we can debate 26 year old Duffy) behind him, and other more glaring needs will keep him here next year. Plus we have a great UTL guy in Marwin that will need some PT and Jed, who at this point in his career, is a UTL guy too.
On to catcher. Castro is a below avg hitter, but there is an argument that his defense makes up for it. I haven't ever dived in deep enough to fully prove or disprove that. I doubt major changes are made. I barely consider Conger a real option. His defense (throwing) is beyond bad. I would like to see more of Stassi, but I don't have high hopes.
Outfield is the biggest question mark for me. Outside of Springer, who knows what is going on. Ramus was clearly our 2nd best OF, but he is a FA and there is a of guys in the pipeline. Do you pay him? What is his market value? How short of a deal will he take? I know there are mixed opinions on Gogo, but with what we gave up for him and what he's done in years past, to me he's a opening day CF next year. I believe he'll come around or at least management will give him a chance to. Jake has almost had 700 MLB ABs. I think he is nothing more than what he showed this year. A stud defensive CF that is very limited at the plate. I don't think he has a future here. I am ready to see what Tucker, Kemp, and Fisher can do in his place. Speaking of Tucker, he is needs more opportunities. Vs RHP his OPS was over .800 as a rookie. Whether its LF or DH, he needs to be in the line up vs righties next year.