So far, we have examined the infield.
C Rob Brantly
1B Paul Goldschmidt
2B Matt Carpenter
SS Zack Cozart
3B Lonnie Chisenhall
Today we move into our brief three part series on the outfield. Up first is Texas Rangers OF Leonys Martin. This year, I believe the Rangers will start moving some more prospects into the mix. Mike Olt should replace Mitch Moreland at first, Jurickson Profar should get some time at some point this season, as well as some pitching prospects, such as Martin Perez. For your purposes, Martin is the one you should look at most. Nelson Cruz has a lock on RF. David Murphy had the best year of his career in LF. So, that leaves CF. Josh Hamilton is gone, Julio Borbon fizzled and Craig Gentry, while a solid player, is more of a platoon type. This can be Martin's year to take over and prove himself. Let's take a look:
Martin has a limited track record in the minors. Last season, in 55 games, he produced a .353/.422/.610 stat line and a whopping 1.032 OPS. Now, that is unlikely to sustain, unless you're Babe Ruth or Lou Gehrig, which Martin is not. A traditional stat line resembles .353/12 HR/42 RBI, 10 SB's and a 24 to 39 BB to K ratio. What do we see? Martin is solid all the way around. There is not a huge platoon split, either. So, what can Martin put up with a full year of MLB service? My prediction is somewhat resembling his stat line, albeit a much more sustainable batting average. A .300/12 HR/60 RBI season in the Rangers line-up is not too far off. If Martin secures a job, he is definitely worth a look as your fourth or if you're lucky, fifth OF.
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