With MLB Spring Training firing up we at Chowder and Champions will be looking at the best five players at each position as well as best manager. With Opening Day just six weeks away, its never too early to start previewing the 2015 season. With that, let’s begin our countdown at the first base position.
Feb 24: Second Basemen
Feb 25: Third Basemen
Feb 26: Shortstop
Feb 27: Left Field
Feb 28: Center Field
Mar 1: Right Field
Mar 2: Catcher
Mar 3: Designated Hitter
Mar 4: Bullpen
Mar 5: Managers
Mar 6: Starting Pitcher
Honorable Mentions
Sep 7, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia (15) takes practice swings before a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
5. Neil Walker
Sep 25, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Neil Walker (18) hits a two-run home run in the eighth inning of their game against the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field. The Pirates won 10-1. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Neil Walker, along with Andrew McCutchen were the two most dangerous hitters in the Pirates lineup in 2014 which helped them make the playoffs for the second straight season. Walker was a dangerous hitter to face for pitchers last season, as he hit just two more doubles (25) than home runs (23) safe to say he was a hitter who found the gap often.
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In 2015 you can expect Walker to average about .275 BA, 20+ home runs, and 30+ XBH, which is what he averaged in the past three seasons. Will that be enough to lead the Pirates to yet another playoff berth? That’s still to be determined with an improved division, the Pirates now have to fight for every win if they want to earn a postseason birth.
4. Jose Altueve
Sep 26, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) hits an RBI single against the New York Mets during the sixth inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Representing the Houston Astros on this countdown is Jose Altuve who broke on to the Major League scene in 2011 and has been a fairly consistent player during his three seasons in the bigs. Last season he hit over .300 for the first time in his career, he also had career high in steals (56) and hits (225). However even though Altuve had a career year in 2014, his Astros still finished dead last in the AL West.
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Will 2015 be any different for Altuve or the Astros? Well you’ll have to listen to the C&C Podcast in a few weeks when we break down the AL West Division. But as for Altuve, his ability on the base paths is one of if not the best in the big leagues so I would expect another 40+ SB season from him to go along with a steady average around .290.
3. Jason Kipnis
Sep 14, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Cleveland Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis (22) makes a throw against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Coming in at number 3 is the Cleveland Indians Jason Kipnis, who is coming off a 2014 season where he battled injuries and now in 2015 is looking to rebound. If you don’t remember Kipnis was a powerhouse for the Indians in 2013 where he belted 17 home runs, most in his career as well as a .284 batting average. But during the 2014 season Kipnis was bite with the injury bug, missing 33 games due to a finger and oblique injury.
Entering Spring Training manager Terry Francona spoke about Kipnis injury saying that “He looked good. His spirits are good and he looks good.” So with an expected healthy Kipnis you can expect a return a return to his 2013 numbers where he was an All-Star and a dangerous threat in the Indians lineup.
2. Ian Kinsler
Oct 5, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers secondingman Ian Kinsler (3) at bat against the Baltimore Orioles during game three of the 2014 ALDS baseball playoff game at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Former Texas Ranger star Ian Kinsler comes in at number 2 for this countdown as he was one of the best hitters the Tigers had last season, and that’s saying a lot with Miguel Cabrera in the lineup. Last season the Tigers heart of the order featured Kinsler, Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez so it’s no wondering that the Tigers were second in the Majors in runs, and first in hits. Kinsler undoubtedly had an impact in that and he looks to continue that trend in 2015.
Climbing Tal's Hill
Last season was Kinsler’s first in the Motor City after being traded for Prince Fielder during the offseason, and in his sophomore year in Detroit he looks to continue the trend he set last year. Hitting 17 home runs, 92 RBI’s and batting .275, he was a consistent player in the Tigers lineup, and as long as he has Cabrera and Martinez around him (and now Cespedes) Kinsler will undoubtedly see more pitches and more opportunities to continue his dominance in the Motor City.
1. Robinson Cano
Sep 23, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Seattle Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano (22) gets ready for a pitch during the first inning in a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. The Toronto Blue Jays won 10-2. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Topping the list is former Yankees second basemen Robinson Cano, who in his first season in Seattle kept up the same type of numbers as he did in New York. Cano hit .314, with 17 home runs, and 82 RBI’s. Although Cano moved to a bigger park, Safco Field, than Yankee Stadium his numbers fell off just slightly which is a great sign for Mariners fans. His ability to hit balls in the gap (39 XBH) is something that he will need to do as his career continues playing in the large outfield that is Safco Field.
For 2015 Cano looks to continue his stellar career, there isn’t any reason why he shouldn’t have another .300+ BA season, along with 40+ XBH and yet another All-Star appearance. The sky is truly the limit for Robinson Cano, the question is will it be enough to make the Seattle Mariners a legit threat in the A.L West?