Earlier today, we checked in on some of the best minor league deals for pitchers. Here’s an update on which position players are playing well after signing minor league deals last offseason. Though there aren’t as many success stories here as there were on the mound, teams did add some valuable position players on minor league deals:
- Jack Hannahan, Indians – Hannahan has a .274/.351/.464 line as the Indians' everyday third baseman after spending 2010 in the minors.
- Andy LaRoche, Athletics – LaRoche has a .298/.353/.404 line for the A's and has already played every infield position for them.
- Casey Kotchman, Rays – Kotchman's .813 OPS is especially welcome, since Dan Johnson has disappointed at first base.
- Greg Dobbs, Marlins – Give the Marlins credit for getting the most out of Dobbs. The pinch hitter/third baseman has an .834 OPS in 62 plate appearances so far (note: Dobbs left today's game with a right ankle strain).
- Eric Chavez, Yankees – The six-time Gold Glove winner has a .290/.405/.355 line for the Yankees (note: Chavez has since fractured a bone in his left foot).
- Russell Branyan, D’Backs – The slugger has a .255/.340/.426 line in 53 plate appearances for Arizona, though he's sharing time with Juan Miranda and Xavier Nady.
- Adam Kennedy, Mariners – Kennedy has a .292/.329/.446 line as a first and second baseman for the Mariners. However, he is one of six MLB players to be arrested for DUI this year.
Jose Veras of Pittsburgh is pitching well this year
Yep, because Jose Veras deserves to be mentioned in the position players post.
*cough* sample size *cough*
1/6th of the season is actually a significant chunk. Obviously any/all of these deals could go downhill any minute…but it’s not too early to be saying that they’ve contributed to their respective teams more than expected out of the gate.
They definitely have contributed, but look at how small the sample size is.
Eric Chavez – 37 PAs
Russell Branyan – 53 PAs
Adam Kennedy – 70 PAs
Greg Dobbs – 62 PAs
Casey Kotchman – 56 PAs
Andy LaRoche – 51 PAs
Jack Hannahan – 94 PAs
I mean, it takes 500 PAs for a hitter’s OBP, SLG, and OPS to stabilize. I’m not saying that they haven’t contributed. It’s just that it’s way too early to call these deals successful.
Point taken. Although a good portion (but not all) of these guys won’t be (at least aren’t intended to be) getting close to 500 PAs this season, or any season for that matter. They are what they are…role players…and they’ve done quite well for their teams so far, considering what they’re being paid (or, NOT being paid). I get what you’re saying though…and I think we’re on the same page in saying they’ve contributed “to this point.”
What does Kennedy’s DUI have anything to do with this post? Stick to baseball.
A baseball player was DUI. I think that’s baseball related, and 6 of them already is kind of significant.
With Dan Johnson mentioned, this is a great time for a Don Johnson Miami Vice drink joke.
Speaking of Don Johnson, every time I walk into H & M, I stare at the white blazer and pants, the pastel blue v-neck and the white loafers. I’m so tempted to buy them every time, but alas, I never do.
Feel free to CSB me.
The only thing better than drinking a Don Johnson is doing it in a white blazer.
Another good name for this list would be “Performances that aren’t likely to continue”
or so far so good…
Damn shame! He’s played well everytime he’s been in there. I thought he would break down sometime in July.
at least it wasn’t his back
that’s what I said!
My first thought was, “Dude just can’t catch a break.” Then, I realized it was a broken bone in his foot . . . too bad, I was hoping he could at least stay healthy enough to play a part-timer’s role.