The playoffs have begun, and we’re down to the four teams in each league who are leading the charge. At this point, any player could be the difference maker. The Zoot Perspective: Left Fielder looks position-by-position, ranking the position players for each representative per team. Take a look at the best the American League has to offer.
Catcher:
- Salvador Perez
Fun-loving and fun to watch, Perez’s bat and attitude lead the Royals.
- Alex Avila
Can’t seem to get his batting average up, but he has been there before, so he gets an edge.
- Chris Iannetta
Has split time with Hank Conger, but will need to handle this staff through the tough lineups of the playoffs.
- Caleb Joseph
When Matt Wieters went down, the Orioles decided to go with Joseph. He’s been fine, but “fine” won’t cut it in the postseason.
First Base:
- Miguel Cabrera
He was the best player in baseball the past two years. This year? Not that far off. He will hurt opposing pitchers.
- Albert Pujols
Pujols’ resurgent 2014 will put him in position to lead the Angels into the playoffs. He’s got a pair of rings, and will help contribute if he’s going to make it three.
- Eric Hosmer
He’s working on becoming the guy the Royals dreamt of, but a playoff run will help his case.
- Steven Pearce
He’s taken over for Chris Davis, but the Orioles will miss his pop in the middle of their line-up.
Second Base
- Ian Kinsler
Kinsler was a great pickup for the Tigers. He has been hitting up a storm, and has playoff experience.
- Howie Kendrick
Solid. Kendrick is straight up solid. Good table setter for the Angels big hitters.
- Omar Infante
Infante is the only Royal with playoff experience. They need his leadership.
- Jonathan Schoop
A soft hitter in an otherwise bopping lineup. Not thrilled by what he brings to the table.
Shortstop:
- J.J. Hardy
One of the best offensive shortstops the past few years.
- Erick Aybar
Aybar is holding down the fort in an otherwise weak position. He is, by no means, a liability on any side of the ball.
- Alcides Escobar
Speed, defense, and a bat with flashes of solid contact. That’s a full package.
- Andrew Romine
At best, he is a defensive placeholder. The TIgers will miss Jose Iglesias.
Third Base:
- Mike Moustakas
After struggling early in the year, Moustakas has pulled together a fairly solid bat.
- Nick Castellanos
A young guy who is going to be baptized by fire in the playoffs.
- David Freese
He’s been the World Series hero before, but you wouldn’t know it from his regular season.
- Ryan Flaherty
The Orioles have pop at a few key positions. This isn’t one of them.
Left Field:
- Alex Gordon
He hits, he plays defense, he runs. Gordon has done everything they needed him to do.
- J.D. Martinez
The biggest surprise of the season, J.D. Martinez is going to have the chance to come up big.
- Colin Cowgill
Cowgill hasn’t played much this year, but he gets to play next to the league’s best.
- Alejandro De Aza
Went from a loser to a competitor, but may not remember that with his play.
Center Field:
- Mike Trout
The best player in baseball. Period. His star will shine brightly.
- Adam Jones
If he was playing at any other outfield spot, he would be the best. As it is, he is the leader of a strong Baltimore club.
- Lorenzo Cain
Fast feet and a solid bat, Lorenzo Cain represents what the Royals’ offense is all about.
- Rajai Davis
Speed will help an otherwise slower Tigers offense, but his bat needs a little extra pop.
Right Field:
- Nike Markakis
Markakis is one of the top 5 most underrated players in Major League Baseball. He’s a huge part of this Orioles team.
- Kole Calhoun
Not a conventional leadoff hitter, but he is proving to be a big-time asset to the Angels.
- Torii Hunter
He will do anything to get the Boston grand-slam image out of his head.
- Nori Aoki
Slashing bat will get him on base, and his legs will help manufacture some runs.
DH:
- Victor Martinez
A would-be MVP candidate, Martinez is protection for Miggy, protected by J.D.
- Nelson Cruz
After the disgrace of last year, he’s come back nicely to lead the league in dingers.
- Billy Butler
Butler can’t run worth a lick, but if he can hit it far enough, he won’t have to.
- C.J. Cron
The young bat will be given the opportunity to produce along with Trout and Pujols.
Starting Pitching:
- Tigers
Even with a rough past few months, you just can’t bet against three Cy Young award winners.
- Orioles
You might not be able to name them, but they have been the silent assassins of the AL.
- Royals
Young and inexperienced, the Royals have been reliable and kept their team in games.
- Angels
Injuries won’t leave them alone, but they look to have an at least decent chance.
Relief Pitching:
- Orioles
After the sixth inning, forget about it.
- Angels
Who would have thought this would be a strength in June?
- Royals
The three-headed hydra is a force to be reckoned with.
- Tigers
This has been the sore spot all season for the Tigers, while it could be the most important part of a playoff run.
Average per team:
- Tigers (2.27)
T2. Royals (2.55)
T2. Angels (2.55)
- Orioles (2.64)
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