I am well aware that projections from any source are not predictive; but they are fun to look at, compare, and discuss. I assume that Shandler's guide, because of it's links to fantasy/gambling, tries MUCH harder to evaluate the context and to give accurate predictive information insofar as it's possible; after all, people are risking hard-earned (in most cases) money on their advice. But the same is true of whatever analysis tools the M's front office is using. Fantasy/gambling is a part of fandom I don't much care for (seven kids gives me plenty of ways to spend my money), but have fun. I'm more interested in trying to figure out why DiPoto made the trade.
I'm also well aware that winter league stats, NCAA stats, etc., have little predictive value. BUT, if a guy is suddenly down in velocity or footspeed, or is suddenly whiffing like his contact prescription needs changing, there's information and context there. Conversely, a guy whose poor recent performance may be attributed to an injury gives useful information if he is hitting and running well enough in any league, even on rehab to the AZL, to say that the injury is no longer affecting him greatly. If he is then one change on a good team that is suddenly 11-1 since his arrival, then that is also information and context.
If some are going to say they don't believe that Leonys Martin will be much of a contributor to the 2016 M's, and are using his past performance as a guide, then a legitimate argument (not correct, just legitimate) can be made that his performance in the DWL MIGHT, given his age and other factors, show he's back on track and may still have an ability to contribute. Would I bet money on it? No, but that's me. But I do think there's a very good chance he comes in and contributes.
Smaller parks, such as Globe Life, have been known to cause hitters who BADLY want to make a mark to do things to try to be a HR hitter - even swinging with the knob of the bat in their palm, which is known to result in hamate and ulnar injuries. Is that what Leonys was trying to do, a poor defector from Cuba who has one skill, one chance to provide for his family here in the States? I don't really know, but we're speculating, and I speculate there's more to his game.
But Doc brings up the point, If Edgar can get him to flatten his swing and use his speed, will the expanses of the Safeco gaps allow him to strengthen his contributions by getting on base and making pitchers nervous when he's on base? Is the absence of palm pain going to allow him to hit the ball hard again? His performance in the DWL tells me he's trying very hard to get back on an MLB track. Effort isn't everything, but comparing Yuniesky Betancourt to Leonys Martin, I think I like the latter's chances better.