When we look at this outfield, we are talking about it as though the 80/85/90 OPS+ we're praying for are the full sum of their offensive abilities.
Haniger, Dyson, and Martin are all plus baserunners. How many times, in the 2016 season, did we get two on with none out and then fail to score because no one could take an extra base and everyone kept hitting into DPs or flying out with no advances or whiffing.
The whiffing part isn't totally fixed, but the speed component matters to DiPoto (and to me)...that has real offensive value.
When you account for his speed, Dyson is a plus offensive player if his big increase in contact rate is real. Martin is streaky, but if he hits at all, he can be useful with his wheels. And Haniger is super-athletic and has a reputation as a good baserunner in much the same way Michael Saunders did before all the injuries. As I've said elsewhere, Haniger is a right handed Michael Saunders, and he could be the version that followed his swing mechanics tweaks. Wouldn't we like to have that version of Michael Saunders but with his speed and defense back?
Add new comment
1