re: The ATL Thread: Offseason Edition

True that, although I would gladly take his production last year out of the leadoff spot.

Let's take a look at our different CF options. While we're on Span, I'll start with him.

Denard Span
*28 years old
*Owed $4.7M in 2013, $6.5M in 2014, and a $9M team option in 2015.

Now let's take a look at his last three years of WAR and UZR. I left out 2011 where he only played in 70 games.


The main thing that jumps out at you is his defensive capabilities. Easily a top 5 MLB defensive CF, and finished 3rd this year behind Bourn and Trout. If we were to lose Bourn, Span allows you to not miss much of a beat defensively, which can't really be said for most of the other guys. When you look at the oWAR, he still brings you very solid contributions at the top of a lineup.

One thing you want in a guy that will be hitting at the top of the lineup is the ability to put the ball in play as well as get on base. His K% over the last few years has sat around 11%, while Bourn struck out around 22% of the time last year. Had a .340 OBP last year which if duplicated, would play very well in front of Prado and Heyward.

Brings you some speed, which is always nice to have.

Hits lefties incredibly well for being left-handed. Actually hits them better than right-handers. Career .293 hitter against LH while it is .280 against RH.

As I said earlier, for his salary over the next two, maybe three years, I think his performance and style of play would fit this team incredibly well, while easily allowing the team the finances to pursue a power hitting corner outfielder. Not to mention that he'll still be in some of his prime years. He's my guy.

I'll go over Upton next.