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Detroit Tigers: 5 Breakout Candidates for 2016

By Griffin Fabits

Mar 29, 2015; Clearwater, FL, USA; A general view of a Detroit Tigers hat, glove and sunglasses in the dugout against the Philadelphia Phillies at Bright House Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 29, 2015; Clearwater, FL, USA; A general view of a Detroit Tigers hat, glove and sunglasses in the dugout against the Philadelphia Phillies at Bright House Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Detroit Tigers catcher James McCann
Jul 23, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers catcher James McCann (34) against the Seattle Mariners at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

James McCann

James McCann showed promising flashes during his rookie season with the Tigers. Alex Avila struggled throughout 2015, and when he was placed on the 15-day disabled list in May, McCann stepped up as the everyday starter.

At the plate, McCann hit .264/.297/.387 in his first big league season. His ability behind the plate, however, was what impressed many. In early September, McCann’s 102 games as catcher set a record for most consecutive games without making an error.

According to ESPN.com, McCann ranked among some of the best catchers in baseball for throwing out runners. His .406 caught stealing percentage finished fourth behind Washington’s Wilson Ramos, Toronto’s Russell Martin, and St. Louis’ Yadier Molina.

His confrontation with Jose Iglesias in the dugout shows what kind of player McCann is. He was praised by former Tiger David Price, who tabbed him as a “leader”, for calling out a teammate for lack of hustle.

An increase of production for McCann in 2016 seems inevitable, thanks to his captain-like demeanor and strength behind the plate.

Next: Nick Castellanos

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