Detroit Jock City
Fansided

MLB All-Star Game: Picking the American League Starters

By Matt Snyder

Apr 4, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres center fielder Travis Jankowski (16) in the field during the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres center fielder Travis Jankowski (16) in the field during the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
9 of 12
Next
MLB All-Star Game
May 27, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Boston Red Sox center fielder Jackie Bradley Jr. (25) runs to the dugout in the sixth inning during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports /

Right Field: Jackie Bradley Jr., Boston Red Sox

A quick sort of the American League hitting reveals many of the expected names in the top ten: David Ortiz, Josh Donaldson, and Mike Trout, to name a few. But also included in that list is Red Sox center fielder Jackie Bradley, whose 152 wRC+ puts him seventh in the AL between Trout and Robinson Cano.

Bradley’s transformation has been a remarkable one. His first two year in the big leagues were a disaster in which he hit below .200 and combined for an OPS below .550. He took a huge leap forward last year, ending the season with an .832 OPS, but has taken another step in 2016.

Bradley’s hitting for average and power this year — he’s hitting .302 with 35 extra base hits (12 home runs) — but don’t confuse him for a one-dimensional player. His legs add value on the base paths and he plays as a plus defensive center fielder.

Next: Designated Hitter

Home/Detroit Tigers