Left Field in Detroit This Summer

While there is a gaping hole in the role of closer for 2013 in Detroit (see previous post), there is a less gaping hole in left field. Its "gapiness" is still present, however, though less than that of the role of pitcher, due to the potential that waits for its everyday opportunity.

The cast of potential consists of four players.

Andy Dirks, Avisail Garcia, Brennen Boesch, and Jeff Kobernus.

Here are the reasons that they will and will not be the Detroit's everyday left fielder.

Andy Dirks

Why He's the Man

This is his time. He hit .322 last year with an .857 OPS in 314 ABs. He spent time on the DL last year, minimizing his impact, but returned to continue on his solid pace. He is the logical choice and Jim Leyland has said that it is his spot to lose.

Why He's not the Man

He's got the lowest up-side of all four options. He is small, a mediocre defender and will never be an all-star. The other three have a much higher upside that Dirks.

Avisail Garcia

Why He's the Man

Avisail was given a gift last September. He was called up to play at Comerica and did not disappoint. In 47 Abs he hit .319. He is also hits from the right side, unlike Dirks and Boesch. He will almost certainly get some starts against left-handed pitching.

Why He's not the Man

Sure he hit .319 as he had 15 hits in his 47 ABs... However, all 15 of his hits were singles. No doubles, no triples, and no home runs. If Avisail is going to live up to his potential, he will need to learn to hit with more power.

 

Brennen Boesch

Why He's the Man

Brennan Boesch has the most experience out of the crew. He has shown he can hit with "country-strong" power while maintaining an acceptable batting average.

 

Why He's not the Man

He had his chance last year. He wont the spot in right field and turned out to the be the biggest disappointment of 2012 for the Tigers. His batting average in 2012 was .240, which wouldn't be so bad if it weren't for his OPS that fell from .799 in 2011 to .659 in 2012. He is still young, at 28 years old, but will have to have a solid spring to make the team.

Jeff Kobernus

Why He's the Man

He is young and he is fast. Over the past four years in the minors he has stacked up 120 SBs in under 1200 ABs. His batting average has been climbing to over .280, but will have to work on plate discipline as his OBP was only .320.

 

Why He's not the Man

He is a long shot. He is the new guy in town who has never played above AA ball.