Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Randy Winn Deserves Attention

Randy Winn certainly isn't one of the marquee free agents of the 2010 offseason, but he should end up being an awfully solid signing for somebody.

Given that he's coming off a relatively poor offensive season, he likely won't be asking for big money or multiple years, but he should still be expected to play at a high level for somebody. He's a plus defender in the outfield, especially in right field, where he has a +16.4 UZR/150 in 516 games at the position.

And his offense should bounce back some next season as well. He doesn't have much power, but he does have solid gap power, he hit over 50 extra-base hits in every season from 2002 to 2008, and his home run total should go back up next season, that 1.4% HR/FB ratio isn't remotely sustainable, it's due for some regression into the 8-10% range.

Given that he's a plus defender, an above-average baserunner with the ability to steal 20-25 bases at a high rate, and a hitter with the ability to get on base and hit doubles at a decent rate, he should probably be targeted by numerous teams this offseason that don't want to spend big money on Holliday or Bay, or even mid-ranged money on guys like Mike Cameron or Marlon Byrd.

He could be a good fit on teams like the Cardinals, Mets, Cubs, White Sox, Braves or Mariners, among other teams that are looking at outfielders, and I don't think that he would be able to land more than a one-year deal at this point.

1 comment:

  1. If Damon and Matsui somehow aren't signed. This could be the way to go.

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