Dr. Smooth!!! Brantley and Altuve should both hit in front of Bregman I would think. If Springer's obp is as low as last year, that debate may start again. Dr. Smooth is a very nice addition. That he can play OF/DH AND 1B is huge...and made him much more valuable to Astros than Daniel Murphy...a similar hitter imo. Hard to imagine one of Reddick, Kemp or Tucker isn't traded. And then there's Jake.
Projections typically weight seasons less the further away you get. Outside of 3 years, the data is near meaningless. He had 2 fully healthy shoulders 4 seasons ago. If you are weighting what he's did in 2014 highly, I think you are expecting a vastly different player than is walking through that door than I am. I'm expecting Brantley to be the 5th best position player with an OPS of about 0.800 as he's a year older. I expect one of Kemp or Tucker to be near or above 0.750 OPS. Reddick and Marwin (not sure why he's included as he's gone), I expect about a 0.750 OPS as well. I don't see 0.050 in OPS difference from an offense first player to be that significant. Now Goldy, a SP, or a one of the good catchers, that would be significant.
On a side note, I like Kemp more than the projections. He's an okay player that deserves a spot as a starting OF. Not going to happen with the Astros.
I am, but when you look at health history, top level of performance, and career numbers, it is hard to say McCutchen isn't worth more. Their offensive numbers aren't significantly different, though I think McCutchen is treated like he is way past his prime, while Brantley is still in his despite them being only 7 months apart.
Brantley if healthy will be the best hitting OF on the team. Huge upgrade despite what some of the geeks are saying.
Tell me what did Springer hit last yr? He also is a slightly above avg CF but an elite RF defensively. I will give you that he's a good clutch player, but he's basically a healthier Preston Wilson. Brantley is a better hitter if he can stay healthy. But isn't as good in the field although he's not the butcher some on here are making him out to be in the field.
Tell me what Brantley did in 2016 and 2017? I’m not calling him a butcher and definitely don’t want to argue who’s a better hitter. I think he’s a great addition to the OF but I don't see enough of Brantley to say how great of a hitter he is or isn’t. What I know is that Springer has been solid and clutch last 2-3 years while Brantley been mostly injured until this past season. All I’m saying is I don’t think astros fans will hands down say that Brantley is our best OF hitter just yet. But if he is and Springer hit like he does for the past 2 years, we’re in for another fun year. Cheer!!!
2016-18 Brantley .302/358/.452 Springer .269/.357/.470 http://www.espn.com/mlb/player/splits/_/id/32078/type/batting3 http://www.espn.com/mlb/player/splits/_/id/30043/type/batting3
WAR the last 3 years (excluding Brantley's missed year): Reddick: 8.8 ('16-'18) Brantley: 9.1 ('15, '17-'18) Springer: 12.7 ('16-'18) Machado: 15.9 ('16-'18) Brantley's done it in the fewest games, but he's also had the most health problems.
As someone who said that, I'd like to clarify that I actually said good Reddick; ie 2017 Reddick. I still think that has validity - but I'm walking it back. The signing is growing on me.
