Spring Training: Story Lines to Watch
Can Michael Brantley return to MVP form?
After being on the wrong end of the Cubs’ curse-breaking World Series title in 2016, the historically frugal Cleveland Indians acquired all-star slugger Edwin Encarnacion in an attempt to break the lengthy World Series drought of their own. The Indians could be in line for another significant upgrade going into 2017, with outfielder Michael Brantley coming into spring training after missing almost all of the 2016 campaign. Two years removed from an impressive breakout for the Indians left fielder concluding in a 3rd place AL MVP finish, Brantley looks to rebound from a shoulder surgery that kept him out of all but 11 games in 2016.
Look for Cleveland to treat their all-star lightly during spring training, since shoulder injuries have been historically disastrous for an MLB hitter’s power totals. Former MVP Josh Hamilton can attest to this, as following shoulder surgery the 43 homers a season type power he wielded earlier in his career evaporated — leaving him struggling to crack a Major League roster. Though Hamilton has struggled with off the field issues unique to him and Brantley is not as reliant on the long ball, concerns have been raised as to whether or not Brantley will be able to regain his MVP calibre form. Once fully healthy, a good spring would go a long way to assuring the Indians and their fans that Brantley will be able to lead a team primed to dominate the American League.
Will Eric Thames’ KBO success translate?
After driving in a mere 671 total runs in 2016, the rebuilding Milwaukee Brewers took a gamble on the latest talent coming out of Korea and signed former MLB slugger Eric Thames to a 3 year/$16 million contract. Unlike previous KBO imports, Thames began his career in the North American minor leagues, playing in the Blue Jays’ minor league system and briefly with the Jays and Mariners’ MLB clubs. Unable to stick on an MLB roster, the then 27-year-old Thames went to the NC Dinos of the Korean Baseball Organization and proceeded to tear up the league, winning an MVP and averaging 41 home runs a season.
The question remains how Thames’ dominance in the hitter-friendly KBO will translate to the Major League game, as the success of Korean players in the MLB historically varies. Infielder Jung-ho Kang of the Pirates has struggled with off field issues but flourished at the plate in the National League after posting worse statistics in the KBO than that of Thames. The most recent Korean slugger, Byung-ho Park of the Twins, has not quite enjoyed the success of Kang. Park has struggled to a .191/.275/.409 slash line, and recently went unclaimed after the Twins outrighted him to their AAA affiliate. Thames showed promise as a Jays minor leaguer, and Brewers fans should look for him to prove he is finally MLB ready this spring by shrugging off the shadow of unsuccessful transitions such as Park’s.
Can King Felix mirror Verlander’s career revival?
Mariners ace Felix Hernandez comes into 2017 spring training with much to prove. After failing to log 200 innings for the first time in his career and having his highest ERA since 2007, many have written off the former Cy Young winner in his bid to lift the Mariners to their first post season appearance in 15 years. The warning signs were there for the 30-year-old righty, as his fastball velocity dropped almost 1.5 MPH. Hernandez showed no real signs of adjusting except for continuing to phase out his slider. Hernandez’s injury troubles in 2016 (the first of his career) could have contributed to his struggles, but there seemed to have been a greater issue present.
There is, in fact, hope for Hernandez and Mariners fans, as similar concerns were voiced about 2016 AL Cy Young runner up Justin Verlander going into last season. Like King Felix, Verlander was topping out almost 3 MPH slower than at the peak of his career — causing statisticians and writers to write off the former American League MVP. Verlander proved his critics wrong by making several key adjustments to his approach, including all but abandoning his changeup on his way to one of the best seasons of his career. If Hernandez is able to stay healthy and embrace his declined velocity, starting this spring he may finally have the opportunity to pitch in the postseason for an improved Mariners squad.
Nationals’ closer conundrum
With the days of Bryce Harper potentially nearing their end and the recent acquisition of Adam Eaton, the time is now for the Washington Nationals. Though they have yet to win a playoff series, the Nationals are poised to compete for the pennant in 2017 — yet are still searching for their closer. The danger of a shaky bullpen can be seen in the 2016 San Francisco Giants late season collapse, and should the Nats like to win a playoff series, they will have to fill the role of closer one way or another.
Failing to sign Mark Melancon and Kenley Jansen (even offering the latter more than he eventually accepted with the Dodgers), Dusty Baker’s squad will look to some intriguing internal options to backstop their pen. Some have argued a trade for a proven closer such as White Sox David Robertson or Alex Colome of the Rays is all but inevitable, but the Nationals pen boasts some arms that may be up to the task. The favorite is veteran Shawn Kelley, who has posted elite numbers throughout his career but has always been stuck behind proven closers such as Mariano Rivera or David Aardsma. Kelley should have no issue stepping into the closer role if he is able to replicate his near flawless 7.27 K/BB he posted for the Nats last season. Behind Kelley are options such as 23-year-old fireballer Koda Glover or 3rd year righty Blake Treinen. Going into spring training, the job is Kelley’s to lose, but if all else fails the Nationals may be forced to go out and acquire a backstopper to solidify what should be a dominant team.
