Who has the most complete team heading into the MLB playoffs?
LEFT FIELD
American League
Boston Red Sox: Andrew Benintendi +5
Cleveland Indians: Michael Brantley +2
Houston Astros: Cameron Maybin +1
New York Yankees: Brett Gardner +4
Minnesota Twins: Eddie Rosario +3
BREAKDOWN: If it wasn’t for Aaron Judge, Andrew Benintendi would be the winner of the 2017 American League Rookie of the Year. The 23 year old is an amazing talent and can do it all, earning him +5. He plays a great left field and can hit the ball out to any part of the ballpark. He should be fun to watch in October for many years to come. From youngster to “old” man, Brett Gardner receives +4 for still moving like a kid and playing like a champion. The heart and soul of the New York Yankees will be a key component to any success for the Bronx Bombers this postseason. Eddie Rosario has been a pleasant surprise for the Twins this year and gets the nod over Michael Brantley due to injury concerns. Cameron Maybin is quick and can get stolen bases but that’s about it. He receives +1.
National League
Arizona Diamondbacks: David Peralta +5
Chicago Cubs: Kyle Schwarber +1
Colorado Rockies: Ian Desmond +3
Los Angeles Dodgers: Curtis Granderson +2
Washington Nationals: Howie Kendrick +4
BREAKDOWN: Ehhh, not your most attractive group. I definitely wouldn’t put any of these guys on a Playgirl centerfold. (*RIP Hugh Hefner – legend*). But the left field position is an important one for every ball club. David Peralta is the best out of the group. He’s batting .293 with decent power numbers (14 HR/57 RBI). Howie Kendrick is a veteran and has played fantastic for the Nationals since being traded from the Phillies. He’s provided much more power since arriving in Washington as well. Ian Desmond (+3) was paid big money in the offseason but has been out a good portion this year due to injuries. Curtis Granderson was a great veteran pickup by the Dodgers but we’ll see how much he plays with the depth of the Dodgers outfield. He doesn’t have too many years left so you know he’ll be giving it all when he gets the chance. The best out of the five might be Kyle Schwarber but this year, his numbers have been terrible. We saw the impact he made in the postseason last year and his power is insane but he has a ton of strike outs this season and was even sent down to AAA at one point, earning him +1.
