Re: ***Official 2007-2008 MLB Offseason Thread***
[ QUOTE ]
I think you are underrating Kubel. I'd have him penciled in as the starter in LF for next season. He is average to above average as a fielder (in left) and an above average hitter. His 2007 line was very similar to the average AL left fielder:
AL Average: .275/.335/.426
Kubel: .273/.335/.450
What makes me even more hopeful about his future is that his walk rate consistently improved all year, he hits more line drives then anyone on the team and he had a great second half. In fact, over the 2nd half, he was the best hitter on the team, hitting .303/.379/.511. That isn't a big enough sample so that you could expect him to keep it up next year, but it is enough to hope. Combined with his career minor league line of .320/.388/.499 it seems a little more likely that his 2nd half performance could look more like his future then this 1st half.
[/ QUOTE ]
I've got Kubel penciled in as well, and they could make do with him if they had to, but this is one area where they can and will look to improve.
|