44.6 Checking the Locks: Shortstop

[crobillard]

This is a series where I will evaluate the options in each position leading into Spring Training. This is the fifth of eleven parts. I will be taking a look into the shortstop position in this post.

Sure fire locks: Pepe Espinosa
Trying to get in the door: Miguel Pacheco

Espinosa had a down year last year with a .256/.290/.438 batting line, but he still collected 3.8 WAR along the way which is on par with his rookie season. You have to think that Edmonton wants a little more from Espinosa in 2044. In 2042 he had 14 triples and only three in 2043. Perhaps getting a bit more aggressive on the basepaths will allow him to get back to his 2042 numbers.

With Robert Menzies getting dealt to Portland last offseason, 2043 saw Espinosa taking over shortstop for the first time. He was pretty solid there with a +6.2 ZR and a .979 defensive percentage.

Of course the biggest concern about Espinosa is his fragile injury status. Limiting his exposure could help keep him fresh for 162 games, but without a decent backup option at shortstop replacing Espinosa is a huge concern that the team just didn't have to sweat last season since they had a capable backup in Hakim Ngowa. Miguel Pacheco is a possible option along with Joey Nethersole. We've seen Pacheco in limited time before, but his bat has been so lacking that the team hasn't desired him for any extended time. His defensive is still really solid with a 9 rating at short though.