Saturday, October 3, 2009

Free Agent Market: First Base/ DH


It is difficult to win a championship in Cobb without a top-quality offense. While a contender will need offensive contributions from all over the diamond, it is essential to have a top run producer at first base (and designated hitter in the AL). Also, because this is the easiest position to play, non-contenders may choose to allow a fading star to chase a milestone at first base.

OBP leaders: Herman Perry (.372) is still one of the most dangerous left-handed hitters in Cobb. Kip Zeile (.358), Woody Olerud (.347) Roosevelt Ingram (.344) and Alfredo Cruz (.313) round out the top 5. Honorable mention goes to Willie Kotsay (.301) who has a career .349 OBP.

SLG leaders: Herman Perry (.600) remains a significant power threat, and would make a great platoon 1B/DH or pinch hitter for a lot of teams. Kip Zeile (.565) has 636 career HRs and launched 107 HR the past two seasons. Roosevelt Ingram (.505, 33 HR), Alfredo Cruz (.402, 19 HR) and Woody Olerud (.349) are the other top sluggers.

Defense: Speedster Alfredo Cruz has won 2 gold gloves at 1B in the last 4 years.

Notable: Kip Zeile was the season 12 AL MVP. Alfredo Cruz is the career Cobb leader in steals has stolen over 100 bases in each of his full major league seasons and has never been caught more than 10 times.

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