Breakout or Bust: Could Kevin Kiermaier Fully Emerge In 2017?
by Eric Stashin (aka The Rotoprofessor)
Lost among some of the other strong finishes was the September flourish from Kevin Kiermaier. Over 112 PA all he did was hit .296 with 5 HR and 8 SB, highlighting the type of potential that was expected heading into the season.
Missed time limited him to 105 games (366 AB), but at the end of the day he made enticing strides:
- Home Runs – 10 HR in 505 AB in ’15 to 12 HR in ‘16
- Stolen Bases – 18 SB in ’15 to 21 in ‘16
Considering that he had roughly 140 fewer AB yet increased both his power and stolen base production, how can we not get excited?
The power appears to be for real, considering he had 25 doubles and 12 triples in ’15 (20 doubles and 2 triples last season). At 26-years old it shouldn’t come as a surprise that some of those extra base hits began carrying over the fence and his 11.1% HR/FB is extremely reasonable. That’s not to say that there isn’t at least a little bit of concern (25.0% popup rate), but then again he’s never going to be a 25+ HR hitter. These numbers put him in the 15-20 HR range, which would be more than enough.
Remember, the speed shouldn’t come as a surprise as he had shown 20+ SB potential coming up through the minors. Maybe last year’s number is a little bit elevated, but even if we want to assume a small step backwards it would put 25 SB in play.
Suddenly it’s believable to expect a 15/25 type player, which would automatically land him on fantasy radars. The question, then, is if he will put up a strong enough average. He managed just a .246 mark last season, though his basic marks would indicate an improvement is in his future:
- Strikeout Rate – 17.9%
- Walk Rate – 9.7%
- Line Drive Rate – 20.6%
- BABIP – .278
The control of the strike zone was hardly an aberration, with a 9.4% SwStr% and 27.9% O-Swing% (career marks of 9.5% and 30.2%, respectively). When coupled with the expected increase in his BABIP, considering his line drive rate and speed, there’s suddenly a lot to like. He actually hit .251 in the second half, and .296 in September.
While his defense gets the most attention, he’s quickly developing into a viable offensive alternative. The upside is there to be usable in all formats next season, and definitely is a must own in five-outfielder formats.
Source – Fangraphs
Source: http://rotoprofessor.com/baseball/?p=31473
Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.
"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world. Anyone can join. Anyone can contribute. Anyone can become informed about their world. "United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
LION'S MANE PRODUCT
Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules
Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, but it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.
Our Formula includes: Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity. Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins. Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system. Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome. Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function. Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules Today. Be 100% Satisfied or Receive a Full Money Back Guarantee. Order Yours Today by Following This Link.
