With Spring Training in just a couple of short months, I think it’s time to do a mid-offseason preview of the team if nothing changes right between now and February. Every week, I’ll preview one position group for the next month, projecting stats, impact, and what it means for the team in the future.
1B #24 Mat Gamel (Age 26)
2011 (AAA): .310 BA, 28 HR, 96 RBI, .376 OBP, .498 SLUG
2012 Projected: .285 BA, 18 HR, 70 RBI, .325 OBP, .435 SLUG
Gamel will finally get his chance, barring a trade or free agent signing of a veteran, to see what he can do as an everyday major league player. Once considered “untouchable” by Doug Melvin, Gamel has been incredibly productive in every level of the minor leagues, highlighted by a starting nod in the Futures game in 2008, but as a third baseman. He can hit the ball to all fields, but isn’t a great power hitter. Very similar to Michael Cuddyer as a hitter, 20-25 home runs seems to be his maximum potential in the major...
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