AL East 2015: Center Fielder Rankings
By Nate Wardle
Oct. 14, 2014; Mesa, AZ, USA; Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Dalton Pompey plays for the Mesa Solar Sox during an Arizona Fall League game against the Scottsdale Scorpions at Salt River Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
5. Toronto Blue Jays – Dalton Pompey, Kevin Pillar, Ezequiel Carrera, Chris Dickerson
Pompey at age 21 is still a rookie after playing in 17 games in 2014 for the Jays. Drafted in 2010, he made his major league debut when the Jays decided to bench Colby Rasmus, and had 43 plate appearances. He hit .231/.302/.436 in his limited opportunity. With Rasmus and Anthony Gose gone, this is Pompey’s position.
I try hard not to put players as backups if they may be starting at another position, although I made an exception here. Pillar or Dickerson may end up starting in left field with Michael Saunders injured, and Dickerson does not have enough range to play center at this point of his career anyways.
The worry for the Jays is if Pompey does struggle, there may be very few options to replace him. However, the team is reportedly looking to acquire an outfielder with Saunders hurt, so an external candidate may be an option.
Do you agree? Comment and let me know what you think!