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Baltimore Orioles’ Davis powers his way to top in AL East rankings

By Nate Wardle

Sep 28, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Baltimore Orioles first baseman Chris Davis (19) hits a single against Toronto Blue Jays in the fourth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 28, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Baltimore Orioles first baseman Chris Davis (19) hits a single against Toronto Blue Jays in the fourth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Baltimore Orioles’ Chris Davis is a fantastic power hitter, but will the rest of his hitting performance carry him to first in the first base rankings?

So, let’s move it to first base in the 2017 AL East positional rankings, where Baltimore Orioles‘ roster includes first baseman and slugger Chris Davis continues to power his way towards the top of the rankings. To review, the catcher rankings are already up and featured a youngster at the top.

At first base, the Red Sox finished 2016 ranked number one. But, they replaced Hanley Ramirez at first base with Mitch Moreland. Ramirez will likely play a little first base, but Moreland is a superior glove. Chris Davis is back, but Edwin Encarnacion and Mark Teixeira are not.

To recap, the end of 2016 first base rankings were:

5. New York Yankees

4. Tampa Bay Rays

3. Toronto Blue Jays

2. Baltimore Orioles

1. Boston Red Sox

Does Moreland’s addition put him at number one? Or, since it is an odd year, does Davis get the top spot?

Remember, as you agree or disagree, leave your comments in the comment section!

Sep 6, 2016; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Logan Morrison (7) doubles during the sixth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 6, 2016; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Logan Morrison (7) doubles during the sixth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Tampa Bay Rays

Rays’ first baseman – Logan Morrison, Nick Franklin, Brad Miller (2B), Casey Gillaspie

Can Logan Morrison finally live up to the hype? I won’t count on it. I wanted to move Morrison up to fourth, but the backup situation behind him makes the difference. I think Morrison is a better player than Justin Smoak, but Steve Pearce went from the Rays to the Jays, with a stop in Baltimore in between.

The once highly touted Morrison played in 107 games for Tampa in 2016, hitting .238/.319/.414 with 14 HRs, 18 2Bs, 43 RBIs and 45 runs in 398 plate appearances. For his career, Morrison is a .245/.325/.416 hitter, not exactly glowing numbers.

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Morrison has never been known for his defense, with a career -8.5 dWAR, and a -1.0 in 2016. Morrison’s total fielding runs above average, and range numbers are also subpar. At this point, what you see is what you get.

Franklin is one of the main backups for the Rays, where he will fill in at first base and the corner outfield. Brad Miller could also see time at first base but is expected to start at second base.

Gillaspie is a top prospect, and if Morrison flounders again, I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets called to the show in 2017.

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