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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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Feb 24, 2017; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox first baseman Mitch Moreland (18) signs autographs prior to their spring training game against the New York Mets at JetBlue Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 24, 2017; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox first baseman Mitch Moreland (18) signs autographs prior to their spring training game against the New York Mets at JetBlue Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Boston Red Sox

Red Sox’ first baseman – Mitch Moreland, Hanley Ramirez (DH), Allen Craig, Sam Travis

The answer to the question as to whether the Red Sox offense suffers by adding Mitch Moreland is yes. But, it isn’t his fault. Hanley Ramirez will move off of first base to DH, replacing the retired David Ortiz. HanRam had a great 2016, but he isn’t Ortiz. And, Moreland is not as strong offensively as Ramirez.

Moreland is a career .254/.315/.438 hitter for the Texas Rangers. In 2016, he hit .233/.298/.422 with 22 HRs, 21 2Bs, 60 RBIs and 47 runs in 503 plate appearances. Moreland does not strike out as much as another first baseman in the division, never striking out more than the 118 times he did in 2016. Of course, he also has never hit more than 23 home runs in a season.

Moreland won the Gold Glove in 2016, beating out Chris Davis and Eric Hosmer. He still has a negative dWAR of -3.5, although his total runs above fielding average numbers were good in 2016. His range, however, was not, so use the sabermetrics as you wish.

Hanley, of course, had a great 2016 and can fill in at first as needed, but I expect him to be the primary DH for Boston. Craig is a non-roster invite to camp, and Travis is a top five prospect in the Sox’ system, one they like a lot.

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