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Baltimore Orioles: Is Orioles’ Adam Jones still the premiere center fielder in AL East?

By Nate Wardle

Sep 23, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles outfielder Adam Jones (10) warms up prior to the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 23, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles outfielder Adam Jones (10) warms up prior to the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 7, 2017; West Palm Beach, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox center fielder Jackie Bradley Jr. (19) dives into the plate to score a run against the Washington Nationals at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 7, 2017; West Palm Beach, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox center fielder Jackie Bradley Jr. (19) dives into the plate to score a run against the Washington Nationals at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Boston Red Sox

Red Sox’ CFs – Jackie Bradley Jr., Chris Young, Rusney Castillo, Brock Holt

Long-time readers of these projections are likely surprised by this ranking. A position full of solid players, and someone without a strong track record is number one.

While that is true, Bradley Jr. was an All-Star in 2016, started the most games in center field, and put up offensive numbers that surpass Jones, with defensive numbers that can match Pillar.

Bradley Jr. hit 267/.349/.486 with 26 HRs, 30 2Bs, 87 RBIs, 94 runs. Bradley doesn’t run much but did have nine stolen bases. Bradley also, like Jones, is a guy who strikes out a ton.

But, his defense is also quite good. His dWAR of 1.6 was good; His range factor was right at the league average. His total fielding runs above average was -13, but his runs saved was 11. Again, why I am confused by sabermetrics.

The one issue is that the Red Sox do not have a real good backup option in center field. Holt and Young should both be on the roster, but neither have the speed to play center field.

Next: Baltimore Ravens suspend RB Kenneth Dixon

So, it comes down to whether you want all-around center fielders with power or your center fielder to have speed, but not much power.

Disagree with me? Let me know in the comments!

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