Red Sox vs the AL East: catchers
By Conor Duffy
Sep 21, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees catcher Brian McCann (34) hits a two run home run in the seventh inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
2. Brian McCann, Yankees
McCann’s first season in New York was a disaster. Expectations were high for the 30-year old after signing a 5 year/$85M contract the previous offseason, but he just never got going and had his worst season as a professional, hitting .232/.286/.406 in 140 games. However, while Rivera and Wieters may come down a peg from last season’s heights, McCann appears poised to have a major rebound season in 2015. McCann’s .231 BABIP was significantly below his career .283, and while his walk rate also dipped last season, it should rise if he hits the ball with more authority. Perhaps last season was the beginning of a severe downward spiral for McCann, but more likely it represents a blip on the radar in an otherwise exceptional career.