Pablo Sandoval – .250 batting average
Sean: Over – Sandoval was under this mark last year, but that was in part due to hitting an anemic .197 against lefties. Now that his knee is healthy enough for him to return to switch-hitting, those numbers should improve, boosting his overall average back toward respectability.
Drew: Over – This is a .288 lifetime average guy. He had a poor year last year adjusting to a new team as one of the focal points. Attention will be less on his with the new guys Price and Kimbrel and he will be able to get enough rest to stay fresh and avoid the .210 second half batting average from last year. .275 or higher for him in 2016.
Rick: Over – But it will be down in Pawtucket with Allen Craig.
Hanley Ramirez – 15 errors
Sean: Under – Last year Jose Abreu led all American League first baseman with 11 errors and it would not be a surprise if Ramirez approaches that territory, but it won’t be too much worse. For one thing, if Ramirez is actually that bad defensively then he’ll start to lose playing time to Travis Shaw. Also, in order to be credited with an error you actually have to make contact with the ball, while Ramirez is more likely to watch grounders roll by him. His history as an infielder will make the transition easier than what we saw last year with the failed experiment in left field and he knows how to reel in a ground ball as long as it’s hit relatively nearby. Where he’ll struggle initially is receiving throws to first base – his footwork near the bag, picking balls out of the dirt and stretching out to meet the throw instead of waiting for it to get to him.
Drew: Under – Hanley will surprise people with his sure-handedness. His range will not likely be the greatest so he probably won’t get to enough balls to make errors. He has worked at it and he will make a competent, if not spectacular first baseman. 10 errors for Hanley next season.
Rick: Under – Why he will win a Gold Glove!
Next: Bench at-bats