PT TOMORROW: AL Central—Could Cain conquer leadoff?
May 24 2017
The Royals are last in MLB in runs scored, and part of it can be blamed on a stunning lack of production at leadoff. They started 2017 with Alex Gordon (OF, KC), who went 12-for-68 with 4 BB, then moved on to Whit Merrifield (2B, KC), who was worse at 5-for-40 and one BB. The team then went retro with 2016 table-setter Alcides Escobar (SS, KC), who still takes few walks and is 11-for-64 with 1 BB and 15 K at the top of the order. Is it time for a change?
Lorenzo Cain (OF, KC; pictured above) has fared well from the third slot, batting .306 in 121 AB. He's induced 16 BB at No. 3 and 22 walks in 183 PA overall. It's possible that his 5% leap in bb% from 2016 may be due to an early lack of protection from cleanup hitter
Almost!
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