PT TOMORROW: AL Central—McCann taking over from Avila
May 13 2015
While Alex Avila (C, DET) is likely out for a minimum of six weeks, James McCann (C, DET) will be the starter. When Avila returns, he may find that he is the backup. Avila has only had one good offensive season in the majors. In 2011 he batted .295/.389/.506 with 19 HR. In the three years since, his skills have trended in the wrong direction. For example, his xBA has been .245/.238/.222. His ct% has trended 72%/66%/61%. McCann does not have Avila’s power (his minor league season high in HR is 8), but he does have better contact skills (80% career ct% in the minors) and he will have a higher BA than Avila. He has also impressed the Tigers with his defensive skills.
McCann will have a long leash because the Tigers'...
Almost!
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