Nine Burning Questions: Answers to Q's Around the Diamond

Recently, I purchased a baseball magazine at Borders. In the magazine, there were rankings of all the players. Projections, fantasy trends, you name it. But before they previewed the players, they asked 10 burning questions for the position.

I liked the idea, and I thought: "Hey, in an article I could answer the most important question by each position."

Catcher

Can Victor Martinez Return to All-Star Levels in '09?

Sept. 2, 2008. That was the first time Victor Martinez logged a home run last year. However, the season before, Victor smashed 25 home runs, drove in 114 and had a .301 batting average. Last season, Victor hit a whopping two homers, had 35 RBI, hit .278 and had just 266 at bats. But, this year, he will return to prominence.

If he can play in 140 games and post 450 or more at bats, you can expect a 20/90 season out of Victor. When he plays over 140 games, he logs solid numbers. From 2004 to 2007, he played 140 and logged 23, 20, 16, and 25 homers and drove in 108, 80, 93, and 114 RBI. The pattern suggests he will have an All Star caliber season, and I think he will.

First Base

Was Kevin Youkilis' 2008 Power Outburst For Real?

In a year full of bright spots for Boston, first basemen Kevin Youkilis showed his potential as a power hitter. But his power doesn't help the team as much as his patience.

For his pitch selection, he has been nicknamed "The Greek God Of Walks". And last year, he did that just 62 times while slugging 29 homers and 115 RBI. If he reverts back to being a pitch selective, Gold Glove first basemen, he can help the team more.

His home runs are very nice, but the walks produce more runs. I don’t think the power surge was fluke, but it doesn't exactly help knowing the Red Sox have the home run bats in the lineup such as Jason Bay, JD Drew, David Ortiz, Jason Varitek, and Mike Lowell.

The Greek God of home runs helps, but the Greek God of Walks helps even more. That said, his power will continue.

Second Base

Which Robinson Cano Will Show Up in 2009?

Yankees fans are biting their nails when it comes to second basemen Robinson Cano. In '06, he hit .342 with 15 homers. In '07, he broke out, driving in 96 runs, slugging 19 homers and batting .306. In '08, he hit .271 with 14 homers and horrible fielding. But he came along.

In April, many are surprised to find out Cano hit .151. In May, he hit .295, then .287, .327, .290 and .287 in June, July, August and September. Expect Cano to finish what he finished in August: .290.

His 2007 self will epitomize the rest of his career: 19/95/.300. Numbers that certainly put him in the running for the best AL second basemen. I don’t think when it’s all said and done, people will consider Cano better then the likes of Ian Kinsler, Brian Roberts, and Chase Utley, but very good, nonetheless.

Shortstop

Can Derek Jeter Pull Out Of His Statistical Slide?

In 2006, Yankees superstar shortstop Derek Jeter posted a .344 batting clip, 14 homers and 97 RBI. In 2007, he slipped a bit, hitting .322 with 12 homers and 73 RBI. Still good, but a bit of a drop off. Last season, he hit just above .300 with 11 homers and 69 RBI. Will we ever see the Derek Jeter of 2006?

My answer: no. Will he still produce? Absolutely. But this is the year he’ll hit below .300. Jeter turns 35 in May and just about everything statistic-wise is decreasing. I think the statistical slide will continue, but DJ will continue to produce.

His double plays are through the roof and his steals are declining. I smell an aging New York Yankees superstar.

Third Base

Will Ryan Zimmerman Bounce Back From an Injury Shortened 2008?

In 2006 and 2007, third basemen Ryan Zimmerman gave the Nationals hope. He hit 20 and 24 homers and drove in 110 and 91 runs, respectively. In 2008, he posted a respectable .283 average. However, he hit just 14 homers and 51 RBI due to injuries that shortened his season.

At just 24 years old, he’s entering his prime. In ’06 and ’07, he missed a combined five games, so I see his injury as a once-in-a-career fluke.

I see him coming back next year better then ever. And after coming back following the All Star Break, he hit over .300 with five homers and a .516 slugging percentage. Also, the talent the Nats have added around him will help him return to 2006 and 2007 form.

Expect him to post 22 homers, 104 RBI and a .297 batting clip. Zimmerman won’t lead the Nats to a playoff spot this year, but there is no doubt in my mind he can contribute.

Outfielders

Can Jeff Francoeur Rebound From His Disastrous 2008 Season?

In 2005, 2006 and 2007, Jeff Francoeur assaulted National League pitchers. In 2005 in limited time, Francouer hit .300 with 14 homers and 45 RBI. He followed it up with a 29 homer, 105 RBI performance in ’06 and a 19 homer, 105 RBI showing in ’07.  

2008 was devastating for Francoeur and his fans. He hit just .239 with 11 homers and 71 RBI. But will he come back?

He displayed all the potential in the world in his first three seasons and one bad season is no reason to give up on him. He’s one of the brightest outfielders in the NL and in baseball.

Also, young guys like Francoeur, 25, have an easier time rebounding then older guys do (Travis Hafner, Scott Rolen). Don’t give up on this youngster just yet.

Starting Pitchers

Can Cliff Lee Repeat His 2008 Dominance?

Last year, Indians ace Cliff Lee had a season unfathomable to most. He won 22, lost just three and posted a 2.54 ERA. Can he repeat such a performance? I seriously doubt it. But a repeat is damn near impossible. If he had a down year by the standards of the ’07 year, he’s having an excellent year.

I’m not sure if Lee will ever post 20 wins in his career, but I think 16-9 with a 3.17 ERA is not out of the question this season. If he can keep it on the ground more like he did last season, he can do even better or win 16-18 games with consistency. He also kept the home runs down.

Personally, I think his ’08 season was a fluke. But it could be a turning point that could twist him into a very good pitcher, one he wasn’t in 2007.

Relief Pitchers

Should We Trust Chris Ray After Missing All of 2008?

Orioles relief pitcher Chris Ray was the O’s closer of the future just a couple of years ago. Since, he has struggled, struggled again and missed a whole season. In 2005, he had a 2.66 ERA in 41 games. In 2006, he was transferred to the closer role and saved 33 games in 38 chances.

His blazing fastball impressed hitters and teammates. In 2007, he disappointed. He was just 5-6 with a 4.43 ERA and a mere 20 saves.

On March 21, 2008, he suffered an elbow injury that would require surgery. He would miss the entire season. Now, we’re heading to 2009. Ray’s status is up in the air. He is healthy and recently signed a one year extension.

He could be the closer, as George Sherrill is a very iffy closer, at best. I expect him to save 25 games and post a 3.50 ERA.