Cubs News: Ranking the NL Central’s First Basemen

Sep 5, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter

Lind (26) hits an RBI single against the Boston Red Sox during the first inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

Adam Lind – Milwaukee Brewers

Lind is one of those that could find himself sharing time, due to his poor numbers against left-handed pitching (.212/.257/.331 in 892 plate appearances), but that time will be shared with Jonathan Lucroy, who will see most of the time at catcher for the Brewers.

Lind has been an effective player in his time in Toronto, with the majority of his time spent in the outfield or at DH. But injuries, specifically his back and his legs, have caused him to miss a lot of time – and also spurned the move to first. He’s played in less than 100 games in two of the last three seasons, but when healthy, is a force against right-handers.

Although he missed time with injury, he hit .354/.409/.533 in 281 plate appearances against righties, with all six of his home runs coming against them. The power stroke was down, as Lind had hit 20 or more four times (35 in 2009), but he still made good contact, hitting line drives and logging 24 doubles.

Defensively at first he’s a solid defender, and they won’t lose anything there. He’s a below average baserunner, but leg and back injuries will do that.

2015 Steamer Projections – .272/.340/.451, 21 HR, 75 RBIs, 1.5 WAR

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