Brian Dozier Appreciation Thread

[stringer bell]

There are a lot of Twins who have merited their attention for their play in the last month or so. Polanco, Buxton, Mauer, Rosario, and mighty mite Eduardo Escobar's power come off the top of my head. However, let's consider Brian Dozier in this conversation, too.

 

Since the All-Star break, Dozier is hitting .309, he has an OBP of .401, Slugging of .601 yielding an OPS of 1.002 in over 370 plate appearances. It appears for the entire season Dozier will have his best career OBP (it's sitting at .355 now) plus he should surpass 30 homers and come close to 90 RBI and runs scored. Those are good numbers folks.

 

The other thing that has occurred is that the supposedly loaded position of second base doesn't seem as loaded any more. Dozier's season .838 OPS and 3.5 WAR rank third in the AL and fourth in MLB. The next qualifier in the American League has an OPS of .786, so there is quite a gap between players.

 

I've been particularly impressed by Dozier's OBP improvement. It seems to me his approach is to look for something to drive early in the count, but then work the count and use the whole field. I witnessed a game against the D-Backs where Dozier got to three balls on each at-bat against Grienke, a tough righty. He coaxed two walks, rolled a grounder through the infield and got a slug bunt single down the third base line. Dozier seems to have the confidence to hit when down in the count. Yeah he'll strike out about once a game, but it's not just home run of strike out. He's also gone to the right side of the diamond much more and hit the ball harder to that side than in past years.

 

I've liked that Dozier has been a person who can help win a game with the bat, the glove and with his legs. He's a very good base runner and a couple instances in yesterday's game illustrate that. Dozier made it to third on a single to left by Mauer and then scored on a roller between the pitcher and third that Buxton beat out.

 

Defensively, Dozier is OK. I don't think any part of his defense is lacking enough to move him away from second base. According to BB-Ref, his defensive numbers this year are essentially neutral.

 

Another factor that increases my appreciation for Dozier is his durability. He's getting high counting numbers because he plays every day and he's played at least 147 games every year since 2013. All-in-all, Brian Dozier is a really fine ballplayer who might have the most value for the team he is playing for right now.

[Brock Beauchamp]

So far, the non-trade is looking good (basing it on the centerpiece of De Leon). I suspect Dozier will end up with an OPS at or over .850 this season, putting him close to last year's performance (and better than I expected, frankly). His defense is probably waning a bit but, as you said, is essentially neutral at the position so that's not bad by any means.

 

Still time for that non-deal to turn south but so far, so good.

[drjim]

Extend him.

[Linus]

I was strongly in favor of trading him. Now I would only do so if we're blown away with starting pitching. I actually think he could be our primary dh and play around the diamond.

[Bill Brown69]

My biggest hope is that he bats 3rd next year with Sano behind him.

[USAFChief]

Glad he wasn't traded.  

[Mr. Brooks]

Yep, I said I would have pulled the trigger straight up for DeLeon.

So far, it looks like I was wrong, by a mile.

 

My only complaint is i still don't like him leading off.

[snepp]

 

My only complaint is i still don't like him leading off.

 

You're certainly not alone there.

[Brock Beauchamp]

You're certainly not alone there.

Nope. Hate it.

[whydidnt]

I agree, Dozier has been very good again this year. The Twins are going to have a though decision when it comes time to decide on an extension. What will he get on the open market if he has another season like this in 2018??

[Brock Beauchamp]

 

I agree, Dozier has been very good again this year. The Twins are going to have a though decision when it comes time to decide on an extension. What will he get on the open market if he has another season like this in 2018??

He's going to be a bit on the old side and his defense has slid a bit. My guess is he'd get something in the 4/$75m range.

[theBOMisthebomb]

Dozier is a ballplayer's ballplayer and watching him play on a daily basis is a pleasure.

[snepp]

 

Dozier is a ballplayer's ballplayer and watching him play on a daily basis is a pleasure.

 

He's also a fan's ballplayer.

 

 

<-------- is a fan

[snepp]

Ballplayer's ballplayer, fan's ballplayer, and then you've got...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

...the *swoon*

 

 

(chitown knows what's what)

[USAFChief]

 

Ballplayer's ballplayer, fan's ballplayer, and then you've got...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

...the *swoon*

 

 

(chitown knows what's what)

"Posting for a friend," Snepp??