Fangraphs Rankings

[stringer bell]

Fangraphs has completed ranking for all positions for the 2023 regular season. Certainly, these are predictions/projections which don't take in injuries or unexpected booms or busts. I have checked the three contenders in the AL Central and surprisingly the Twins finish on top. Their projected WAR is 44.2 followed by Cleveland at 43.5 and Chicago at 40.4.

Fangraphs ranked each position, as well as starting and relief pitching from first to thirtieth. The ordinal rankings again showed the Twins ahead--(lower # is better) Twins--98, Cleveland 107 and Chicago 134. 

Of interest, the Twins' top-rated position is shortstop, Correa and Co. come in with a projected 5.8 WAR, behind only the Phillies. The lowest rated position is first base (21st), with left field (17) and starting pitching (16) below the midline. Cleveland has low marks at first (17), center (20), right (23)  and (surprisingly) rotation (19). Chicago has below midline results at second (29), short and third (both 16) and right field (30).

[Mike Sixel]

If AK can produce, or Miranda moves to first (or Julien) and Lee is at third, there is upside. Alas, there is downside with Polanco already hurt.....

[tony&rodney]

The fangraphs reads are always worth a look but, like all projections, they should be taken with a grain of salt. For example, the comments that poor Clarke Schmidt could start for every other team in baseball and Domingo German is the most highly qualified fifth starter in baseball, among other statements, seems a little fawning to me. They have their favorites, for sure. I have followed the site and like to read the articles and chats, but numbers can always be used in an endless array of fashions.