The Random Evil Player program selected Anthony Rendon for the latest review. Rendon plays third base for the Washington Nationals and ranked at or near the top of the NL in batter WAR in 2017, depending on your particular calculation. He is part of a very good history of the Nationals in developing star talent. He is one reason I believe that Nationals will continue to be a power in the NL East even if Bryce Harper departs after the 2018 season.
Rendon combines an above average BABIP with a low strikeout rate, and that was especially true in 2017. His BABIP last season came in at .314, versus his career average of .312, and his K rate was down to 13.6%, compared to 16.5% for his career. Not surprisingly, it was the first season he batted .300 (.301).
Last season, Nationals fans argued where Rendon should bat in the order. He was hitting sixth most of the seasons before injuries to other players moved him up in the order. Looking at his situational hitting stats, however, he is somewhat better at later in the offensive sequence. So far in his career, he gets on base at a higher rate and hits for more power with men on base. Having high on-base percentage players on in front of him means that first base is often occupied. That opens up holes, and it also means pitching around Rendon is dangerous as well. Combine that with excellent plate discipline, and you have a player capable of driving in runs.
This is the golden age of third basemen, and Rendon is certainly a member of that elite.
from baseballmusings.com http://ift.tt/2EZJM2C
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