KC Royals: Predicting All-Star Selections – Infielders
By Mike Norris
June 25, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals mascot Slugger relaxes before a game against the Atlanta Braves at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
Mike Moustakas, Third Base
May 3, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals third basemen Mike Moustakas (8) at bat against the Detroit Tigers during the seventh inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
2015 Stats
GP: 37
AB: 149
H: 51
AVG: .342
HR: 4
RBI: 15
R: 26
SB: 1
Slash: .342/.396/.503
Summary:
Moustakas started right where he left off last postseason — as one of the hottest hitters on the team. Although the power hasn’t been there, no one is finding holes in the outfield like Moose. After a .212, 2014 season, Moustakas is second in the AL in average, and fourth in MLB, at .342.
Among AL third baseman it’s not even close, with Oakland’s Josh Donaldson second at .305. For those of you who think average doesn’t tell the story, Moose leads all AL third baseman in .OBP and WAR (2.4), while trailing only Donadlson in slugging percentage.
Will he or won’t he?
Moose will be an interesting case. It won’t be easy for fans to look past his fairly meager four home runs and 15 RBI, but the slash is hard to ignore as well. Moose also is tied for first among AL third baseman with 51 hits, second in doubles with 10, and has struck out only 15 times — once every 10 at bats. He’s not a lock, but should be on the team at least as a reserve.
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