Fantasy Spotlight: Mitch Moreland
Throughout the month of March, theScore examines hitters who represent their team's most intriguing fantasy plays. This edition focuses on Texas Rangers 1B Mitch Moreland.
2015 in Review: 515 PA, .278/.330/.482, 51 R, 23 HR, 85 RBI, 1 SB
The Good: Moreland will be the RBI guy in Texas, hitting fifth in a loaded Rangers lineup. This gives Moreland a chance to top his career high of 85 RBI, set last season in just 132 games.
The Bad: Moreland's slash line of .245/.293/.387 against lefties was a marginal improvement over his career .233/.290/.359 mark. If his struggles versus southpaws get out of hand, he could be sentenced to platoon duties - otherwise known as fantasy prison. With the signing of Ian Desmond and phenom Joey Gallo looming, his bat can be replaced.
Best Comparison: Mariners 1B Adam Lind
What's in Store: As long as the Rangers' lineup stays healthy and produces as it should, Moreland should easily collect 20 HR and 70 RBI. But going into his age-30 season, his upside isn't that high.
Draft Outlook: Given the depth at the position across the major leagues, you can do a lot better for your fantasy first baseman. Moreland isn't worth drafting in mixed leagues, but can be taken as a high-floor, low-ceiling first baseman in AL-only leagues somewhere in the middle rounds.