AJ Pollock is an outfielder for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Scratch that, he’s the starting center fielder for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Scratch that, he’s the really good starting center fielder for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Still not sure AJ Pollock is? This could help, but let’s start with why you should care about AJ Pollock. He’s currently tied in WAR with Miguel Cabrera for 13th in all of Major League baseball. He’s hitting .314 with an .839 OPS, 6 homers, and 13 steals. And this isn’t a case of putting together a solid 50 games. In his last 500 plate appearances, he’s got a 131 OPS+, which basically means that he’s been a little better than Freddie Freeman’s career line. AJ Pollock appears here to stay. It’s time we get to know him; even if he does play for the Diamondbacks.
A few years ago, I did a post on the easiest way to win the MVP award. My conclusions were that in order to win the MVP, one should play left field for a winning team on the west coast (and change their name to Barry Bonds). It seems like Pollock has yet to hit any of the check boxes to the level of national baseball writer acclaim. He plays for a team that writers often ignore, or poke fun at. The teams that he has played for have yet to post a winning record, and he’s yet to amass more than 500 PA in any single season.
The Diamondbacks really aren’t helping Pollock’s case. They’re simmering in fourth place without any real strategy, or reason to tune in (outside of Paul Goldschmidt). They ranked 27th in Max’s preseason MLB.tv ratings. Their Opening Day starting pitcher, Josh Collmenter, throws 89 on a good day. They don’t even have Mark Trumbo anymore as he was traded to the Mariners last night. And the thing about Pollock is that his excellence isn’t the same as Giancarlo Stanton’s. Pollock’s consistency and above average tools at all aspects of the game are what set him apart. He’s good at everything without being exceptional at any one thing. The Diamondbacks have recognized his excellence. They spent a first round pick on Pollock, a guy who had just 7 collegiate home runs. They even shipped out Adam Eaton, who was more highly regarded in scouting circles, to clear the center field path.
So why should we be all jazzed up about AJ Pollock? Just because the Diamondbacks believe in this guy hardly means the common baseball fan should learn his name. No, Pollock is ready and primed to become famous because he’s been really good, is still just 27, and seems to be finally getting his chance. The word of caution here is that Pollock has not suddenly become a 20 HR/35 SB/ .300 hitter. No, he’s much more of a 13 HR/35 SB/.300 hitter, which is still really good. AJ Pollock is Cameron Maybin 2.0, but version can actually hit for average and draw a walk.
It’s time for national writers to start recognizing this guy as another good thing going for the Diamondbacks organization. It’s time for Pollock to become famous. Luckily for AJ, the first step to internet fame requires an obscure blogger to take up the cause. I’ll go buy my Pollock shirsey now.
-Sean Morash
Stat of the Day: The Braves have a better record than the Padres.
