Making the Grade: Ranking Right Fielders in the AL Central

Apr 26, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Cleveland Indians right fielder Brandon Moss (44) hits an RBI single in the fourth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

The AL Central is home to a number of one-trick ponies in right field. From base stealers to home run hitters, the division lacks elite complete players at the position.

Filled with health concerns and aging hitters, right field is far and away the weakest outfield position in the AL Central.

It’s filled with former All-Stars such as Alex Rios (injured), Torii Hunter and Brandon Moss. Mixed in with aging veterans are unproven but high-upside outfielders such as Avisail Garcia and J.D. Martinez. There is certainly some potential in the group.

Still, right field brings with it a number of questions – health and production alike.

Rios is already on the shelf for an extended period of time after breaking his hand. Moss is recovering from offseason hip surgery and Garcia has failed to stay on the field since Chicago acquired him from Detroit at the deadline two seasons ago.

But the questions don’t become any clearer as teams make their way down the roster.

With Rios hurt, Jarrod Dyson has assumed some of the right field work despite not having played the position for any extended period of time in his career. Spelling Moss at times has been Jerry Sands and will soon be an aging (and achy) Nick Swisher.

The position is just an unraveled mess until you get to Martinez in Detroit, whose 2014 campaign could serve as a breakout campaign in a promising young career.

This piece highlights the right fielders who occupy the division and ranks them, from 1-5, in reverse order from least productive to most productive.

Next: No. 5