Atlanta Braves: 2015 End of Season Player Grades
By Kevin Floody
Sep 21, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; Atlanta Braves shortstop Andrelton Simmons (19) tags out New York Mets shortstop
Wilmer Flores(4) on a steal attempt during the second inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Andrelton Simmons
One day, MLB will be awarding the Andrelton Simmons award to the best defensive player in the league, most likely sponsored by some vacuum cleaner company. Andrelton won the Fielding Bible Award after the conclusion of the season, and will likely win his third consecutive Gold Glove Award. Amazing and historically good defense is just part of who Simmons is. Even when he is not making highlight reel plays, Simmons has the range and the arm to make routine plays that would be highlight reel for many other shortstops. We know this. Because of this, we will look past much of Andrelton’s offensive contributions, or lack thereof. This year however, Simmons quietly put together his best full season at the plate to this point in his career. .265/.321/.338/.659 in not overwhelming, but when you combine it with the best defensive player in the game, then it gets a lot better.
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We will probably never again see the 17 homers that he hit back in 2013, but Andrelton is better when he’s not trying to knock them out. A career high walk rate saw him reach 39 times with a free pass, while still only striking out 48 times. In a better lineup, some of Andrelton’s counting stats likely go up, and if his rates stay about the same, he will be a productive bottom of the order bat with occasional usefulness at the top. He could develop more still going forward, but when this team is no longer in rebuild mode, this season is exactly what the brass will want out of Andrelton. Hold your own, make contact, and blow our minds at shortstop. Now here’s your paycheck and maybe a plaque someday. For having the quietest, yet most encouraging season, I give Andrelton an A.
Final Grade: A
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