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Dodgers Rumors: Most viable All-Star candidates in Los Angeles

By Evan Lovett

Jun 4, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Cody Bellinger (35) reacts after being called out on strikes in the fifth inning during the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 4, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Cody Bellinger (35) reacts after being called out on strikes in the fifth inning during the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dodgers Rumors – Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Dodgers Rumors – Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Yasmani Grandal

Yasmani Grandal is underrated and overlooked, as his defensive strengths are mostly based on esoteric metrics and advanced statistics. That said, he has thrown out 14 of 31 would-be base stealers this season and is manning a pitching staff that is leading the National League with a 3.20 ERA.

But Grandal is not only about defense – his .459 slugging percentage and .793 OPS are second amongst catchers in 2017. His presence in the lineup as a switch-hitter and power bat in the lower half provides manager Dave Roberts the flexibility to mix-and-match elsewhere, knowing that he has one of the strongest weapons at the position at his disposal.

Currently, Grandal stands fifth in the rankings at the position behind Buster Posey and others, but it’s unequivocal that if Maddon chooses three catchers, Grandal will be one of the two that should see some time in Miami this year. Which, also, happens to be his hometown and site of the University where he was an All-American.

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