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Here's something you're going to hear a lot in 2015: "This is the last time Aramis Ramirez will [do thing x]." Let's get the first one out of the way with a "This is the last time we will ever project Aramis Ramirez on BCB".
His power numbers slipped again last year, and his walk rate dropped alongside that slip for the first time. He seems to have perfected a brand of Old Man Baseball that keeps him reasonably productive, and his defense at third was a pleasant surprise last year.
Ramirez | PA | AVG | OBP | SLG | K% | BB% | DEF | WAR |
2013 | 351 | .283 | .370 | .461 | 15.7 | 10.3 | -5.0 | 1.3 |
2014 | 531 | .285 | .330 | .427 | 14.1 | 4.0 | 1.3 | 2.1 |
Steamer | 548 | .267 | .323 | .427 | 15.3 | 6.0 | -2.0 | 1.6 |
ZiPS | 581 | .278 | .332 | .440 | 15.3 | 5.4 | -4.0 | 1.8 |
That ZiPS line nails it I think-- the walk rate bounces back some, but he doesn't clock in as an above-average defender again. I do, however, have a difficult time projecting Ramirez for 581 plate appearances (although given the lack of depth at third base let's hope he comes close). Overall, I'm inclined to go with the ever-so-slight OVER in a very tough call.