Some MLB teams employ below replacement level players at a starting position. These players are unable to bring enough to the table with either their glove or their bat to make an impact, but for some reason they have been handed everyday roles at the start of this 2016 MLB season. It’s a tricky tightrope to walk, because if a player is truly terrible enough, he should lose that playing time as the season progresses and eventually be benched entirely. But somehow, the following 10 players are poised to receive significant playing time throughout the season despite their lack of productivity.
10. Omar Infante (2B, Kansas City Royals)
Omar Infante is the black hole in the amazing Kansas City lineup. If he didn’t happen to play for the defending champion Royals, he would receive far more national attention for his overall ineptitude. Infante is a very poor defender, often providing negative value in the field. Throughout his previous tenures with the Braves and Tigers, Infante was an offensive force for a middle infield bat, making a lot of contact and popping around 10 home runs per year. However, he has been a complete bust since signing with the Royals in 2014. Over the span of 1,030 plate appearances for the Royals, Infante has hit .238 with eight home runs. He doesn’t see a lot of pitches and swings early in the count. With his bat speed slowed, his limited batting eye is exposed. At this point, it would be more beneficial to start a capable defender such as Christian Colon and admit the overpaid Infante should be riding the bench.
http://inningseaters.sportsblog.com/posts/8959227/kc-royals-mission-impossible–trading-omar-infante.html Source: Inningseaters.sportsblog.com