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Gerardo Parra: Things Are Getting Rocky in 2016

By Bill Pivetz

Oct 4, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles right fielder Gerardo Parra (18) singles during the first inning against the New York Yankees at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles right fielder Gerardo Parra (18) singles during the first inning against the New York Yankees at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Colorado Rockies add outfield depth by signing Gerardo Parra. He had a good first half, but struggled in the second half of 2015. He should bounce back in 2016.

The Colorado Rockies signed Gerardo Parra to a three-year, $27.5 million deal. With the move, experts believe that one of the existing outfielders could be on the move. Parra had a good 2015 season between the Milwaukee Brewers and Baltimore Orioles. Now, he’ll play his 2016 in one of the most hitter friendly parks in the league. He is a sleeper outfielder this season. 

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I wrote about Parra being a sleeper for this season as if he was still with Baltimore. He was a 20th-round pick with his former team. He ended the 2015 season with 14 home runs, 51 RBI, 14 steals and a .291/.328/.452 line. He had nine homers, 31 RBI, nine steals and a .328 average with the Brewers. The second half of the season with Baltimore was a bit of a drop off. He hit .237 with five homers, 20 RBI and five steals.

Parra received comparisons based on age and offensive production to Nori Aoki and Alejandro De Aza for left-handed hitters and Rajai Davis and Alex Rios among the righties. But now moving to the National League West, Gerardo Parra will have to face a lot of left-handed pitching, which may not be the best for his career. The Los Angeles Dodgers have at least four lefties in the rotation.

Throughout his career, Gerardo Parra has not been good against lefties. In 719 at bats, he has 10 home runs and 69 RBI with a .232/.296/.302 line. In 2607 against righties, he has 46 homers, 242 RBI and a .289/.335/.432 line. Obviously, there are more right-handed pitchers that lefties, so the opportunity is greater to succeed, but 719 at bats is a good enough sample size to prove that he is not good against lefties.

In 2015, his splits were just as off. In 105 at bats against lefties, he hit three home runs, 13 RBI and a .238 average. In 442 at bats against righties, he hit 11 homers, 38 RBI and a .303 average. His on-base percentage was 40 points higher when facing right-handers.

Next: Houston Astros A.J. Ree: 2016 Rookie Watch

Gerardo Parra joins Carlos Gonzalez, Charlie Blackmon, and Corey Dickerson in the outfield. Until a move is made, Parra is the No. 4 outfielder on the Rockies. He is a good hitter with some power and speed. His value does take a hit against lefties, so you may want to bench him in those games. I like him as an OF4 in standard leagues.

Projections: 138 hits, 11 home runs, 55 RBI, 12 steals, .270 average

Draft: Round 16

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