Fansided

MLB 2017: One X-factor for each team

By Brad Berreman

September 7, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Yasiel Puig (66) runs after he hits a solo home run in the sixth inning against Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sport
September 7, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Yasiel Puig (66) runs after he hits a solo home run in the sixth inning against Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sport /
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Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

Miami Marlins: 2B Dee Gordon

An 80-game suspension for running afoul of MLB’s performance-enhancing drug policy derailed Gordon’s 2016 season, and thus any chance the Marlins had to be a playoff contender.

Over 79 games (346 plate appearances) last season, Gordon hit .268/.305/.335 with 30 stolen bases and 47 runs scored. Not bad numbers really, even projected over a full season, but a far cry from what Gordon did in 2014 (.289, 64 stolen bases, 92 runs scored) and 2015 (.333, 58 stolen bases, 88 runs scored) while leading the majors in stolen bases both years and winning a batting title in 2015.

Gordon agreed to a five-year, $50 million contract with the Marlins after the 2015 season, and the he rewarded them by inviting questions about the legitimacy of what he did by getting hit with a PED suspension. It’s hard to blame Gordon for using PEDs if the contract he got is on the other side, but that’s another conversation.

The Marlins could look to trade Gordon if he starts this season hot, but they are more than likely stuck with him. The Marlins could be inspired by teammate Jose Fernandez’s untimely death last fall, and Gordon’s on-field production and clubhouse leadership could be the barometer for the team.

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