LA Angels Have Question Mark with Ji-Man Choi in 2017
Ji-Man Choi was one of the many young prospects to fill in for injured LA Angels’ players in 2016. Playing mostly first base with a few games in left field, he was neither overly impressive nor extremely disappointing.
For the LA AngelsChoi got much of his playing time when CJ Cron was unavailable injury. Defense was easily the worst part of Choi’s game. He handled first base fine, but when put in left field he was helpless. This will not help Choi’s chances of making the team next year, as Albert Pujols and Cron have that position locked down.
Choi will have to improve his play in the outfield in order to be in the big leagues next year. If he had an explosive bat, perhaps it would be enough to offset his liability on defense. However, we know his offensive game was nothing to brag about.
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While his .170 batting average is not encouraging, Choi excels in working the count. This is proven by his ,271 OBP, meaning he walks on nearly 10% of his plate appearances. However, Choi will be an interesting player to watch this upcoming Spring Training. With a .343 average in Salt Lake this past year, Choi has the potential to go from fan favorite to a reliable ballplayer.
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Choi’s future as an Angel is one of the most clouded. He could very well have a tremendous offseason and boost his offensive and defensive game as he enters his prime years. He could also find himself as a career journeyman, or maybe even without a job in the big leagues next year.
Choi had no expectations from Angel fans in 2016. In 2017, he will either prove he has the ability to play in the majors or he will be subject to a career in AAA. He chances seem slim now, but left field is a wide open race as of now, and he has as good of a shot as anyone.
2016 Grade- D
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