CUBAN OUTFIELD

Yoenis Cespedes, the toolsy cuban outfielder, won the HR derby and was a batting practice sensation leading some to believe maybe he had a good year but 2013 saw a decline in his overall offensive output despite increasing his HR from 23 to 26.  There was some defensive improvement from -7 DRS (Defensive Runs Saved) to 0 in 2013.  The WAR valuation system was not kind to Cespedes dropping him 2.0 WAR compared to the year before.

2012  .292/.356/.505  .861 OPS   oW 4.5  dW -1.2   3.7 WAR
2013  .240/.294/.442  .737 OPS   oW 1.6  dW -0.5   1.7 WAR

The Oakland LF has a lot of upside and his value will come from making adjustments and polishing his overall game.

Almost unknown in Texas except to a few fans and teammates, Leonys Martin received his first opportunity to play almost regularly producing below average offensive numbers.  His value came from defense, 13 DRS and base running, stealing 36 of 45 (80%) bases hitting mostly from the 8-9 slots with 72 less AB than his more famous compatriot.  Increasing his OB% could put him in the leadoff spot.

Leonys Martin  (Dallas Morning News)

2013   .260/.313/.385  .698 OPS  oW 1.9  dW 1.7  3.4 WAR
  
Cespedes salary for 2013 (8.5 million) and for 2014 (10.5)
Martin salary for 2012 (3.25 million) and for 2014 (3.75)

In this case we can't follow the hype but find value in the numbers.

Stats courtesy of Baseball Reference.