Detroit Tigers: These Are Their Five Core Players for 2016

May 31, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Detroit Tigers catcher James McCann (34) hits a sacrifice RBI in the second inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

James McCann

The catcher is the field general and no team contends for the World Series without a good one. When McCann got the chance when Avila went on the disabled list he took over the job and made it his.

In his first full season in the major leagues McCann slashed .264/.297/.387, hit seven home runs and 41 RBI’s, a solid season at the plate but what a catcher does behind the plate is even more important.

McCann was the only catcher in the American League with a Total Zone rating above 10, an outstanding number for a player at any position, especially catcher. He was also second among catchers who played over 100 games in throwing out base stealers, nailing 41 percent of the runners who ran on him.

The offense McCann provides is more than sufficient for a catcher who does as much behind the plate as he does.