Detroit Tigers: Best Second Baseman Since 2000
By Ben Rosener
Damion Easley enjoyed some stellar offensive seasons with the Detroit Tigers before the turn of the century. Easley produced a stat line in 1997 that included 97 runs scored, 72 RBI, 37 doubles, 28 stolen bases, 22 home runs and three triples.
He upped his RBI total in 1998, driving in 100 runs. He also smacked 38 doubles and 27 home runs. Easley also swiped 15 bases. 1999 saw the second baseman hit 30 doubles, 20 home runs and 65 RBI.
While Easley produced at a relatively-high rate in a Tigers uniform before 2000, his production dropped off some after the turn of the century.
The 17-year veteran remained instilled as Detroit’s second baseman through the 2002 season. From the 2000 season to 2002, Easley posted a cumulative 7.2 WAR. Per season, that spits out to a 2.4 WAR number per season.
In addition to posting a respectable WAR, Easley also made an impact on defense, with a 2.6 dWAR.
The longtime Major League player averaged 61 runs scored, 23 doubles, 11 home runs, 51 RBI and eight stolen bases per season. He hit .247 over the same period with a .714 OPS.
Easley was released by the Tigers in late March of 2003. He later latched on with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.