Key Stats: Shane Victorino's batting average from 2006 through 2009 was .289. Last season he hit .259. The line drive rate was down from the last two years and the strikeout rate was up, so we can't just write it off as bad luck. The problem for the switch hitting Victorino was his production against right-handed pitchers. He hit just .235 off righties last year which was more than 40 points off his previous career worst. That said, he will bounce back. There's no major injury to report and at 30 he's not in the same territory for a drop in production as Bobby Abreu or Torii Hunter.
Skeptics Say: Despite hitting for an average that was 33 points worse than the average he had in 2009, Victorino dropped just 1 spot in Yahoo's rankings from 79th to 80th. That's because he hit a career high 18 home runs. Don't expect that again. His home run to fly ball rate was higher than ever last season and he also hit eight less total extra base hits than he did in 2009. In other words a couple of those home runs will turn to doubles this season.
Projection: Hello contract year.
91 R 14 HR 70 RBI 30 SB .285 AVG .780 OPS