Lonnie Chisenhall, a former top-25 prospect, opened the season as the Indians’ starting third baseman. By May 12, the 24-year-old had put up just three home runs and 11 runs batted in while posting a lousy .213/.253/.351 line. The Indians cut bait and sent him down to Triple-A which has done him a world of good and the former first-rounder is back in the Majors at just the right time.
Chisenhall was the 29th overall pick in the 2008 draft out of South Carolina University. He’s been in the minors for most of the last six seasons where he owns a career .282/.351/.470 line with 61 home runs and 309 RBI over 431 games. His best seasons have come in 2009 when he batted .258 with 22 HR, 92 RBI, 72 R, and 31 2B and in 2010 when he batted .278 with 17 HR, 84 RBI, and 81 R.
His solid Triple-A stints have led to Major League call-ups in 2011 and 2012. Over 109 games in the Majors, Chisenhall put up a solid .260/.295/.421 line with 12 HR, 38 RBI, 43 R, and 19 2B.
He dominated spring training this year, going 24-for-60 with four home runs, 12 RBI, and 15 R, earning the starting third base job. That production didn’t translate into the regular season as Chisenhall batted just .213 through his first 26 games, striking out 22 times while walking just three. The Indians wasted no time sending him down which may have been the best thing that has happened to him.
In 27 Triple-A games since, Chisenhall has owned an impressive .390/.456/.676 line with six home runs, 26 RBI, 21 R, eight doubles, two triples, and two steals. He also improved that strikeout/walk ratio to 24/12.
With numbers like that, the Indians, who have lost 18 of their last 27 games, couldn’t wait to get their former top prospect back in the lineup. Chisenhall is back at third base and Mark Reynolds is back in his original first baseman/designated hitter role.
Chisenhall certainly won’t put up numbers like he did during his torrid month of Triple-A but just about everyone can use a power hitting third baseman in their fantasy lineup. Through 136 career games, Chisenhall has 15 home runs, 49 RBI, 50 R, and 23 2B. Not great but he’s still developing. He has the ability to hit 20+ HR and 30+ 2B if he can put together a full season of consistency. That’s nothing to scoff at, especially at a position where guys like David Wright, Ryan Zimmerman, Pablo Sandoval, and Chase Headley have all yet to touch double-digit home runs.
Overall, he can contribute some pop at the hot corner this season and ultimately I see him as a .250-.260 BA, 25 HR, 80 RBI, 85 R hitter as long as he can improve his miserable strikeout to walk rate which currently stands at 99/19 over his first 136 games. He definitely appears to be a streaky hitter so keep an eye on him in most leagues, give him a shot in deep leagues.
