Kansas City Royals Top Five left Fielders

5. Emil Brown (2005-2007, 5.1 WAR)

Prior to the 2005 season, when Emil Brown became a virtually everyday player for the Kansas City Royals, he had appeared in all of 209 games over five seasons. Brown then spent from 2002 through 2004 in the minors and was a part of four different franchises. He seemed like nothing more than another signing by a franchise that was determined not to spend any money on talent.

However, Brown surprised during his three years in Kansas City. While he was not a superstar by any means, Brown was a solid offensive player, with a little power and some speed. In his time with the Royals, Brown produced a .279/.340/.428 batting line, hitting 38 home runs and stealing 28 bases.

Defensively, Emil Brown was also a solid player. During his 2007 campaign, Brown was third with seven assists as a left fielder, led the American League in double plays from left and was fourth with six runs saved in left. An equal opportunity defensive outfielder, Brown also saved five runs in right in 2007 as well.

Unfortunately, Brown only had one other season, 2008 with the A’s, where he played over 100 games. Having started out with the Pirates, and considering some of the teams they had in the end of the 1990’s through the early 2000’s, it is a bit of surprise that he did not get more of a chance. Yet, the Pirates loss was the Royals gain.

A signing that few likely expected anything from, Emil Brown was a solid player for the Kansas City Royals. One has to wonder what would have happened if he had a chance earlier in his career.

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