Post by Commissioner Erick on Sept 15, 2019 14:55:46 GMT -5
The Tampa Bay Rays changed a number of key players from their back-to-back AL East championship teams, while the New York Yankees will return most of the same players that have gotten them to two of the past three World Series. Toronto will be nipping at their heels as a very young roster continues to mature.
1) Tampa Bay Rays
2021: 102-60, AL East Champion. Lost to Texas 4-1 in ALDS
Who They Were: Tampa Bay had a dominant pitching staff, as their 3.78 team ERA finished 39 points better than Chicago's 4.17. Paired with seven hitters with at least 20 home runs, and spectacular seasons from superstars Kevin Kiermaier, who hit .305 with 29 home runs, and Casey Gillaspie, who batted .300 with 41 home runs, the Rays were able to cruise to 102 wins. Their only weakness was being in the same bracket with the Texas Rangers.
Offseason Review: With financial constraints being set upon the team, Tampa Bay made a number of moves to stay powerful, while also managing a tricky salary situation. Cy Young winner Madison Bumgarner is elsewhere, as are Steven Matz and Chris Archer. The trio will be replaced by Nick Kingham, Sixto Sanchez, and Sean Manaea. Kingham will be on his sixth team since the 2020 season began, Sanchez underwhelmed in his sophomore campaign with the Phillies last year, while Sean Manaea has made just 30 starts since 2019. Kevin Kiermaier, Brad Miller, and Andres Gimenez, Brad Miller, and Mallex Smith were also jettisoned, with some combination of Jose Altuve, Nicky Lopez, Patrick Leonard, Eugenio Suarez, and Willy Adames left to start the three infield positions. There's no real depth in the outfield, but a lot of talent on the infield and two starting-caliber catchers.
On the Farm: Jorge Ona may crack the roster as a reserve outfielder, while Dalton Rone's glove and eye could see him up in the case of an emergency. Joey Wentz and Austin Franklin could provide innings as early this year as Tampa Bay has a well-stocked upper minors.
Best Case Scenario: Oakland wins the AL West.
Worst Case Scenario: The pitching takes a step back, the lack of outfield depth becomes a problem, and the team underachieves to 85 wins.
Key Questions: Who will start at second base, third base, and shortstop?
With Kiermaier gone, are you worried about your outfield defense?
2) New York Yankees
2021: 97-65, 2nd Place AL East. Defeated Oakland in AL Wild Card Game. Defeated Chicago White Sox 4-3 in ALDS. Defeated Texas 4-2 in ALCS. Lost to Washington 4-1 in World Series.
Who They Were: The Yankees were 11th in the AL in batting average, but their 296 home runs led the league and their 4.37 starters ERA was second. That combination of power and pitching carried them to their second AL Pennant.
Offseason Review: The Yankees stayed quiet, replacing the injured Mashiro Tanaka with the now-injured Danny Salazar. With Jesse Hahn also gone, the Yankees will have the same slugging offense, but may not have the pitching to support it.
On the Farm: A trade with Tampa Bay helped restock the farm system as Edison Gonzalez and Brayan Gonzalez could have big league futures. Tristan Beck, Nolan Martinez, and Noah Bremer are each pitchers who could someday start for the Yanks and may provide depth at the back of the rotation or the bullpen this season. Jared Kelenic can also provide a lefty line-drive hitting bat this year, but he may be a year away from being a difference maker. There isn't a superstar in the system, but there are a lot of depth pieces that can support a strong core.
Best Case Scenario: Tampa Bay's pitching falls off harder than New York's
Worst Case Scenario: The Yankees don't hit quite as many home runs and the pitching staff falls apart, resulting in an 86 win season.
Key Questions: With all the injuries that have befallen your staff, who will be the starting five to begin the year?
Aaron Judge has really struggled for two seasons now. How comfortable are you with him as your right fielder?
3) Toronto Blue Jays
2021: 74-88, 3rd Place AL East.
Who They Were: Continuing a rebuild, Toronto spent the season evaluating their first wave of top prospects to determine if they could be the core of a contender. On the pitching side, T.J. Zeuch has been a hit, improving every season and delivering a 3.32 ERA in his fourth year in the majors. On the other side of the ball, Jahmai Jones proved that his speed and defense alone make him a weapon, even if he only hit .252. However, Jake Burger and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. really struggled, tempering expectations for the team.
Offseason Review: Jonathan Villar and Adam Eaton come over on inexpensive, medium-length deals. Eaton provides a hedge in Guerrero continues to struggle, or a trade piece if Eaton plays well. Villar, meanwhile, joins a crowded infield, but could overtake Yangervis Solarte's role as backup infielder and utility player.
On the Farm: Even with most of the top prospects in the majors or upper minors, Toronto has developed a nice second wave. Federico Pando has huge potential as a slugger, while Eric Drouet's Rattlesnake-bat, indicates extreme quickness and extreme danger for opposing pitchers. Raul Beracierta's balanced approach could see him in the majors this year, while T.J. Collette shows a special bat for a catcher. Most of that second wave is still very young and a year away, which is fine as it gives time for the first wave to be evaluated.
Best Case Scenario: Burger and Guerrero rebound from bad seasons, the starting pitching takes an incremental jump, and the team matures to an 88-win season.
Worst Case Scenario: The youngsters are too young and the pitching is bad as the team loses 90 games.
Key Questions: How do you feel about Vladimir Guerrero? You have Beracierta behind him in the minors and Eaton was brought in. Are you sold on him as a player for your future?
Outside of Zeuch, your starters haven't shown that they can get big league hitters out consistently. Is this season a last chance for any of your starters?
4) Boston Red Sox
2021: 70-92, 4th Place AL East
Who They Were: A bad staff and an impatient lineup resulted in 92 losses for Boston. They've now lost over 90 games for four consecutive years. On the positive side, Eloy Jimenez looked like a superstar with 35 home runs and 102 RBIs in his first full season. On the other other hand, he and Eric Schwarber were the only players to have an OBP over .300 and more than 15 home runs.
Offseason Review: Schwarber and Javier Baez were two of the few productive position players for Boston, and Zack Grienke was their ace. All three will be playing elsewhere after they were each lost to free agency (though Grienke remains a free agent). Max Scherzer and Mike Foltynewicz will add depth to the rotation, and Bradley Zimmer was an under-the-radar waiver claim worth making. A lack of impact talent still haunts the franchise.
On the Farm: The former fifth overall selection in 2020, Chris Berson is the jewel of the system, an aggressive third baseman with a big arm and a fast bat. With only the underwhelming Ryder Jones and Jose Ramirez ahead of him, Berson could be the starter by season's end. Deurys Carrasco only has to beat out the perpetually disappointing Elvis Andrus for the shortstop position. There are a ton of relief pitching prospects in the mid-minors, but Boston still needs more impact players at all levels.
Best Case Scenario: It'll be hard to see the team winning more than 72 games in this division, but if a strong bullpen can hold down the end of games, players like A.J. Pollock and Devon Travis have above-average seasons, or Berson plays like a Rookie-of-the-Year contender, they can do it.
Worst Case Scenario: The back of the rotation is the worst in baseball, and too few impact hitters drag the team to a 100-loss season while the prospects develop.
Key Questions: will we see Carrasco as the team's starting shortstop, or will be Andrus?
Does David Price have enough left in the tank to start?
5) Baltimore Orioles:
2021: 57-105, Last Place AL East
Who They Were: The team had a 6.52 ERA, worst in AL history by over 60 points.
Offseason Review: Manny Machado was traded for two prospects and three draft picks, and any other useful veteran was waived or allowed to become a free agent. The team has been stripped bare to a skeleton crew and won't be competitive this year.
On the Farm: Madman Mike Floyd and Eric Dusing were routed to Baltimore in a three-team trade from Seattle and each has star potential. The Orioles have assembled a stockpile of high-upside pitching in the mid-minors, and Floyd can join them as a pitcher, or a hitter. The franchise is still light on offensive talent, but the arms are enough for an Orioles fan to get excited for.
Best Case Scenario: The team only loses 99 games and their fans don't suffer the ignominy of a triple-digit loss season.
Worst Case Scenario: 115 Losses is definitely in play, especially in this division.
Key Questions: Mike Floyd hasn't hit in the majors. Will he start the season in the majors or minors?
Who are you most interested in following among your position players? Which youngster do you think has the best chance to pop this year?
1) Tampa Bay Rays
2021: 102-60, AL East Champion. Lost to Texas 4-1 in ALDS
Who They Were: Tampa Bay had a dominant pitching staff, as their 3.78 team ERA finished 39 points better than Chicago's 4.17. Paired with seven hitters with at least 20 home runs, and spectacular seasons from superstars Kevin Kiermaier, who hit .305 with 29 home runs, and Casey Gillaspie, who batted .300 with 41 home runs, the Rays were able to cruise to 102 wins. Their only weakness was being in the same bracket with the Texas Rangers.
Offseason Review: With financial constraints being set upon the team, Tampa Bay made a number of moves to stay powerful, while also managing a tricky salary situation. Cy Young winner Madison Bumgarner is elsewhere, as are Steven Matz and Chris Archer. The trio will be replaced by Nick Kingham, Sixto Sanchez, and Sean Manaea. Kingham will be on his sixth team since the 2020 season began, Sanchez underwhelmed in his sophomore campaign with the Phillies last year, while Sean Manaea has made just 30 starts since 2019. Kevin Kiermaier, Brad Miller, and Andres Gimenez, Brad Miller, and Mallex Smith were also jettisoned, with some combination of Jose Altuve, Nicky Lopez, Patrick Leonard, Eugenio Suarez, and Willy Adames left to start the three infield positions. There's no real depth in the outfield, but a lot of talent on the infield and two starting-caliber catchers.
On the Farm: Jorge Ona may crack the roster as a reserve outfielder, while Dalton Rone's glove and eye could see him up in the case of an emergency. Joey Wentz and Austin Franklin could provide innings as early this year as Tampa Bay has a well-stocked upper minors.
Best Case Scenario: Oakland wins the AL West.
Worst Case Scenario: The pitching takes a step back, the lack of outfield depth becomes a problem, and the team underachieves to 85 wins.
Key Questions: Who will start at second base, third base, and shortstop?
With Kiermaier gone, are you worried about your outfield defense?
2) New York Yankees
2021: 97-65, 2nd Place AL East. Defeated Oakland in AL Wild Card Game. Defeated Chicago White Sox 4-3 in ALDS. Defeated Texas 4-2 in ALCS. Lost to Washington 4-1 in World Series.
Who They Were: The Yankees were 11th in the AL in batting average, but their 296 home runs led the league and their 4.37 starters ERA was second. That combination of power and pitching carried them to their second AL Pennant.
Offseason Review: The Yankees stayed quiet, replacing the injured Mashiro Tanaka with the now-injured Danny Salazar. With Jesse Hahn also gone, the Yankees will have the same slugging offense, but may not have the pitching to support it.
On the Farm: A trade with Tampa Bay helped restock the farm system as Edison Gonzalez and Brayan Gonzalez could have big league futures. Tristan Beck, Nolan Martinez, and Noah Bremer are each pitchers who could someday start for the Yanks and may provide depth at the back of the rotation or the bullpen this season. Jared Kelenic can also provide a lefty line-drive hitting bat this year, but he may be a year away from being a difference maker. There isn't a superstar in the system, but there are a lot of depth pieces that can support a strong core.
Best Case Scenario: Tampa Bay's pitching falls off harder than New York's
Worst Case Scenario: The Yankees don't hit quite as many home runs and the pitching staff falls apart, resulting in an 86 win season.
Key Questions: With all the injuries that have befallen your staff, who will be the starting five to begin the year?
Aaron Judge has really struggled for two seasons now. How comfortable are you with him as your right fielder?
3) Toronto Blue Jays
2021: 74-88, 3rd Place AL East.
Who They Were: Continuing a rebuild, Toronto spent the season evaluating their first wave of top prospects to determine if they could be the core of a contender. On the pitching side, T.J. Zeuch has been a hit, improving every season and delivering a 3.32 ERA in his fourth year in the majors. On the other side of the ball, Jahmai Jones proved that his speed and defense alone make him a weapon, even if he only hit .252. However, Jake Burger and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. really struggled, tempering expectations for the team.
Offseason Review: Jonathan Villar and Adam Eaton come over on inexpensive, medium-length deals. Eaton provides a hedge in Guerrero continues to struggle, or a trade piece if Eaton plays well. Villar, meanwhile, joins a crowded infield, but could overtake Yangervis Solarte's role as backup infielder and utility player.
On the Farm: Even with most of the top prospects in the majors or upper minors, Toronto has developed a nice second wave. Federico Pando has huge potential as a slugger, while Eric Drouet's Rattlesnake-bat, indicates extreme quickness and extreme danger for opposing pitchers. Raul Beracierta's balanced approach could see him in the majors this year, while T.J. Collette shows a special bat for a catcher. Most of that second wave is still very young and a year away, which is fine as it gives time for the first wave to be evaluated.
Best Case Scenario: Burger and Guerrero rebound from bad seasons, the starting pitching takes an incremental jump, and the team matures to an 88-win season.
Worst Case Scenario: The youngsters are too young and the pitching is bad as the team loses 90 games.
Key Questions: How do you feel about Vladimir Guerrero? You have Beracierta behind him in the minors and Eaton was brought in. Are you sold on him as a player for your future?
Outside of Zeuch, your starters haven't shown that they can get big league hitters out consistently. Is this season a last chance for any of your starters?
4) Boston Red Sox
2021: 70-92, 4th Place AL East
Who They Were: A bad staff and an impatient lineup resulted in 92 losses for Boston. They've now lost over 90 games for four consecutive years. On the positive side, Eloy Jimenez looked like a superstar with 35 home runs and 102 RBIs in his first full season. On the other other hand, he and Eric Schwarber were the only players to have an OBP over .300 and more than 15 home runs.
Offseason Review: Schwarber and Javier Baez were two of the few productive position players for Boston, and Zack Grienke was their ace. All three will be playing elsewhere after they were each lost to free agency (though Grienke remains a free agent). Max Scherzer and Mike Foltynewicz will add depth to the rotation, and Bradley Zimmer was an under-the-radar waiver claim worth making. A lack of impact talent still haunts the franchise.
On the Farm: The former fifth overall selection in 2020, Chris Berson is the jewel of the system, an aggressive third baseman with a big arm and a fast bat. With only the underwhelming Ryder Jones and Jose Ramirez ahead of him, Berson could be the starter by season's end. Deurys Carrasco only has to beat out the perpetually disappointing Elvis Andrus for the shortstop position. There are a ton of relief pitching prospects in the mid-minors, but Boston still needs more impact players at all levels.
Best Case Scenario: It'll be hard to see the team winning more than 72 games in this division, but if a strong bullpen can hold down the end of games, players like A.J. Pollock and Devon Travis have above-average seasons, or Berson plays like a Rookie-of-the-Year contender, they can do it.
Worst Case Scenario: The back of the rotation is the worst in baseball, and too few impact hitters drag the team to a 100-loss season while the prospects develop.
Key Questions: will we see Carrasco as the team's starting shortstop, or will be Andrus?
Does David Price have enough left in the tank to start?
5) Baltimore Orioles:
2021: 57-105, Last Place AL East
Who They Were: The team had a 6.52 ERA, worst in AL history by over 60 points.
Offseason Review: Manny Machado was traded for two prospects and three draft picks, and any other useful veteran was waived or allowed to become a free agent. The team has been stripped bare to a skeleton crew and won't be competitive this year.
On the Farm: Madman Mike Floyd and Eric Dusing were routed to Baltimore in a three-team trade from Seattle and each has star potential. The Orioles have assembled a stockpile of high-upside pitching in the mid-minors, and Floyd can join them as a pitcher, or a hitter. The franchise is still light on offensive talent, but the arms are enough for an Orioles fan to get excited for.
Best Case Scenario: The team only loses 99 games and their fans don't suffer the ignominy of a triple-digit loss season.
Worst Case Scenario: 115 Losses is definitely in play, especially in this division.
Key Questions: Mike Floyd hasn't hit in the majors. Will he start the season in the majors or minors?
Who are you most interested in following among your position players? Which youngster do you think has the best chance to pop this year?
