Post by Commissioner Erick on Feb 3, 2020 16:22:14 GMT -5
The NL Central has been in the Chicago Cubs clutches for the entirety of the PBA, as Chicago has amassed considerable star talent to overwhelm its midwestern competition. However, Chicago's grip appears to be loosening as age and expenses have chipped away at the team's depth and ability to provide reinforcements. The Cardinals continue to have an impressive collection of top tier talent looking for the connective tissue to bring everything together. Meanwhile, Cincinnati has transformed its talent base and should field its most talented team in the PBA-era. Milwaukee and Pittsburgh still find themselves in the midst of rebuilds, but at least the Pirates are free of onerous financial burdens imposed on the team last season.
1) Chicago Cubs
2022: 86-76, NL Central Champion. Lost to Arizona 4-1 in NLCS
Who They Were: Chicago only won 86 games, but in a moribund division, that was enough to claim the division crown and advance to the playoffs. Chicago had a good offense, one that produced the fourth most runs in the National League. They amassed those runs behind an offense made up of past hardware. Francisco Lindor had an off year from his normally MVP-caliber heights, but he still had a .370 on-base percentage and 21 home runs as a Shortstop to pace the offense. He earned his sixth consecutive All-Star nod, his sixth consecutive Platinum Stick Award, and continues a Hall of Fame career.
The rest of Chicago's offense combined for 22 All Star nods and 12 Platinum Sticks to highlight its star power. Being comprised a team of older veterans, the Cubs didn't run much, second-to-last in stolen bases, but were second in walks and fourth in home runs. With an adequate pitching staff, that was enough to capture the division.
Offseason Review: Chicago lost a lot of good depth pieces, but its biggest losses were Alex Bregman, Jesse Hahn, and Salvador Perez. Chicago lost a potential star infielder, and the loss of Perez puts Wilson Contreras behind the plate full time. Jesse Hahn's loss robs the team of a competent starter, and depth pieces like Brandon Crawford and Miguel Cabrera were nice to have in case of injuries. The team is incredibly top heavy among its starting lineup and starting pitching.
On the Farm: Jonathan Sierra is a 24-year-old who has hit well in the upper minors the last two years and may become a starter by default. There are some veterans on minor league deals in the upper minors to plug holes in the dam, but nothing approaching talent in the rest of the system.
Best Case Scenario: Trainer Tatashi Kataoka earns his salary and a healthy team wins the Central again.
Worst Case Scenario: If the team suffers two significant injuries, it may finish with 82 wins.
Key Questions: Outside of the starting nine penciled in, who are you confident in providing a boost for your team?
Between Sam Howard, Kyle Wright, and Drew Smyly, who get the last two pitching spots in the rotation?
2) St. Louis Cardinals
2022: 76-86, 2nd Place NL Central
Who They Were: St. Louis was a team that relied on its stars, and got little from anybody else last year. Nick Pratto's first full season was a success. The First Baseman doesn't have classic first base power, but his smooth swing allowed him to hit .305, and his outstanding batting eye gave him a .390 on-base percentage. Joc Pederson complimented him with 37 home runs, Josh Donaldson added 18 more in an injury-filled year, and Daniel Brito stole 39 bases, hit .295, and popped 16 home runs. Despite all that, Randall Grichuk had a .639 OPS, Anderson Cosma hit only 11 home runs as the Designated Hitter, and Carson Kelly had a .270 on-base percentage. The good players were really good, and the bad players were really bad. The team still finished fifth in runs scored, but tenth in pitching.
Offseason Review: The Cardinals had a very quiet offseason, really only losing reliever Tyler Lyons among major league contributors. The team has several players well past 30, but several other key players have only played a few years in the majors, meaning that it's unlikely staying put will lead to significant growth or decline due to age.
On the Farm: It's a deep talented system, with talented players at multiple levels. Joerlin De Los Santos is the best player in the upper minors, and may be up next season. An extreme quick-twitch athlete, De Los Santos is a defensive marvel still learning to swing the bat. The Cardinals may transition him to Center Field as Daniel Brito and Addison Russell plan on starting as middle infielders for awhile. Brendan Tinsman is also a player to watch for this year or next as a good hitting catcher who can fill the gaps. If St. Louis looks to trade youth for talent, there's explosive talent in the lower minors like last year's fifth overall pick, Erik Benoit, who could fetch a key contributor.
Best Case Scenario: Michael Wacha, Addison Russell, and Josh Donaldson rebound off down or injured seasons and the team wins 88 games. There's enough high-end talent here to win the division.
Worst Case Scenario: Donaldson is 37 years old, Randall Grichuk hasn't had a positive WAR season since 2020, and Jonathan Machado is the projected starting Center Fielder coming off a 62 OPS+. Combined with Wacha taking a step back, things could fall apart and the Cardinals can lose 92 games.
Key Questions: You have an abundance of good infielders in your system and in the majors. Do you plan on trading any of them for outfielders, which you lack right now?
Do you think Kumar Rocker is ready for the major leagues or will he start in Triple A?
3) Cincinnati Reds
2022: 72-90, tied 3rd Place NL Central
Who They Were: The Reds had the third worst Zone Rating, second-to-worst batting average, and worst starters ERA in the National League last year, hallmarks of bad baseball. Shed Long had another outstanding year with 32 home runs and 35 doubles, but only two other players had more than 1.7 WAR: defense and power driven Right Fielder George Springer, and back-end starter Dan Slania.
Offseason Review: The Reds completely overhauled their roster, getting a number of terrific pieces without losing much Major League talent. Evan Skoug gives the club an offensive anchor at the Catcher position, a spot hard to find impact offensive talent. Gold Glove winner and World Series catalyst Greg Allen joins the outfield, and Emmauel Tapia gives the Reds a thumper in the middle. Chad Kuhl and Jose Quintana stabilize the pitching staff, and only George Springer, Paul DeJong, and Ronald Acuna were lost among key contributors. The Reds have never had this much high end talent before, but they still don't have much depth to complement those pieces.
On the Farm: Despite all the high profile acquisitions, the Reds still have young talent in their upper minors. 2018 First Rounder Xavier Edwards may be the starting Shortstop this season, with Victor Ruiz and Billy Olds a pair of Third Baseman in the high minors who may be starters in the 2024 season. Josh Carlson is in the upper minors and could be a boost to the rotation as early as this year as well. The team has more talented pitchers in the lower minors, and a cache of decent infielders in the upper minors even outside of the ones previously mentioned.
Best Case Scenario: Cincinnati's Stars-and-Scrubs approach works better than Chicago's and St. Louis'.
Worst Case Scenario: The pitching staff is one of the two worst in the National League.
Key Questions: You've remade your club's position player talent into a strength. Do you think you have the rotation to match it?
Eugenio Suarez has had a roller coaster career, and Jeimer Candelario fell out of favor in Chicago last season. Who starts at Third Base for you?
4) Milwaukee Brewers
2022: 72-90, tied 3rd Place NL Central
Who They Were: Milwaukee had the third best Zone Rating in the National League last year, allowing the club to lead the league in best opponents batting average, while racking up the second most strikeouts. However, they also fielded the second worst offense in the NL, resulting in a bunch of low-scoring losses.
Offseason Review: Josh Taylor was brought aboard from Miami, as a homer prone pitcher with decent stuff and control that should mesh with Milwaukee's defense. However, some of the key components of that defense, Lourdes Gurriel, Andrelton Simmons, and Charlie Tilson were not retained.
On the Farm: There's huge pitching upside deep in the low minors with arms still hoping to develop a third pitch. Milwaukee could have an arm armada, or a bunch of high-profile setup men, or something in between. The position player talent is concentrated in the outfield or catcher, and is also concentrated in the low minors. There isn't too much to write home about in the high minors, though Luke Shilling may be able to contribute out of the bullpen next season.
Best Case Scenario: With an improved division and a strong National League, I can't see Milwaukee winning more than 70 games.
Worst Case Scenario: The Brewers could hit the century mark in losses.
Key Questions: Your 1st Round pick last year, Danny Tammaro, is someone scouts feel is very developed. Will he be your starting Right Fielder this year?
What is your projected three-four-five order of your lineup? Do you feel you have enough run production with the players currently on your club?
5) Pittsburgh Pirates
2022: 72-90, tied 3rd Place NL Central
Who They Were: The Pirates allowed the most runs in the league, scored the third fewest, and were lucky to finish the season with 72 wins as they outperformed their expected record by six wins. The Pirates gave 155 starts to Max Kepler, who hit .215 and recorded -0.6 WAR and they gave 126 starts to Andrew Stevenson who slugged .313 and picked up -1.0 WAR. Their leading home run hitter had only 23, and only three arms had ERAs lower than 4.26.
Offseason Review: The Pirates didn't pick anybody up this offseason and lost strong arms in Chad Kuhl and Gerrit Cole. Considering how moribund they were last year, it's hard to expect the team to not be among the worst teams in baseball this season.
On the Farm: Pittsburgh's best prospect, Bad Company Kevin Truitt, has struggled mightily in Rookie Ball in his career. Tyler Freeman could be a terrific glove-first Shortstop, but he's older and still in the low minors. Noah Murdock could be useful as a starting pitcher in Triple-A who can debut this season, but there's not a lot of upside right now in the system.
Best Case Scenario: The team wins 68 games and isn't historically bad.
Worst Case Scenario: The team's ERA is 5.50
Key Questions: Pittsburgh is coming out of financial troubles and needs to build up its talent base. Do you plan on selling off some of your key players this year?
Andrew Stevenson was one of the worst players in baseball last year. Will he be your starting Center Fielder again this year?
1) Chicago Cubs
2022: 86-76, NL Central Champion. Lost to Arizona 4-1 in NLCS
Who They Were: Chicago only won 86 games, but in a moribund division, that was enough to claim the division crown and advance to the playoffs. Chicago had a good offense, one that produced the fourth most runs in the National League. They amassed those runs behind an offense made up of past hardware. Francisco Lindor had an off year from his normally MVP-caliber heights, but he still had a .370 on-base percentage and 21 home runs as a Shortstop to pace the offense. He earned his sixth consecutive All-Star nod, his sixth consecutive Platinum Stick Award, and continues a Hall of Fame career.
The rest of Chicago's offense combined for 22 All Star nods and 12 Platinum Sticks to highlight its star power. Being comprised a team of older veterans, the Cubs didn't run much, second-to-last in stolen bases, but were second in walks and fourth in home runs. With an adequate pitching staff, that was enough to capture the division.
Offseason Review: Chicago lost a lot of good depth pieces, but its biggest losses were Alex Bregman, Jesse Hahn, and Salvador Perez. Chicago lost a potential star infielder, and the loss of Perez puts Wilson Contreras behind the plate full time. Jesse Hahn's loss robs the team of a competent starter, and depth pieces like Brandon Crawford and Miguel Cabrera were nice to have in case of injuries. The team is incredibly top heavy among its starting lineup and starting pitching.
On the Farm: Jonathan Sierra is a 24-year-old who has hit well in the upper minors the last two years and may become a starter by default. There are some veterans on minor league deals in the upper minors to plug holes in the dam, but nothing approaching talent in the rest of the system.
Best Case Scenario: Trainer Tatashi Kataoka earns his salary and a healthy team wins the Central again.
Worst Case Scenario: If the team suffers two significant injuries, it may finish with 82 wins.
Key Questions: Outside of the starting nine penciled in, who are you confident in providing a boost for your team?
Between Sam Howard, Kyle Wright, and Drew Smyly, who get the last two pitching spots in the rotation?
2) St. Louis Cardinals
2022: 76-86, 2nd Place NL Central
Who They Were: St. Louis was a team that relied on its stars, and got little from anybody else last year. Nick Pratto's first full season was a success. The First Baseman doesn't have classic first base power, but his smooth swing allowed him to hit .305, and his outstanding batting eye gave him a .390 on-base percentage. Joc Pederson complimented him with 37 home runs, Josh Donaldson added 18 more in an injury-filled year, and Daniel Brito stole 39 bases, hit .295, and popped 16 home runs. Despite all that, Randall Grichuk had a .639 OPS, Anderson Cosma hit only 11 home runs as the Designated Hitter, and Carson Kelly had a .270 on-base percentage. The good players were really good, and the bad players were really bad. The team still finished fifth in runs scored, but tenth in pitching.
Offseason Review: The Cardinals had a very quiet offseason, really only losing reliever Tyler Lyons among major league contributors. The team has several players well past 30, but several other key players have only played a few years in the majors, meaning that it's unlikely staying put will lead to significant growth or decline due to age.
On the Farm: It's a deep talented system, with talented players at multiple levels. Joerlin De Los Santos is the best player in the upper minors, and may be up next season. An extreme quick-twitch athlete, De Los Santos is a defensive marvel still learning to swing the bat. The Cardinals may transition him to Center Field as Daniel Brito and Addison Russell plan on starting as middle infielders for awhile. Brendan Tinsman is also a player to watch for this year or next as a good hitting catcher who can fill the gaps. If St. Louis looks to trade youth for talent, there's explosive talent in the lower minors like last year's fifth overall pick, Erik Benoit, who could fetch a key contributor.
Best Case Scenario: Michael Wacha, Addison Russell, and Josh Donaldson rebound off down or injured seasons and the team wins 88 games. There's enough high-end talent here to win the division.
Worst Case Scenario: Donaldson is 37 years old, Randall Grichuk hasn't had a positive WAR season since 2020, and Jonathan Machado is the projected starting Center Fielder coming off a 62 OPS+. Combined with Wacha taking a step back, things could fall apart and the Cardinals can lose 92 games.
Key Questions: You have an abundance of good infielders in your system and in the majors. Do you plan on trading any of them for outfielders, which you lack right now?
Do you think Kumar Rocker is ready for the major leagues or will he start in Triple A?
3) Cincinnati Reds
2022: 72-90, tied 3rd Place NL Central
Who They Were: The Reds had the third worst Zone Rating, second-to-worst batting average, and worst starters ERA in the National League last year, hallmarks of bad baseball. Shed Long had another outstanding year with 32 home runs and 35 doubles, but only two other players had more than 1.7 WAR: defense and power driven Right Fielder George Springer, and back-end starter Dan Slania.
Offseason Review: The Reds completely overhauled their roster, getting a number of terrific pieces without losing much Major League talent. Evan Skoug gives the club an offensive anchor at the Catcher position, a spot hard to find impact offensive talent. Gold Glove winner and World Series catalyst Greg Allen joins the outfield, and Emmauel Tapia gives the Reds a thumper in the middle. Chad Kuhl and Jose Quintana stabilize the pitching staff, and only George Springer, Paul DeJong, and Ronald Acuna were lost among key contributors. The Reds have never had this much high end talent before, but they still don't have much depth to complement those pieces.
On the Farm: Despite all the high profile acquisitions, the Reds still have young talent in their upper minors. 2018 First Rounder Xavier Edwards may be the starting Shortstop this season, with Victor Ruiz and Billy Olds a pair of Third Baseman in the high minors who may be starters in the 2024 season. Josh Carlson is in the upper minors and could be a boost to the rotation as early as this year as well. The team has more talented pitchers in the lower minors, and a cache of decent infielders in the upper minors even outside of the ones previously mentioned.
Best Case Scenario: Cincinnati's Stars-and-Scrubs approach works better than Chicago's and St. Louis'.
Worst Case Scenario: The pitching staff is one of the two worst in the National League.
Key Questions: You've remade your club's position player talent into a strength. Do you think you have the rotation to match it?
Eugenio Suarez has had a roller coaster career, and Jeimer Candelario fell out of favor in Chicago last season. Who starts at Third Base for you?
4) Milwaukee Brewers
2022: 72-90, tied 3rd Place NL Central
Who They Were: Milwaukee had the third best Zone Rating in the National League last year, allowing the club to lead the league in best opponents batting average, while racking up the second most strikeouts. However, they also fielded the second worst offense in the NL, resulting in a bunch of low-scoring losses.
Offseason Review: Josh Taylor was brought aboard from Miami, as a homer prone pitcher with decent stuff and control that should mesh with Milwaukee's defense. However, some of the key components of that defense, Lourdes Gurriel, Andrelton Simmons, and Charlie Tilson were not retained.
On the Farm: There's huge pitching upside deep in the low minors with arms still hoping to develop a third pitch. Milwaukee could have an arm armada, or a bunch of high-profile setup men, or something in between. The position player talent is concentrated in the outfield or catcher, and is also concentrated in the low minors. There isn't too much to write home about in the high minors, though Luke Shilling may be able to contribute out of the bullpen next season.
Best Case Scenario: With an improved division and a strong National League, I can't see Milwaukee winning more than 70 games.
Worst Case Scenario: The Brewers could hit the century mark in losses.
Key Questions: Your 1st Round pick last year, Danny Tammaro, is someone scouts feel is very developed. Will he be your starting Right Fielder this year?
What is your projected three-four-five order of your lineup? Do you feel you have enough run production with the players currently on your club?
5) Pittsburgh Pirates
2022: 72-90, tied 3rd Place NL Central
Who They Were: The Pirates allowed the most runs in the league, scored the third fewest, and were lucky to finish the season with 72 wins as they outperformed their expected record by six wins. The Pirates gave 155 starts to Max Kepler, who hit .215 and recorded -0.6 WAR and they gave 126 starts to Andrew Stevenson who slugged .313 and picked up -1.0 WAR. Their leading home run hitter had only 23, and only three arms had ERAs lower than 4.26.
Offseason Review: The Pirates didn't pick anybody up this offseason and lost strong arms in Chad Kuhl and Gerrit Cole. Considering how moribund they were last year, it's hard to expect the team to not be among the worst teams in baseball this season.
On the Farm: Pittsburgh's best prospect, Bad Company Kevin Truitt, has struggled mightily in Rookie Ball in his career. Tyler Freeman could be a terrific glove-first Shortstop, but he's older and still in the low minors. Noah Murdock could be useful as a starting pitcher in Triple-A who can debut this season, but there's not a lot of upside right now in the system.
Best Case Scenario: The team wins 68 games and isn't historically bad.
Worst Case Scenario: The team's ERA is 5.50
Key Questions: Pittsburgh is coming out of financial troubles and needs to build up its talent base. Do you plan on selling off some of your key players this year?
Andrew Stevenson was one of the worst players in baseball last year. Will he be your starting Center Fielder again this year?
