Post by tylermiami on Jul 16, 2020 10:21:51 GMT -5
The Diamondbacks, Dodgers, and Giants are set to fight for the NL West title. The Rockies will try to prove the doubters wrong and bounce back from a disappointing season. The Padres continue to build towards the future.
1) Arizona Diamondbacks
2023: 87-75 1st NL West. Lost 4-3 to Chicago Cubs in NLDS.
Who They Were: Winning the division with just 87 wins, the Diamondbacks were unable to repeat as PBA champions. The team took a tough loss to the Cubs in game 7 of the divisional round. The Cubs would end up making it to the World Series. Arizona was a great all around team, ranking Top Five in the NL for both runs scored and runs against. Juan Gestoso had high expectations coming into the season after winning both the NLCS and WS MVP in 2022. The 22 year old answered the call, providing 7 WAR and taking home a Gold Glove.
Offseason Review: Arizona said goodbye to ace Marco Gonzales, who signed a 6 year $96M deal with the Cubs. They also let depth players Joey Rickard, Aaron Blair, and Chad Bettis go to FA. Tim Anderson, Anfernee Grier, Enrique Valdez, and Mike Clevinger were all added in FA, and should provide good depth for the club.
On the Farm: The farm is looking a bit thin at the moment. Although it is not extremely impressive right now, it could move up the board quickly as some of these prospects start moving out of rookie and low A ball. David Wiekart has the potential to be a perennial 200+ inning arm, and is ranked as the 89th overall prospect. Nathaniel Labarrie is one to watch, as he looks to be well developed and could be a valuable arm for Arizona in the near future.
Best Case Scenario: Archer and DeSclafani provide a nice 1-2 punch at the top of the rotation and the offense continues to mash. Arizona wins the division for the third straight year with 90 wins.
Worst Case Scenario: 35 year old Archer declines sharply, DeSclafani and Taylor are unable to repeat their 2023 seasons and the pitching struggles mightily. Arizona is forced to sell at the deadline and look towards 2025.
Key Questions: You don't seem to have a clear choice at catcher this year, who do you expect to get the start?
Archer, DeSclafani, and Odorizzi look to be locked into the rotation, who is in the mix for the final 2 spots?
2) Los Angeles Dodgers
2023: 84-78, 2nd Place NL West
Who They Were: The Dodgers finished runner-up to the Diamondbacks, falling just 3 games short of forcing a game 163. They have now missed the playoffs in two consecutive seasons, after reaching the playoffs in all of the first five seasons of the PBA. The team had exceptional pitching, ranking 2nd in the league with a 3.34 ERA. Eduardo Rodriguez led the LA rotation, throwing 208.1 innings of 3.02 ERA ball. In the bullpen, the Dodgers got major contributions from relievers Kenley Jansen, Osiris Ramirez, and Will Harris. Offensively, the team struggled, ranking 9th in the NL with 4.1 runs per game. The offense was hurt by the fact that Alex Bregman missed the start of the season due to a concussion, and suffered another injury just after the all star break. In all Bregman missed a bit over 10 weeks, but was far and away the Dodgers best offensive weapon when he was in the lineup, posting an eye-popping .337/.422/.505 line in 87 games.
Offseason Review: The Dodgers started the offseason off with a bang, adding star second baseman Luis Urias through a trade with the Padres. Urias is a 3-time allstar, and 2-time silver slugger winner at the age of 26. This trade was a homerun for LA, as they were able to unload the contract of current 2nd baseman Tetsudo Yamada, who has been viewed as somewhat of a failure in his first 2 seasons in the PBA. Yamada is guaranteed $42M over the next 3 seasons, while playing barely above replacement level. The other asset the Dodgers had to part with was prospect John Thacker. The flame-throwing righty has the potential to top a major league rotation. The other big addition was signing RF Seiya Suzuki to a 5 year $77M deal out of Japan. Suzuki could step right into the middle of the Dodgers lineup and make an impact. The only major loss to free agency was 2B Franklin Barreto. The 27 year old signed a 5 year $34M deal with the Phillies. Barreto would have most likely been a backup infielder if he had re-signed in LA. The Dodgers also locked up star CF Jeren Kendall for the next 8 years. He was set to become a free agent after this season.
On the Farm: The system is a bit top heavy. Luis Ceja, Tillmam Corriga, and Willem Gordham all have very high ceilings and could one day be at the top of a rotation. All of these arms should be ready to debut within the next few years. The talent drops significantly from there. OF Luis Callazo could also be an impact player someday. He projects to be a good all-around bat in the majors, although he looks to be 2-3 seasons away from making his debut.
Best Case Scenario: LA was held back by their offense in 2023. They addressed the issue in a big way this offseason. They are bringing back the same team as last year, only now with a few big additions. We can expect the offense to improve with a full season of Bregman and the additions of Urias and Suzuki. If the pitching can replicate the previous season, The Dodgers can win 90+ games en route to a division title.
Worst Case Scenario: If Suzuki struggles in his rookie season, and young shortstop Armin Valdez is unable to take a step forward offensively, the offense could provide problems. 83 wins and a 3rd place finish is the worst case for the 2024 Dodgers.
Key Questions: After re-signing veteran Clayton Kershaw after 2 injury riddled seasons, what role do you expect him to play?
Amin Valdez looks like he is going to be a perennial Gold Glove candidate, how much do you see his bat developing?
3) San Francisco Giants
2023: 83-79, 3rd Place NL West
Who They Were: The Giants had high expectations after winning 87 games in 2022. They were unable to live up to them as the playoff drought now reaches the 5 year mark.The Giants did a great job suppressing runs, ranking 3rd in the NL with a 3.62 ERA. This was mostly thanks to a strong top of the rotation, and an elite bullpen. The offense was about mid-table, ranking 7th in the NL in runs scored.
Offseason Review: The team traded from their pitching depth, moving mid-rotation starter Brandon Waddell to the Braves for 2 big prospects. Waddell was headed into the last year before free agency, and was looking to be the 3rd starter. The Giants flipped that last year for #24 overall prospect SP Ismael Morel and potential masher RF Kelyn Klattenburger. The Giants also added Blake Rutherford and Nick Gordon through trade to help the offense propel towards the top of the league.
On the Farm: You could argue this is the best system in the league. Teofilo Torrez looks primed to debut this season, and could end up in the top half of the Giants rotation in the future. The system is absolutely loaded with pitching talent at the A to A+ level. Left Fielder Juan Campos is one of the highest ceiling prospects in the league, as the 21 year old has the potential to challenge for both the home run title and the batting title in the future.
Best Case Scenario: The offense surges towards the top of the league, and the pitching stays strong to allow the Giants to challenge for a division title. The strong farm system will allow them to be in conversation for any major player on the trade market.
Worst Case Scenario: The lineup once again fails to provide enough run support and they finish mid table and short of the playoffs.
Key Questions: You have plenty of options both in the rotation and in the pen. Does rule 5 draft pick Ronaldo Lopez have a real shot at making the team this year?
Do you think this is the year Calvin Mitchell breaks out and becomes an elite outfielder?
What went into the decision to trade away Brandon Waddell, and who do you think can step into his spot this year?
4) Colorado Rockies
2023: 68-94, 4th Place NL West
Who They Were: The Rockies had their worst season to date in the PBA winning just 68 games. Nolan Arenado saw a dip in his offensive production, but still had a great season and continues to be one of the top players in the league. Michael Fulmer continued to be a legit #1 starter, but did not have much help. Riley Pint had a solid year before partially tearing his UCL late in the season. Daniel Montano looked good in his first 100 major league games, and provided a nice offensive punch.
Offseason Review: It was a quiet offseason in Colorado. The team added another option offensively in free agency, signing power hitter Rowdy Tellez. Depth starter Jairo Pacheco was also added in a trade with LA. The team was active in the Rule 5 Draft, adding a trio of depth players.
On the Farm: Headlined by 2021 first round pick Juan Marrufo. Marrufo has all the hit tools you look for and could even be a plus defender at 1st base. He looks built for Coors and hopefully can move up the minors this year in line for a potential late 2025 debut. There are several potential back end starter options in the upper minors, but no standouts. Felix Madrigal is one to watch, as the control pitcher takes the next step from rookie ball.
Best Case Scenario: Fulmer goes back to full 2022 form and carries the rotation. There is enough talent to win 85 games if absolutely everything goes right.
Worst Case Scenario: Pint fails to regain form in his midseason return and the offense continues to be average outside of Arenado. The rotation looks like it may struggle. Things could get ugly in Colorado.
Key Questions: When Riley Pint eventually returns from the partially torn UCL, how do you plan to manage his workload (pitch count, extra days off, etc.)?
Tellez is now just 2 seasons removed from back to back 40+ HR seasons and has potential to be one of the best under the radar free agent signings this year. Will he be given the at bats to challenge for 50 HRs in the thin Coors air?
5) San Diego Padres
2023: 63-99, 5th Place NL West
Who They Were: The team struggled greatly. Luis Urias was the only standout player. SD was never expected to contend. We saw debuts of Tirso Ornelas, Jeff Henry, and Royce Lewis. Overall a pretty boring season in San Diego.
Offseason Review: San Diego continues the rebuild by trading away their best player, Luis Urias. Urias had signed an 8 year extension, but was moved before he played a single game of it. They were able to add a nice Starting Pitching prospect in John Thacker. They also added Second Baseman Tetsuo Yamada in the deal, who has failed to live up to expectations so far in the PBA after a real nice career in the NPB. The change of scenery could finally lead to a breakout campaign for the 2-time NPB MVP. The team also lost a few minor pieces to free agency, and traded away a few minor pieces for prospects. There were also a few keen low-end free agent signings, which could build value to be moved at the deadline. Overall it was a solid offseason for SD as the future continues to look bright.
On the Farm: Without a doubt a bottom half system, but don't let the lack of top end talent fool you. There are plenty of intriguing guys in the system. Juan Serrato is on track to becoming a key bullpen piece, and could be a top end closer if the control improves. Center Fielder Greg Kelly has a good chance to be a Top 50 prospect within the next few seasons. New addition John Thacker will be under the spotlight as a key piece in the return for Urias.
Best Case Scenario: Some of the younger unproven players start to prove themselves, and the Padres find a 4th place spot in the division.
Worst Case Scenario: Not much proven talent here, could definitely end up as a bottom 3 team in the league.
Key Questions: Tetsudo Yamada hasn’t yet lived up to the contract he signed with LAD, but is a breakout candidate. What are your expectations for him this year?
Free agent signing Robert Stephenson has been used exclusively as a reliever the last few years in Milwaukee, but has had plenty of success as a starter. Do you plan to use him in your rotation this year?
1) Arizona Diamondbacks
2023: 87-75 1st NL West. Lost 4-3 to Chicago Cubs in NLDS.
Who They Were: Winning the division with just 87 wins, the Diamondbacks were unable to repeat as PBA champions. The team took a tough loss to the Cubs in game 7 of the divisional round. The Cubs would end up making it to the World Series. Arizona was a great all around team, ranking Top Five in the NL for both runs scored and runs against. Juan Gestoso had high expectations coming into the season after winning both the NLCS and WS MVP in 2022. The 22 year old answered the call, providing 7 WAR and taking home a Gold Glove.
Offseason Review: Arizona said goodbye to ace Marco Gonzales, who signed a 6 year $96M deal with the Cubs. They also let depth players Joey Rickard, Aaron Blair, and Chad Bettis go to FA. Tim Anderson, Anfernee Grier, Enrique Valdez, and Mike Clevinger were all added in FA, and should provide good depth for the club.
On the Farm: The farm is looking a bit thin at the moment. Although it is not extremely impressive right now, it could move up the board quickly as some of these prospects start moving out of rookie and low A ball. David Wiekart has the potential to be a perennial 200+ inning arm, and is ranked as the 89th overall prospect. Nathaniel Labarrie is one to watch, as he looks to be well developed and could be a valuable arm for Arizona in the near future.
Best Case Scenario: Archer and DeSclafani provide a nice 1-2 punch at the top of the rotation and the offense continues to mash. Arizona wins the division for the third straight year with 90 wins.
Worst Case Scenario: 35 year old Archer declines sharply, DeSclafani and Taylor are unable to repeat their 2023 seasons and the pitching struggles mightily. Arizona is forced to sell at the deadline and look towards 2025.
Key Questions: You don't seem to have a clear choice at catcher this year, who do you expect to get the start?
Archer, DeSclafani, and Odorizzi look to be locked into the rotation, who is in the mix for the final 2 spots?
2) Los Angeles Dodgers
2023: 84-78, 2nd Place NL West
Who They Were: The Dodgers finished runner-up to the Diamondbacks, falling just 3 games short of forcing a game 163. They have now missed the playoffs in two consecutive seasons, after reaching the playoffs in all of the first five seasons of the PBA. The team had exceptional pitching, ranking 2nd in the league with a 3.34 ERA. Eduardo Rodriguez led the LA rotation, throwing 208.1 innings of 3.02 ERA ball. In the bullpen, the Dodgers got major contributions from relievers Kenley Jansen, Osiris Ramirez, and Will Harris. Offensively, the team struggled, ranking 9th in the NL with 4.1 runs per game. The offense was hurt by the fact that Alex Bregman missed the start of the season due to a concussion, and suffered another injury just after the all star break. In all Bregman missed a bit over 10 weeks, but was far and away the Dodgers best offensive weapon when he was in the lineup, posting an eye-popping .337/.422/.505 line in 87 games.
Offseason Review: The Dodgers started the offseason off with a bang, adding star second baseman Luis Urias through a trade with the Padres. Urias is a 3-time allstar, and 2-time silver slugger winner at the age of 26. This trade was a homerun for LA, as they were able to unload the contract of current 2nd baseman Tetsudo Yamada, who has been viewed as somewhat of a failure in his first 2 seasons in the PBA. Yamada is guaranteed $42M over the next 3 seasons, while playing barely above replacement level. The other asset the Dodgers had to part with was prospect John Thacker. The flame-throwing righty has the potential to top a major league rotation. The other big addition was signing RF Seiya Suzuki to a 5 year $77M deal out of Japan. Suzuki could step right into the middle of the Dodgers lineup and make an impact. The only major loss to free agency was 2B Franklin Barreto. The 27 year old signed a 5 year $34M deal with the Phillies. Barreto would have most likely been a backup infielder if he had re-signed in LA. The Dodgers also locked up star CF Jeren Kendall for the next 8 years. He was set to become a free agent after this season.
On the Farm: The system is a bit top heavy. Luis Ceja, Tillmam Corriga, and Willem Gordham all have very high ceilings and could one day be at the top of a rotation. All of these arms should be ready to debut within the next few years. The talent drops significantly from there. OF Luis Callazo could also be an impact player someday. He projects to be a good all-around bat in the majors, although he looks to be 2-3 seasons away from making his debut.
Best Case Scenario: LA was held back by their offense in 2023. They addressed the issue in a big way this offseason. They are bringing back the same team as last year, only now with a few big additions. We can expect the offense to improve with a full season of Bregman and the additions of Urias and Suzuki. If the pitching can replicate the previous season, The Dodgers can win 90+ games en route to a division title.
Worst Case Scenario: If Suzuki struggles in his rookie season, and young shortstop Armin Valdez is unable to take a step forward offensively, the offense could provide problems. 83 wins and a 3rd place finish is the worst case for the 2024 Dodgers.
Key Questions: After re-signing veteran Clayton Kershaw after 2 injury riddled seasons, what role do you expect him to play?
Amin Valdez looks like he is going to be a perennial Gold Glove candidate, how much do you see his bat developing?
3) San Francisco Giants
2023: 83-79, 3rd Place NL West
Who They Were: The Giants had high expectations after winning 87 games in 2022. They were unable to live up to them as the playoff drought now reaches the 5 year mark.The Giants did a great job suppressing runs, ranking 3rd in the NL with a 3.62 ERA. This was mostly thanks to a strong top of the rotation, and an elite bullpen. The offense was about mid-table, ranking 7th in the NL in runs scored.
Offseason Review: The team traded from their pitching depth, moving mid-rotation starter Brandon Waddell to the Braves for 2 big prospects. Waddell was headed into the last year before free agency, and was looking to be the 3rd starter. The Giants flipped that last year for #24 overall prospect SP Ismael Morel and potential masher RF Kelyn Klattenburger. The Giants also added Blake Rutherford and Nick Gordon through trade to help the offense propel towards the top of the league.
On the Farm: You could argue this is the best system in the league. Teofilo Torrez looks primed to debut this season, and could end up in the top half of the Giants rotation in the future. The system is absolutely loaded with pitching talent at the A to A+ level. Left Fielder Juan Campos is one of the highest ceiling prospects in the league, as the 21 year old has the potential to challenge for both the home run title and the batting title in the future.
Best Case Scenario: The offense surges towards the top of the league, and the pitching stays strong to allow the Giants to challenge for a division title. The strong farm system will allow them to be in conversation for any major player on the trade market.
Worst Case Scenario: The lineup once again fails to provide enough run support and they finish mid table and short of the playoffs.
Key Questions: You have plenty of options both in the rotation and in the pen. Does rule 5 draft pick Ronaldo Lopez have a real shot at making the team this year?
Do you think this is the year Calvin Mitchell breaks out and becomes an elite outfielder?
What went into the decision to trade away Brandon Waddell, and who do you think can step into his spot this year?
4) Colorado Rockies
2023: 68-94, 4th Place NL West
Who They Were: The Rockies had their worst season to date in the PBA winning just 68 games. Nolan Arenado saw a dip in his offensive production, but still had a great season and continues to be one of the top players in the league. Michael Fulmer continued to be a legit #1 starter, but did not have much help. Riley Pint had a solid year before partially tearing his UCL late in the season. Daniel Montano looked good in his first 100 major league games, and provided a nice offensive punch.
Offseason Review: It was a quiet offseason in Colorado. The team added another option offensively in free agency, signing power hitter Rowdy Tellez. Depth starter Jairo Pacheco was also added in a trade with LA. The team was active in the Rule 5 Draft, adding a trio of depth players.
On the Farm: Headlined by 2021 first round pick Juan Marrufo. Marrufo has all the hit tools you look for and could even be a plus defender at 1st base. He looks built for Coors and hopefully can move up the minors this year in line for a potential late 2025 debut. There are several potential back end starter options in the upper minors, but no standouts. Felix Madrigal is one to watch, as the control pitcher takes the next step from rookie ball.
Best Case Scenario: Fulmer goes back to full 2022 form and carries the rotation. There is enough talent to win 85 games if absolutely everything goes right.
Worst Case Scenario: Pint fails to regain form in his midseason return and the offense continues to be average outside of Arenado. The rotation looks like it may struggle. Things could get ugly in Colorado.
Key Questions: When Riley Pint eventually returns from the partially torn UCL, how do you plan to manage his workload (pitch count, extra days off, etc.)?
Tellez is now just 2 seasons removed from back to back 40+ HR seasons and has potential to be one of the best under the radar free agent signings this year. Will he be given the at bats to challenge for 50 HRs in the thin Coors air?
5) San Diego Padres
2023: 63-99, 5th Place NL West
Who They Were: The team struggled greatly. Luis Urias was the only standout player. SD was never expected to contend. We saw debuts of Tirso Ornelas, Jeff Henry, and Royce Lewis. Overall a pretty boring season in San Diego.
Offseason Review: San Diego continues the rebuild by trading away their best player, Luis Urias. Urias had signed an 8 year extension, but was moved before he played a single game of it. They were able to add a nice Starting Pitching prospect in John Thacker. They also added Second Baseman Tetsuo Yamada in the deal, who has failed to live up to expectations so far in the PBA after a real nice career in the NPB. The change of scenery could finally lead to a breakout campaign for the 2-time NPB MVP. The team also lost a few minor pieces to free agency, and traded away a few minor pieces for prospects. There were also a few keen low-end free agent signings, which could build value to be moved at the deadline. Overall it was a solid offseason for SD as the future continues to look bright.
On the Farm: Without a doubt a bottom half system, but don't let the lack of top end talent fool you. There are plenty of intriguing guys in the system. Juan Serrato is on track to becoming a key bullpen piece, and could be a top end closer if the control improves. Center Fielder Greg Kelly has a good chance to be a Top 50 prospect within the next few seasons. New addition John Thacker will be under the spotlight as a key piece in the return for Urias.
Best Case Scenario: Some of the younger unproven players start to prove themselves, and the Padres find a 4th place spot in the division.
Worst Case Scenario: Not much proven talent here, could definitely end up as a bottom 3 team in the league.
Key Questions: Tetsudo Yamada hasn’t yet lived up to the contract he signed with LAD, but is a breakout candidate. What are your expectations for him this year?
Free agent signing Robert Stephenson has been used exclusively as a reliever the last few years in Milwaukee, but has had plenty of success as a starter. Do you plan to use him in your rotation this year?
). He'll slog it out with Lopez and Cordero for the last spot in the pen, but I'm going to try to hang onto him if possible.