Post by Commissioner Erick on Jul 21, 2020 10:33:30 GMT -5
The St. Louis Cardinals rose up last season to challenge the Chicago Cubs for division supremacy, but the Cubs were and project to be a cut above. The Cincinnati Reds look to be joined by the Milwaukee Brewers and Pittsburgh Pirates in a tough middle class that could make the NL Central competitive top to bottom.
1) Chicago Cubs
2023: 101-61, NL Central Champions. Defeated Arizona in NLDS 4-3, Defeated Philadelphia in NLCS 4-3, lost to Minnesota in World Series 4-2.
Who They Were: Despite a lack of depth, a lack of financial flexibility, a lack of defense, and an aging rotation, Chicago ended up two wins away from a world championship. The bullpen was exceptional and 10 players had double-digit homers leading Chicago to have the most home runs in the NL. Outside of Zach Britton, the bullpen, especially Nick Wittgren, Joe Caulder, and Bonkers Carrizales, was a huge weapon in the postseason leading Chicago's charge to the World Series.
Offseason Review: The staff will look much different. Good starters Sonny Gray and Kyle Hendricks won't be there anymore, with, Marco Gonzalez coming on to replace them. There's still a question in who will round out the rotation, though Jose Paulino was solid as a swingman. Giancarlo Stanton and Christian Yelich have moved on, with Greg Allen coming aboard to provide defense and more of a speed option. Dominic Smith will add some of the power lost with Stanton and Yelich departing. The lineup will once again be top-heavy and the team won't have depth, but the top of the lineup will be sensational once again.
On the Farm: Chicago has leveraged its farm and draft picks for years as a way to build their juggernaut. It's the most barren system in the league.
Best Case Scenario: The pitching holds up, the stars stay healthy, and some postseason breaks get Chicago a championship.
Worst Case Scenario: The rotation is bad and the lineup suffers an injury or two. Chicago wins 85 games and misses the playoffs.
Key Questions: What will the back of your rotation look like and is that something you're confident in going forward?
Your lineup is pretty well set, but are you comfortable with any of your backups playing up into a starter role?
2) St. Louis Cardinals
2023: 97-65, 2nd Place NL Central. Lost to Washington in Wild Card Game
Who They Were: St. Louis overachieved their Pythagorean Record by 13 games on their way to a Wild Card appearance, their first PBA Postseason game. They were shut down by Franklin E. Perez, which wasn't surprising as though their offense ranked seventh in runs, they were in the bottom five in most statistical categories. Still, Nick Pratto took a step and now looks like one of the league's best hitters and Addison Russell rebounded from a lost year to return to being an All-Star. The top-end talent clicked and delivered the Cardinals a postseason berth.
Offseason Review: It was a quiet offseason and nearly the entirety of the 2023 roster will return. Buster Posey is on board to boost the Catcher position and Daniel Mengden could compete for a Starting Pitcher role. The team's best players are veterans so there shouldn't be too much internal improvement.
On the Farm: There are some relievers in the upper minors who can soon provide reinforcements and DeShawn Delaine is a Center Fielder whose speed and defense could be valuable sooner rather than later. Outside of that, it's not a super rich system and most of the talent is concentrated in the upper minors.
Best Case Scenario: Last season wasn't a fluke, the veterans and the Cardinals win 92 games.
Worst Case Scenario: Pythagoras' pendulum oscillates
Key Questions: Josh Donaldson's performance has declined considerable the past two seasons. How much can you count on from him this year?
What will be Kumar Rocker's role for you this season?
3) Cincinnati Reds
2023: 84-78, 3rd Place NL Central
Who They Were: The Reds had a pretty good offense, finishing a surprising fourth in runs scored on the season. A pair of newcomers from Cleveland, Evan Skoug and Emmanuel Tapia, paced the offense with 75 combined home runs. The rotation was fine, and the bullpen wasn't deep. Considering Cincinnati's history and expectations though, the end result was fantastic.
Offseason Review: Underperforming sluggers Ronald Guzman and Cody Bellinger were let go, as well as talented speedster Greg Allen. Derek Fisher is on board in an attempt to supply some more production to the lineup with Odubel Herrera on board on a low-risk deal as well. With Xavier Edwards ready, Brandon Crawford and Shedric Long were allowed to leave. The Reds are hoping Jeremy Jeffresss and Drew Harrington can offset the loss of Drew VerHagen to the bullpen, but it still lacks depth.
On the Farm: It's not a deep system, though there's talent in the upper minors. Harland Guenette, a former first-rounder, may be up next season as a middle infielder. Dan Norton and Ed Odle may also be able to come up next season and provide a boost to the starting rotation.
Best Case Scenario: Josh Carlson and Xavier Edwards have terrific seasons, the former Indians continue to play at All-Star levels, and Cincinnati wins 88 games.
Worst Case Scenario: Magneuris Sierra and Eugenio Suarez take steps backwards, the staff struggles, and the Reds win 74 games.
Key Questions: You signed Odubel Herrera in Free Agency. What role will he play for you this season?
What are you expecting out of your Second Base position this season?
4) Pittsburgh Pirates
2023: 56-106, Last Place NL Central
Who They Were: With absentee ownership and awful finances, Pittsburgh punted on the year and turned in a terrible season. The offense was decrepit and the rotation was bad. A number of the Pirates players were on the final years of their contracts and were allowed to walk in Free Agency.
Offseason Review: Pittsburgh remade their entire team. Outfielders Max Kepler, Gregory Polanco, and Andrew Stevenson left in Free Agency, and the rest of the team was pretty terrible. The Pirates signed Yoan Moncada, Christian Arroyo, and Brandon Crawford to rebuild their infield, Reese McGuire to slot in as Catcher, and Ryan O'Hearn and Jason Heyward to play the outfield. Gerrit Cole is back in the rotation and Kevin Horney will join him, with Rick Porcello, Taijuan Walker, Joe Kelly, and Matt Wisler adding depth.
On the Farm: There's some pitching talent in the mid-minors but most of it won't be ready for a couple of seasons. The best position players are also in the mid-minors, but are mostly defensive-minded rather than offensive minded. On the hole, it's not an impressive system despite struggling for the past few years.
Best Case Scenario: The new players add competence throughout the roster and the Pirates go from the worst team in the league to an 85-win team competing for a Wild Card spot.
Worst Case Scenario: A lot of the players brought on aren't any good and the Pirates remain in last place with a less flexible roster.
Key Questions: Who on this team looks like a player who can provide power while also having a respectable on-base percentage?
You signed a number of swingmen like Porcello, Walker, Kelly, and Wisler. Will any of them start for you?
5) Milwaukee Brewers:
2023: 76-86, 4th Place NL Central
Who They Were: The Brewers had a great defense and a strong bullpen, but an inability to get hits held them back. Nine players with at least 117 at bats hit .229 or lower. Many of their younger players played well giving the club some optimism for the future.
Offseason Review: Milwaukee didn't do too much this offseason. Veterans A.J. Reed and Bradley Zimmer were allowed to leave, and the team cut ties with former top prospect Keston Hiura. Nick Solak comes over from the Yankees and has an inside track on the Left Field spot, with Noah Campbell and Zack Prajzner set for full seasons manning the middle infield positions.
On the Farm: It's a fantastic system with a number of huge arms in the upper minors. In fact, the talent, depth, and proximity likely makes Milwaukee the best system in the majors for pitching talent. It's not quite as deep on position players, but the best prospects are in the upper minors with a few players having debuted already to good success. Milwaukee's future is incredibly bright.
Best Case Scenario: The defense continues to play well, some of the youngsters infuse the rotation with talent, and Milwaukee rides a run-prevention dynamo to an 88-win season.
Worst Case Scenario: Milwaukee keeps their toys in the minors for more seasoning and the offense is one of the worst in the league. Despite the Brewers future, they can lose 90 games.
Key Questions: You have some decent veterans and an armada of prospects in the upper minors. What will be your starting five this year and why?
Eliezer Alvarez was your starting First Baseman last year, but he hit only 11 home runs. Will he be a starter again this year?
1) Chicago Cubs
2023: 101-61, NL Central Champions. Defeated Arizona in NLDS 4-3, Defeated Philadelphia in NLCS 4-3, lost to Minnesota in World Series 4-2.
Who They Were: Despite a lack of depth, a lack of financial flexibility, a lack of defense, and an aging rotation, Chicago ended up two wins away from a world championship. The bullpen was exceptional and 10 players had double-digit homers leading Chicago to have the most home runs in the NL. Outside of Zach Britton, the bullpen, especially Nick Wittgren, Joe Caulder, and Bonkers Carrizales, was a huge weapon in the postseason leading Chicago's charge to the World Series.
Offseason Review: The staff will look much different. Good starters Sonny Gray and Kyle Hendricks won't be there anymore, with, Marco Gonzalez coming on to replace them. There's still a question in who will round out the rotation, though Jose Paulino was solid as a swingman. Giancarlo Stanton and Christian Yelich have moved on, with Greg Allen coming aboard to provide defense and more of a speed option. Dominic Smith will add some of the power lost with Stanton and Yelich departing. The lineup will once again be top-heavy and the team won't have depth, but the top of the lineup will be sensational once again.
On the Farm: Chicago has leveraged its farm and draft picks for years as a way to build their juggernaut. It's the most barren system in the league.
Best Case Scenario: The pitching holds up, the stars stay healthy, and some postseason breaks get Chicago a championship.
Worst Case Scenario: The rotation is bad and the lineup suffers an injury or two. Chicago wins 85 games and misses the playoffs.
Key Questions: What will the back of your rotation look like and is that something you're confident in going forward?
Your lineup is pretty well set, but are you comfortable with any of your backups playing up into a starter role?
2) St. Louis Cardinals
2023: 97-65, 2nd Place NL Central. Lost to Washington in Wild Card Game
Who They Were: St. Louis overachieved their Pythagorean Record by 13 games on their way to a Wild Card appearance, their first PBA Postseason game. They were shut down by Franklin E. Perez, which wasn't surprising as though their offense ranked seventh in runs, they were in the bottom five in most statistical categories. Still, Nick Pratto took a step and now looks like one of the league's best hitters and Addison Russell rebounded from a lost year to return to being an All-Star. The top-end talent clicked and delivered the Cardinals a postseason berth.
Offseason Review: It was a quiet offseason and nearly the entirety of the 2023 roster will return. Buster Posey is on board to boost the Catcher position and Daniel Mengden could compete for a Starting Pitcher role. The team's best players are veterans so there shouldn't be too much internal improvement.
On the Farm: There are some relievers in the upper minors who can soon provide reinforcements and DeShawn Delaine is a Center Fielder whose speed and defense could be valuable sooner rather than later. Outside of that, it's not a super rich system and most of the talent is concentrated in the upper minors.
Best Case Scenario: Last season wasn't a fluke, the veterans and the Cardinals win 92 games.
Worst Case Scenario: Pythagoras' pendulum oscillates
Key Questions: Josh Donaldson's performance has declined considerable the past two seasons. How much can you count on from him this year?
What will be Kumar Rocker's role for you this season?
3) Cincinnati Reds
2023: 84-78, 3rd Place NL Central
Who They Were: The Reds had a pretty good offense, finishing a surprising fourth in runs scored on the season. A pair of newcomers from Cleveland, Evan Skoug and Emmanuel Tapia, paced the offense with 75 combined home runs. The rotation was fine, and the bullpen wasn't deep. Considering Cincinnati's history and expectations though, the end result was fantastic.
Offseason Review: Underperforming sluggers Ronald Guzman and Cody Bellinger were let go, as well as talented speedster Greg Allen. Derek Fisher is on board in an attempt to supply some more production to the lineup with Odubel Herrera on board on a low-risk deal as well. With Xavier Edwards ready, Brandon Crawford and Shedric Long were allowed to leave. The Reds are hoping Jeremy Jeffresss and Drew Harrington can offset the loss of Drew VerHagen to the bullpen, but it still lacks depth.
On the Farm: It's not a deep system, though there's talent in the upper minors. Harland Guenette, a former first-rounder, may be up next season as a middle infielder. Dan Norton and Ed Odle may also be able to come up next season and provide a boost to the starting rotation.
Best Case Scenario: Josh Carlson and Xavier Edwards have terrific seasons, the former Indians continue to play at All-Star levels, and Cincinnati wins 88 games.
Worst Case Scenario: Magneuris Sierra and Eugenio Suarez take steps backwards, the staff struggles, and the Reds win 74 games.
Key Questions: You signed Odubel Herrera in Free Agency. What role will he play for you this season?
What are you expecting out of your Second Base position this season?
4) Pittsburgh Pirates
2023: 56-106, Last Place NL Central
Who They Were: With absentee ownership and awful finances, Pittsburgh punted on the year and turned in a terrible season. The offense was decrepit and the rotation was bad. A number of the Pirates players were on the final years of their contracts and were allowed to walk in Free Agency.
Offseason Review: Pittsburgh remade their entire team. Outfielders Max Kepler, Gregory Polanco, and Andrew Stevenson left in Free Agency, and the rest of the team was pretty terrible. The Pirates signed Yoan Moncada, Christian Arroyo, and Brandon Crawford to rebuild their infield, Reese McGuire to slot in as Catcher, and Ryan O'Hearn and Jason Heyward to play the outfield. Gerrit Cole is back in the rotation and Kevin Horney will join him, with Rick Porcello, Taijuan Walker, Joe Kelly, and Matt Wisler adding depth.
On the Farm: There's some pitching talent in the mid-minors but most of it won't be ready for a couple of seasons. The best position players are also in the mid-minors, but are mostly defensive-minded rather than offensive minded. On the hole, it's not an impressive system despite struggling for the past few years.
Best Case Scenario: The new players add competence throughout the roster and the Pirates go from the worst team in the league to an 85-win team competing for a Wild Card spot.
Worst Case Scenario: A lot of the players brought on aren't any good and the Pirates remain in last place with a less flexible roster.
Key Questions: Who on this team looks like a player who can provide power while also having a respectable on-base percentage?
You signed a number of swingmen like Porcello, Walker, Kelly, and Wisler. Will any of them start for you?
5) Milwaukee Brewers:
2023: 76-86, 4th Place NL Central
Who They Were: The Brewers had a great defense and a strong bullpen, but an inability to get hits held them back. Nine players with at least 117 at bats hit .229 or lower. Many of their younger players played well giving the club some optimism for the future.
Offseason Review: Milwaukee didn't do too much this offseason. Veterans A.J. Reed and Bradley Zimmer were allowed to leave, and the team cut ties with former top prospect Keston Hiura. Nick Solak comes over from the Yankees and has an inside track on the Left Field spot, with Noah Campbell and Zack Prajzner set for full seasons manning the middle infield positions.
On the Farm: It's a fantastic system with a number of huge arms in the upper minors. In fact, the talent, depth, and proximity likely makes Milwaukee the best system in the majors for pitching talent. It's not quite as deep on position players, but the best prospects are in the upper minors with a few players having debuted already to good success. Milwaukee's future is incredibly bright.
Best Case Scenario: The defense continues to play well, some of the youngsters infuse the rotation with talent, and Milwaukee rides a run-prevention dynamo to an 88-win season.
Worst Case Scenario: Milwaukee keeps their toys in the minors for more seasoning and the offense is one of the worst in the league. Despite the Brewers future, they can lose 90 games.
Key Questions: You have some decent veterans and an armada of prospects in the upper minors. What will be your starting five this year and why?
Eliezer Alvarez was your starting First Baseman last year, but he hit only 11 home runs. Will he be a starter again this year?
