Post by tylermiami on Jul 31, 2020 10:13:42 GMT -5
The Rangers, Athletics, and Astros will try to beat out the Mariners for the top spot in the division, as the Angels continue to rebuild.
1) Seattle Mariners
2023: 94-68, 1st AL West. Lost 4-2 to Minnesota in the ALDS.
Who They Were: Led by DeJesus and Mori, the young Mariners cruised to an AL West title. 27 year old catcher Tomoya Mori captured the AL MVP in his 3rd season since joining the Mariners from Japan. The Mariners ranked 6th in the AL in runs scored per game with 4.8. Seattle also gave up just 4.2 runs per game. 25 year old Jeifry Nunez won 18 games in just his 2nd PBA season. Michael Lorenzen also saved 43 games with a 1.34 ERA, capturing the AL Reliever of the Year Award.
Offseason Review: The Mariners agreed to a 7 year $138m contract with free agent infielder Lourdes Gurriel. It was a high price to pay, but Gurriel has been one of the better bats in the league over the last 4 years. The team also took a chance on 34 year old, 3 time NPB Outstanding Pitcher Award winner Tomoyuki Sugano, who agreed to a 6 year deal just a bit shy of $100m. Luna and Alvarez are also smaller signings that could provide an impact for the 2024 Mariners.
On the Farm: OSA ranks the system as 29th in the league. Not a single prospect ranks in the top 100. The top ranked prospect Tomito Kawamoto has the floor of a back-end starter and the ceiling of a mid-rotation starter. He could make his major league debut as soon as late this year. There aren’t any other standout prospects in the upper minors.
Best Case Scenario: The team added some major talent. DeJesus leads AL in home runs again. With the young stars having another year of experience under their belt, the Mariners should have no trouble winning 90+ games and the division.
Worst Case Scenario: Luna and Sugano are unable to add any value to the pitching staff and Mori can’t come close to repeating his MVP season. The Mariners find themselves in a wildcard race in late September.
Key Questions: You invested a decent sum into Anyelo Luna, who is yet to pitch above AA. Will he start the season in your major league bullpen?
You have several great options to leadoff for your team this year, who do you expect to get that job?
2) Texas Rangers
2023: 81-81, 4th AL West.
Who They Were: The Rangers finished the year as a .500 team. Mejia, Albies, and Correa all led the offense with 4+ WAR seasons. Veteran Evan Longoria continued to be a nice offensive force in his age 37 season. The team was held back by poor pitching, ranking 3rd to last in the AL with 4.9 runs against per game. Ace Marcus Stroman showed exceptional control and led the Texas rotation. Alex Claudio and Andres Perez had great years in the pen.
Offseason Review: Gibson, Porcello, Weaver, Perez, and O’Hearn all left the team in free agency. None of them were projected to play a big role moving forward. Texas made a blockbuster trade, moving one of the best young bullpen arms in the game Andres Perez, as well as 2 top prospects to the Mets for Ace Noah Syndergaard, RP Hansel Robles, and SP Jordan Humphreys. The team then signed Hendricks and Gray to help out the rotation.
On the Farm: The Rangers have a middle of the pack system. The system is highlighted by #7 overall prospect Estaban Valadez and #61 overall prospect Aaron Wallace. Both players project to be a key piece in the future Texas rotation. There are several other good pitching prospects throughout the system.
Best Case Scenario: So much was invested into the rotation, which was the biggest issue for the team in 2023. If all of that work pays off, and the lineup continues to smash in the runs, the Rangers will be fighting for the division late in the year.
Worst Case Scenario: Hendricks is unable to come back in time to provide a real impact, and Sydergaard can't stay healthy. The bullpen struggles after losing one of its key pieces. The Rangers once again finish as a .500 team.
Key Questions: Will Noah Syndergaard start the year in the rotation, or will you wait for his elbow to fully heal before bringing him back?
Is defensive stud Quiceno going to be your starting left fielder this year?
Will prized prospect Valadez start the year with the major league team?
3) Houston Astros
2023: 84-78, 2nd AL West.
Who They Were: The Astros barely beat out the A’s to finish 2nd in the division, but still finished a whopping 10 games behind the division leading Mariners. With 84 wins, the team missed out on a wildcard spot. Joe Decarlo and Dnasby Swanson both had really good offensive seasons. Although the team finished middle of the league with 4.6 runs per game, they led the AL with 258 home runs. John Gavin had a great year in the rotation, throwing 187.2 innings of 3.26 ERA ball.
Offseason Review: The team lost Anthony Rizzo to Detroit in free agency. Other than that, it was a very quiet offseason for the Astros. The team did have a GM switch late in the offseason.
On the Farm: OSA ranks the system right in the middle of the league. Top prospect and 2023 first overall pick Jeff Morrison could one day front the team's rotation. All 8 of the team's top prospects are projected to start in AA or above, which signals that a lot of them could be debuting in the next few seasons.
Best Case Scenario: If Houston is going to challenge for the division title, they will need help from all the talent in the upper minors.
Worst Case Scenario: Nobody is able to take over the #1 spot in the rotation and the offense takes a step back. Houston could finish as low as 4th in the division.
Key Questions: You have several guys who could take on the closer role this year, who do you plan on giving that role to?
Of all the talent you have in the upper minors, who are you most excited to see make their debut in the future?
4) Oakland Athletics
2023: 83-79, 3rd AL West.
Who They Were: The 83 win Athletics put in a respectable season. An above average offense and league average pitching allowed the team to finish just shy of a 2nd place finish in the division. Berrios, Puk, and Ruiz all provided solid innings in the rotation. Catcher Nick Thurman had a great season and was one of the top catchers in the league.
Offseason Review: Rutherford was moved to the Giants for a package of 3 prospects. Oakland also traded both their 1st and 2nd round picks for prospects in the upper minors. The A’s will be bringing back mostly the same team for 2024.
On the Farm: Ranked 20th by OSA, the A’s have a respectable system. Top prospect outfielder Juan Castoreno had a solid season in AAA at the staggering age of just 19. SP Dave Roberts has the potential to be a #2 starter, although he may be a year or two away from debuting. 8 of the teams top 15 prospects are projected to start the season in AAA.
Best Case Scenario: The team is able to win enough close games to get the 2nd wildcard.
Worst Case Scenario: The A’s are a .500 team for most of the year and out of the playoff conversation by August.
Key Questions: Some may say Jose Berrios has under-performed the last few seasons. What do you think he can give you this season?
What was the thinking in trading your 1st and 2nd round picks for prospects? Are these players that you think can contribute to you this season?
5) Los Angeles Angels
2023: 51-111, 5th AL West.
Who They Were: The Angels finished the season allowing 2nd most runs in the AL, while also scoring the 2nd least. Gurriel was just about the only player on the team to have an above average season. No pitcher on the staff was able to throw more than 150 innings.
Offseason Review: The Angels lost Gurriel to the Mariners in free agency. They then traded Castellanos and his contract to KC along with Syverson, getting back Griffin and some minor pieces.
On the Farm: The Angels farm system is ranked dead last in the league. The highest rated prospect, Sisto Flix, is still in the international complex. The 19 year old outfielder ranks as the #256 overall prospect. The Angels don't have a single top 50 organizational prospect projected to start in AAA.
Best Case Scenario: The Angels somehow lose less than 100 games.
Worst Case Scenario: Attendance plummets and the budget gets slashed.
Key Questions: Why was Mckirahan released in the same offseason that he signed a qualifying offer?
Who will be your opening day starter?
1) Seattle Mariners
2023: 94-68, 1st AL West. Lost 4-2 to Minnesota in the ALDS.
Who They Were: Led by DeJesus and Mori, the young Mariners cruised to an AL West title. 27 year old catcher Tomoya Mori captured the AL MVP in his 3rd season since joining the Mariners from Japan. The Mariners ranked 6th in the AL in runs scored per game with 4.8. Seattle also gave up just 4.2 runs per game. 25 year old Jeifry Nunez won 18 games in just his 2nd PBA season. Michael Lorenzen also saved 43 games with a 1.34 ERA, capturing the AL Reliever of the Year Award.
Offseason Review: The Mariners agreed to a 7 year $138m contract with free agent infielder Lourdes Gurriel. It was a high price to pay, but Gurriel has been one of the better bats in the league over the last 4 years. The team also took a chance on 34 year old, 3 time NPB Outstanding Pitcher Award winner Tomoyuki Sugano, who agreed to a 6 year deal just a bit shy of $100m. Luna and Alvarez are also smaller signings that could provide an impact for the 2024 Mariners.
On the Farm: OSA ranks the system as 29th in the league. Not a single prospect ranks in the top 100. The top ranked prospect Tomito Kawamoto has the floor of a back-end starter and the ceiling of a mid-rotation starter. He could make his major league debut as soon as late this year. There aren’t any other standout prospects in the upper minors.
Best Case Scenario: The team added some major talent. DeJesus leads AL in home runs again. With the young stars having another year of experience under their belt, the Mariners should have no trouble winning 90+ games and the division.
Worst Case Scenario: Luna and Sugano are unable to add any value to the pitching staff and Mori can’t come close to repeating his MVP season. The Mariners find themselves in a wildcard race in late September.
Key Questions: You invested a decent sum into Anyelo Luna, who is yet to pitch above AA. Will he start the season in your major league bullpen?
You have several great options to leadoff for your team this year, who do you expect to get that job?
2) Texas Rangers
2023: 81-81, 4th AL West.
Who They Were: The Rangers finished the year as a .500 team. Mejia, Albies, and Correa all led the offense with 4+ WAR seasons. Veteran Evan Longoria continued to be a nice offensive force in his age 37 season. The team was held back by poor pitching, ranking 3rd to last in the AL with 4.9 runs against per game. Ace Marcus Stroman showed exceptional control and led the Texas rotation. Alex Claudio and Andres Perez had great years in the pen.
Offseason Review: Gibson, Porcello, Weaver, Perez, and O’Hearn all left the team in free agency. None of them were projected to play a big role moving forward. Texas made a blockbuster trade, moving one of the best young bullpen arms in the game Andres Perez, as well as 2 top prospects to the Mets for Ace Noah Syndergaard, RP Hansel Robles, and SP Jordan Humphreys. The team then signed Hendricks and Gray to help out the rotation.
On the Farm: The Rangers have a middle of the pack system. The system is highlighted by #7 overall prospect Estaban Valadez and #61 overall prospect Aaron Wallace. Both players project to be a key piece in the future Texas rotation. There are several other good pitching prospects throughout the system.
Best Case Scenario: So much was invested into the rotation, which was the biggest issue for the team in 2023. If all of that work pays off, and the lineup continues to smash in the runs, the Rangers will be fighting for the division late in the year.
Worst Case Scenario: Hendricks is unable to come back in time to provide a real impact, and Sydergaard can't stay healthy. The bullpen struggles after losing one of its key pieces. The Rangers once again finish as a .500 team.
Key Questions: Will Noah Syndergaard start the year in the rotation, or will you wait for his elbow to fully heal before bringing him back?
Is defensive stud Quiceno going to be your starting left fielder this year?
Will prized prospect Valadez start the year with the major league team?
3) Houston Astros
2023: 84-78, 2nd AL West.
Who They Were: The Astros barely beat out the A’s to finish 2nd in the division, but still finished a whopping 10 games behind the division leading Mariners. With 84 wins, the team missed out on a wildcard spot. Joe Decarlo and Dnasby Swanson both had really good offensive seasons. Although the team finished middle of the league with 4.6 runs per game, they led the AL with 258 home runs. John Gavin had a great year in the rotation, throwing 187.2 innings of 3.26 ERA ball.
Offseason Review: The team lost Anthony Rizzo to Detroit in free agency. Other than that, it was a very quiet offseason for the Astros. The team did have a GM switch late in the offseason.
On the Farm: OSA ranks the system right in the middle of the league. Top prospect and 2023 first overall pick Jeff Morrison could one day front the team's rotation. All 8 of the team's top prospects are projected to start in AA or above, which signals that a lot of them could be debuting in the next few seasons.
Best Case Scenario: If Houston is going to challenge for the division title, they will need help from all the talent in the upper minors.
Worst Case Scenario: Nobody is able to take over the #1 spot in the rotation and the offense takes a step back. Houston could finish as low as 4th in the division.
Key Questions: You have several guys who could take on the closer role this year, who do you plan on giving that role to?
Of all the talent you have in the upper minors, who are you most excited to see make their debut in the future?
4) Oakland Athletics
2023: 83-79, 3rd AL West.
Who They Were: The 83 win Athletics put in a respectable season. An above average offense and league average pitching allowed the team to finish just shy of a 2nd place finish in the division. Berrios, Puk, and Ruiz all provided solid innings in the rotation. Catcher Nick Thurman had a great season and was one of the top catchers in the league.
Offseason Review: Rutherford was moved to the Giants for a package of 3 prospects. Oakland also traded both their 1st and 2nd round picks for prospects in the upper minors. The A’s will be bringing back mostly the same team for 2024.
On the Farm: Ranked 20th by OSA, the A’s have a respectable system. Top prospect outfielder Juan Castoreno had a solid season in AAA at the staggering age of just 19. SP Dave Roberts has the potential to be a #2 starter, although he may be a year or two away from debuting. 8 of the teams top 15 prospects are projected to start the season in AAA.
Best Case Scenario: The team is able to win enough close games to get the 2nd wildcard.
Worst Case Scenario: The A’s are a .500 team for most of the year and out of the playoff conversation by August.
Key Questions: Some may say Jose Berrios has under-performed the last few seasons. What do you think he can give you this season?
What was the thinking in trading your 1st and 2nd round picks for prospects? Are these players that you think can contribute to you this season?
5) Los Angeles Angels
2023: 51-111, 5th AL West.
Who They Were: The Angels finished the season allowing 2nd most runs in the AL, while also scoring the 2nd least. Gurriel was just about the only player on the team to have an above average season. No pitcher on the staff was able to throw more than 150 innings.
Offseason Review: The Angels lost Gurriel to the Mariners in free agency. They then traded Castellanos and his contract to KC along with Syverson, getting back Griffin and some minor pieces.
On the Farm: The Angels farm system is ranked dead last in the league. The highest rated prospect, Sisto Flix, is still in the international complex. The 19 year old outfielder ranks as the #256 overall prospect. The Angels don't have a single top 50 organizational prospect projected to start in AAA.
Best Case Scenario: The Angels somehow lose less than 100 games.
Worst Case Scenario: Attendance plummets and the budget gets slashed.
Key Questions: Why was Mckirahan released in the same offseason that he signed a qualifying offer?
Who will be your opening day starter?
