Post by mikereds on May 11, 2022 7:48:23 GMT -5
PBA NL West
The Dodgers and Giants continued their great PBA rivalry with a competitive 2027 season. The Giants prevailed with 102 wins and the Dodgers tragically finished just one win short of them. The middle class of this division, the Padres and Rockies, also proved to be fairly strong as both teams finished right around .500. The Diamondbacks finished last with 66 wins - but in this powerhouse of a division, that kind of a win total isn't actually too bad. Will this be the year the Giants gain a bigger foothold against their arch-rival? Or will the Dodgers avenge the disappointing end to their 2027 PBA campaign?
1) San Francisco Giants
2027: 102-60, NL West Champion. Lost to Braves 4-3 (series) in divisional round.
Looking Back: The Giants offense was humming in 2027, finishing 3rd in the NL in runs scored and second only to the Rockies in OPS. Vanquishing the Dodgers elated the fans, but then the franchise's hopes for their first-ever PBA title were crushed by the Braves in a hard-fought playoff series. Canadian lefty DH Kelyn Kattenburger had a breakout year, leading the entire NL in hits, runs and homers. Kattenburger was far from the only menace, as the Giants continue to frustrate the entire NL with their seemingly endless supply of talented young left-handed hitters. The power pitching of Giants ace Shane Baz continued to be lethal and set the table for the rest of the team - he started 36 games, pitched 199 innings and struck out an impressive 242 batters. Loaded with highly rated 20-somethings up and down their dugout, the Giants are sure to be a juggernaut for years to come.
Offseason Review: The annual ritual of PBA teams picking players away from the Giants farm via the Rule V Draft occurred on Christmas this year. This year the total damage was 4 pitchers (mostly relievers) and 5 position players. The Giants also let a few vets walk during free agency - mainly 3B Orlando Arcia and RF Dan Cabrera. The Giants needed room and also lost a few players via waivers - RP Aaron Perry (claimed by the Rockies) and 2B Chris Schoepflin (claimed by the Reds). The Giants also executed a trade that dealt SP/RP Dylan Jacquez to the Reds. The Giants signed no one in free agency and decided to rely fully on promotions from their loaded AA and AAA levels.
On the Farm: The farm likely loses #1 ranked PBA prospect Alfredo Estevez as he is likely to make his rookie debut in the bigs. But the Giants farm still remains fully loaded with quality and quantity. OF Elias Ramirez has major power potential. Lefty flamethrower Gerald Riches will be a major league stud in a year or two if his control improves. Infielder Mike Knox should be a serviceable infield utility man in the bigs eventually. SP Evan "Stud" Orcutt is also on the verge of cracking the majors but may spend another year in the minors if the Giants can't find a spot for him. LF David Bollman could also have a bright future. Beyond that, the farm is loaded with quality depth at every position, most notably relief pitcher.
Best Case Scenario: The Giants young core improves the team by another 8-10 wins and San Fran leaves the Dodgers in their rear view mirror.
Worst Case Scenario: The NL is deeper than projected and the Giants miss out on a wildcard. But a record above .500 is basically a certainty.
Key Questions:
2) Los Angeles Dodgers
2027: 101-61. Lost wildcard game to Nationals.
Offseason Review: The Dodgers big acquisition in free agency was power hitting corner infielder Joe Decarlo. Decarlo will have big shoes to fill, as both 1B Maikel Franco and 3B Manny Machado left as free agents. The team will also miss the leadership and defensive prowess of C Austin Hedges, who is now the backstop for the Mets. LA infused some youth into their pitching staff via Rule V, adding Gavin Hammer and Justin Meyer. SS Nick Allen tested free agency, but ultimately returned to the Dodgers. The Dodgers were able to get the Cardinals to take on the bad contract of declining reliever Steven Matz, which was a big plus.
Best Case Scenario: Young CF Jorge Ramos puts it together and adds to the already potent Dodgers arsenal, culminating in a World Series return by the Dodgers.
Worst Case Scenario: Even with bad injuries and terrible luck, the Dodgers should still find themselves in the post-season. Any challenges they might face can be overcome by strong management and the deep pockets of Magic Johnson and the Dodgers brass. Unless California falls into the ocean, the Dodgers aren't going anywhere.
3) Colorado Rockies
2027: 84-78
Offseason Review: The Rockies didn't make any huge moves this offseason, but have made some lesser moves to try to improve for 2028. They swung a trade with the Cardinals to acquire SP Nate Stephany. They managed to nab a few relievers from the Giants - Aaron Perry off waivers, and Josh Harmon in the Rule V. The Rockies let multiple aging relievers walk in free agency, most notably Chris Devinksi and Jose Ruiz. Management is convinced that Riley Pint isn't able to start anymore, and will move Riley Pint to the closer role. That might be the right call, given last year's closer situation was pretty volatile and Ryan Meisinger (14 saves) is no longer with the team.
On the Farm: Power hitting OF Mike Wright is on the verge of cracking the majors when there's a spot for him. LF Luis Mata is in AAA and has better plate discipline. Pitchers Joe McCurley and Jorge Tovar also have some potential to improve in the high minors. The Rockies have a solid OF prospect in 2027 1st round draftee Danny Davis now at the AA level. The Rockies farm system may lack the big prospects, but has adequate talent to win at the minor league level. There seems to be a lot of depth at first base in the system
Best Case Scenario: If high strikeout hitters Ralph Porter and catcher Rogelio Mendizabal can limit the K's and manage batting averages above .240, CF David Dahl continues to overachieve, and the pitching stabilizes, the Rockies could clear the 90 win mark.
Worst Case Scenario: A return to sub .500 status if injuries hit key players or the pitching has a messy year.
4) San Diego Padres
2027: 80-82
Looking Back: The Padres young stars had a nice season in 2027. Slick fielding shortstop Royce Lewis sported a 5.9 WAR and led the league with 10 triples. He was also efficient on the bases, stealing 24 bags and only getting caught 5 times. His 11 steals in the WCB proves he shows no signs of slowing down soon as long as the manager lets him run. Former Rule V RF Mike Fitzgerald had his finest pro season, hitting .300 and clearing the 100 RBI mark. Homegrown Padres 1B Alejandro Toral matched Fitzgerald .300 season average and also cleared the 100 RBI for his first time. For the first time in his career, veteran righty Chris Paddack worked as a full time closer and excelled with 35 saves. The rotation was fairly average, except for Akinori Hayashida who had a hellacious year evidenced by a 7.10 ERA and a .357 BABIP. Hayashida and the Padres are surely hoping for better fortune in 2028, hard as it may be to come by in the NL West.
Offseason Review: The Padres added starting pitching prospect Daizo Matsumoto via the Rule V draft. San Diego will have to be careful in how they utilize Daizo as he is only 19 years old. Also in the Rule V Draft, the team lost relieve Jose Mn Martinez to the Reds. 1B Alejandro Toral rejected his qualifying offer and departed in free agency. The team will have to replace his 3.2 WAR and 105 RBI's. But those are the major happenings in a quiet San Diego offseason. We'll have to see if the team signs any free agents to the roster as the season begins.
On the Farm: The Padres have a solid farm system, ranked #5 in the PBA. The future of the Padres is led by 2025 1st round pick SP Tom McCracken, who looked very good in 17 starts in A ball last year with a 3.00 FIP and 1.15 WHIP. The Padres may have found a diamond in the rough in 2025 20th round pick SP Adam Anderson who has shown big upside and is now ranked #31 out of all prospects. RF Alessandro Baggio might develop into a steady major league hitter over time. SP Jim Garr looked good at the A level in 2027 and may have a solid future. All in all, the Padres have an above-average farm, particularly in the pitching ranks.
Best Case Scenario: CF John Yancey has promise and is due for a breakout year. If that happens and young pitch Jake Shirey takes the next step, it will be possible to contend for a wildcard.
Worst Case Scenario: The Padres have a good core in their prime and shouldn't miss Toral too much on offense. They also have a 2-time gold glove catcher in MJ Melendez. Even if major injuries strike, this core still has the means to stay around .500.
5) Arizona Diamondbacks
2027: 66-96
Looking Back: For the third time in the last four seasons, the DBacks recorded exactly 66 wins at the close of the season. The pitching was the great trouble spot in 2027. Arizona led the NL in walks and even posted a slightly worse team ERA and WHIP than the Rockies. Young lefties Luis Coto and Nick Anderson had solid seasons out of the bullpen, but the rest of the staff struggled quite a bit. But on the positive side, CF Tony Sierra had a amazing year, hitting .320, 39 HR and 117 RBI's in his first year as a full-time major leaguer. Sierra is only 24 and could be MVP material before too long. While not as incredible as Sierra, 2B Tim Barton and LF Deshawn DeLaine also had fine seasons and are just starting to enter their prime. There is a lot for Arizona to work with over the long haul, but they'll need to address their pitching woes.
Offseason Review: Despite the poor record and woeful pitching, Arizona has been very quiet this offseason. They lost SP Bill Derose in the Rule V Draft, and it could come back to haunt them as the youngster has a wicked curveball and an improving changeup. Other than adding a new team trainer, basically nothing else has changed in the desert.
On The Farm: The best prospect in the Arizona system is SP Aaron Costain. He is 22 and may need to be fast-tracked to the majors given Arizona's pitching dilemma. CF Shane Cornelius is a quality gap hitter at the AA level (13 triples in 2027). SP Adam Holmgren, originally in the Royals system, could develop nicely with his 100+ mph velocity and S-tier fastball. SP Jonas Cadena could be a standout from the 2027 draft if he develops. 16-year old international signing C Francisco Cruz from the Dominican Republic could shake out over the long haul.
Best Case Scenario: Arizona has one of the best looking young pitchers in Jim D'Amico. He got his cup of coffee in 2027. If he can hit the ground running and dominate PBA hitters, the Diamondbacks ceiling is 80 wins.
Worst Case Scenario: If the lack of activity in the offseason takes its toll in the regular season and injuries hit, Arizona could threaten the Angels for the #1 overall pick in 2029. Also a concern is the lack of veteran leadership (no Arizona player on the 40-man roster is over 30). The team will need to keep their clubhouse in check.
Key Questions:
The Dodgers and Giants continued their great PBA rivalry with a competitive 2027 season. The Giants prevailed with 102 wins and the Dodgers tragically finished just one win short of them. The middle class of this division, the Padres and Rockies, also proved to be fairly strong as both teams finished right around .500. The Diamondbacks finished last with 66 wins - but in this powerhouse of a division, that kind of a win total isn't actually too bad. Will this be the year the Giants gain a bigger foothold against their arch-rival? Or will the Dodgers avenge the disappointing end to their 2027 PBA campaign?
1) San Francisco Giants
2027: 102-60, NL West Champion. Lost to Braves 4-3 (series) in divisional round.
Looking Back: The Giants offense was humming in 2027, finishing 3rd in the NL in runs scored and second only to the Rockies in OPS. Vanquishing the Dodgers elated the fans, but then the franchise's hopes for their first-ever PBA title were crushed by the Braves in a hard-fought playoff series. Canadian lefty DH Kelyn Kattenburger had a breakout year, leading the entire NL in hits, runs and homers. Kattenburger was far from the only menace, as the Giants continue to frustrate the entire NL with their seemingly endless supply of talented young left-handed hitters. The power pitching of Giants ace Shane Baz continued to be lethal and set the table for the rest of the team - he started 36 games, pitched 199 innings and struck out an impressive 242 batters. Loaded with highly rated 20-somethings up and down their dugout, the Giants are sure to be a juggernaut for years to come.
Offseason Review: The annual ritual of PBA teams picking players away from the Giants farm via the Rule V Draft occurred on Christmas this year. This year the total damage was 4 pitchers (mostly relievers) and 5 position players. The Giants also let a few vets walk during free agency - mainly 3B Orlando Arcia and RF Dan Cabrera. The Giants needed room and also lost a few players via waivers - RP Aaron Perry (claimed by the Rockies) and 2B Chris Schoepflin (claimed by the Reds). The Giants also executed a trade that dealt SP/RP Dylan Jacquez to the Reds. The Giants signed no one in free agency and decided to rely fully on promotions from their loaded AA and AAA levels.
On the Farm: The farm likely loses #1 ranked PBA prospect Alfredo Estevez as he is likely to make his rookie debut in the bigs. But the Giants farm still remains fully loaded with quality and quantity. OF Elias Ramirez has major power potential. Lefty flamethrower Gerald Riches will be a major league stud in a year or two if his control improves. Infielder Mike Knox should be a serviceable infield utility man in the bigs eventually. SP Evan "Stud" Orcutt is also on the verge of cracking the majors but may spend another year in the minors if the Giants can't find a spot for him. LF David Bollman could also have a bright future. Beyond that, the farm is loaded with quality depth at every position, most notably relief pitcher.
Best Case Scenario: The Giants young core improves the team by another 8-10 wins and San Fran leaves the Dodgers in their rear view mirror.
Worst Case Scenario: The NL is deeper than projected and the Giants miss out on a wildcard. But a record above .500 is basically a certainty.
Key Questions:
Will both Esteves and Orcutt start the season in the majors, or will roster room dictate they grab a little more seasoning in the minors first?
Can Klattenburger come close to matching his insane 2027 totals?
Will starter Mekhi "Tripod" Lias live up his 5-year $121 million contract? Or did the Giants pay a little too much for their "Tripod"?
2) Los Angeles Dodgers
2027: 101-61. Lost wildcard game to Nationals.
Looking Back: The competitive gap between the Dodgers and the rest of the PBA seems to be narrowing following their 2024-2026 World Series appearance string. The Dodgers finished 4th in both runs scored and runs allowed in 2027. This wasn't bad, but they undoubtedly placed higher in the prior seasons. Much like their rival the Giants, the DH is a big part of their arsenal with Luis Robert their primary weapon at that spot. Young OF Jorge Ramos suffered somewhat of a sophomore slump, dropping 20 RBI's and 1.7 WAR compared to his 2026 campaign. South Korean import Hyo-Sang Choo had a solid debut at catcher in the PBA and earned an all-star appearance. 2B Luis Urias also continued his steady excellence. Closer Israel Robles also is a force, with 80 saves over the last 2 seasons. Reliever Travis Tyre managed an impressive 13-0 record and 3 saves. The rotation had a solid, but not dominant, 2027 season. The Dodgers appear to be getting older, but management seems to phasing in youth and new faces at a gradual, well-calculated pace.
On the Farm: The Dodgers most-heralded prospect actually resides in the international complex. Austrailian OF Cody Saunderson ranks as the #7 prospect despite being only 17 years. But it's understandable as he has 5-tool potential. The Dodgers farm could use a bit of replenishment, especially on offense. Pitching is not as big of a concern with talent like Steve Stapelton, Mike Troyer and Franklin Zubiate still being developed.
Worst Case Scenario: Even with bad injuries and terrible luck, the Dodgers should still find themselves in the post-season. Any challenges they might face can be overcome by strong management and the deep pockets of Magic Johnson and the Dodgers brass. Unless California falls into the ocean, the Dodgers aren't going anywhere.
Key Questions:
Machado still remains unsigned in free agency as he seems to have overpriced himself. The LA Times is reporting a possible return by Machado at a lower salary. Could it happen?
Will the Dodgers ever find a taker for Alex Verdugo's huge contract? Will they have to retain some salary to get a deal done? If the Dodgers can find a partner, who takes over in right field?
Puerto Rican star Ismael "Penguin" Robles is in the final year of his contract. Will the Dodgers seek to negotiate an extension for the excellent closer?
3) Colorado Rockies
2027: 84-78
Looking Back: Coors Field definitely showed its nature in 2027. The Rockies led the NL in runs by a nice margin. But alas, their pitching also surrendered the most runs. Still, it was good enough to finish above .500 and keep their fans (the Rockies were second in attendance in the NL only to the Dodgers) buying tickets and firmly sitting on the edge of their seats. 2021 First round pick 1B Juan Marrufo came into his own, hitting an impressive 36 HR's and 128 RBI's at only age 24. 3-true-outcomes slugger Ralph Porter had a less disappointing campaign, improving his batting average and reducing his strikeouts somewhat. Management also coaxed a fine season out of CF David Dahl, who sported a .319 batting average, the second highest of his stories career. All this was great, but the Rockies pitching got totally rocked. Only veteran reliever Chris Devenski managed an ERA below 4.00 and many hurlers sported ERA's well over 5.00. But at the end of day, many PBA teams would kill for the Rockies' ticket sales and winning record.
On the Farm: Power hitting OF Mike Wright is on the verge of cracking the majors when there's a spot for him. LF Luis Mata is in AAA and has better plate discipline. Pitchers Joe McCurley and Jorge Tovar also have some potential to improve in the high minors. The Rockies have a solid OF prospect in 2027 1st round draftee Danny Davis now at the AA level. The Rockies farm system may lack the big prospects, but has adequate talent to win at the minor league level. There seems to be a lot of depth at first base in the system
Best Case Scenario: If high strikeout hitters Ralph Porter and catcher Rogelio Mendizabal can limit the K's and manage batting averages above .240, CF David Dahl continues to overachieve, and the pitching stabilizes, the Rockies could clear the 90 win mark.
Worst Case Scenario: A return to sub .500 status if injuries hit key players or the pitching has a messy year.
Key Questions:
Declining pitcher Michael Fullmer is on the final year of his $22 million/year contract. Does he have much left after major injuries? What will his role be in 2028?
Will the Rockies plan to lock up talented and popular 1B Juan Marrufo long-term, or rely on team control and the arbitration process?
How much time will 26-year old 3B Tom Gunning see in the majors in 2028 with Arenado blocking him at the hot corner?
4) San Diego Padres
2027: 80-82
Looking Back: The Padres young stars had a nice season in 2027. Slick fielding shortstop Royce Lewis sported a 5.9 WAR and led the league with 10 triples. He was also efficient on the bases, stealing 24 bags and only getting caught 5 times. His 11 steals in the WCB proves he shows no signs of slowing down soon as long as the manager lets him run. Former Rule V RF Mike Fitzgerald had his finest pro season, hitting .300 and clearing the 100 RBI mark. Homegrown Padres 1B Alejandro Toral matched Fitzgerald .300 season average and also cleared the 100 RBI for his first time. For the first time in his career, veteran righty Chris Paddack worked as a full time closer and excelled with 35 saves. The rotation was fairly average, except for Akinori Hayashida who had a hellacious year evidenced by a 7.10 ERA and a .357 BABIP. Hayashida and the Padres are surely hoping for better fortune in 2028, hard as it may be to come by in the NL West.
Offseason Review: The Padres added starting pitching prospect Daizo Matsumoto via the Rule V draft. San Diego will have to be careful in how they utilize Daizo as he is only 19 years old. Also in the Rule V Draft, the team lost relieve Jose Mn Martinez to the Reds. 1B Alejandro Toral rejected his qualifying offer and departed in free agency. The team will have to replace his 3.2 WAR and 105 RBI's. But those are the major happenings in a quiet San Diego offseason. We'll have to see if the team signs any free agents to the roster as the season begins.
On the Farm: The Padres have a solid farm system, ranked #5 in the PBA. The future of the Padres is led by 2025 1st round pick SP Tom McCracken, who looked very good in 17 starts in A ball last year with a 3.00 FIP and 1.15 WHIP. The Padres may have found a diamond in the rough in 2025 20th round pick SP Adam Anderson who has shown big upside and is now ranked #31 out of all prospects. RF Alessandro Baggio might develop into a steady major league hitter over time. SP Jim Garr looked good at the A level in 2027 and may have a solid future. All in all, the Padres have an above-average farm, particularly in the pitching ranks.
Best Case Scenario: CF John Yancey has promise and is due for a breakout year. If that happens and young pitch Jake Shirey takes the next step, it will be possible to contend for a wildcard.
Worst Case Scenario: The Padres have a good core in their prime and shouldn't miss Toral too much on offense. They also have a 2-time gold glove catcher in MJ Melendez. Even if major injuries strike, this core still has the means to stay around .500.
Key Questions:
This team has a nice core and looks ready to contend. Does the front office have the budget and desire to add a few key pieces and make this team a contender?
2029 will be star SS Royce Lewis' contract year. Will the Padres be able to extend the popular shortstop soon, or is not financially possible?
32-year old Chris Paddack had a surprising debut as the Padres closer with 35 saves. He doesn't have prototypical closer stuff and velocity. Will he be trusted to resume his closer role in 2028 or will he give way to a younger, more powerful arm?
5) Arizona Diamondbacks
2027: 66-96
Looking Back: For the third time in the last four seasons, the DBacks recorded exactly 66 wins at the close of the season. The pitching was the great trouble spot in 2027. Arizona led the NL in walks and even posted a slightly worse team ERA and WHIP than the Rockies. Young lefties Luis Coto and Nick Anderson had solid seasons out of the bullpen, but the rest of the staff struggled quite a bit. But on the positive side, CF Tony Sierra had a amazing year, hitting .320, 39 HR and 117 RBI's in his first year as a full-time major leaguer. Sierra is only 24 and could be MVP material before too long. While not as incredible as Sierra, 2B Tim Barton and LF Deshawn DeLaine also had fine seasons and are just starting to enter their prime. There is a lot for Arizona to work with over the long haul, but they'll need to address their pitching woes.
Offseason Review: Despite the poor record and woeful pitching, Arizona has been very quiet this offseason. They lost SP Bill Derose in the Rule V Draft, and it could come back to haunt them as the youngster has a wicked curveball and an improving changeup. Other than adding a new team trainer, basically nothing else has changed in the desert.
On The Farm: The best prospect in the Arizona system is SP Aaron Costain. He is 22 and may need to be fast-tracked to the majors given Arizona's pitching dilemma. CF Shane Cornelius is a quality gap hitter at the AA level (13 triples in 2027). SP Adam Holmgren, originally in the Royals system, could develop nicely with his 100+ mph velocity and S-tier fastball. SP Jonas Cadena could be a standout from the 2027 draft if he develops. 16-year old international signing C Francisco Cruz from the Dominican Republic could shake out over the long haul.
Best Case Scenario: Arizona has one of the best looking young pitchers in Jim D'Amico. He got his cup of coffee in 2027. If he can hit the ground running and dominate PBA hitters, the Diamondbacks ceiling is 80 wins.
Worst Case Scenario: If the lack of activity in the offseason takes its toll in the regular season and injuries hit, Arizona could threaten the Angels for the #1 overall pick in 2029. Also a concern is the lack of veteran leadership (no Arizona player on the 40-man roster is over 30). The team will need to keep their clubhouse in check.
Key Questions:
How will Arizona improve the pitching metrics in 2028?
Can Sierra repeat, or even improve upon, his incredible 2027 season?
Will catcher Carlos Reeves (.347 at AAA in 2027) be given a chance with the major league club this season?
