Post by Commissioner Erick on Oct 13, 2022 11:09:50 GMT -5
The Milwaukee Brewers have a stranglehold on the National League Central with four straight division titles and two straight World Championships and the same team returning for 2029. They’re still the prohibitive favorites, but a formerly impotent division is starting to show teeth. St. Louis made the Wild Card Game last year with young stars blossoming, and Pittsburgh has an armada of aces breaking into the PBA. The Cubs are still two years away from some financial flexibility and the Reds are still developing, but also look like they have more talent than years past.
1) Milwaukee Brewers
2028: 115-47, NL Central Champions. Defeated San Francisco 4-3 in NLDS. Defeated Los Angeles Dodgers 4-1 in NLCS. Defeated Toronto 4-1 in World Series.
Who They Were: Milwaukee was a juggernaut yet again. They had the best offense in the National League and the best run prevention in the National League. The offense was balanced with 11 hitters hitting double-digit home runs, and 17 players worth at least 0.5 WAR. The pitching was slightly less otherworldly than years past, but the starters were good, the bullpen was great, and Mike Arnold was spectacular with a 9.0 WAR season.
Offseason Review: The Brewers saw Orlando Arcia depart as their only major loss from their team. They didn’t add much, and will bring back most of the core of the 115-win champions.
On The Farm: Grant Stein looks like the next big Brewers corner infield slugger. He has a big arm and big power, and with Nick Rollins’ injury issues, looks like Milwaukee’s future Third Baseman. He may even start as soon as May. Cookie Downen has huge potential in Right Field, and there’s a ton of upper minors pitching depth if Milwaukee’s starting arms get hurt.
Best Case Scenario: Milwaukee Three-Peats
Worst Case Scenario: Milwaukee’s offense falters in the postseason
Key Questions: Your offense has struggled against elite arms at times in the playoffs. Are you comfortable with the unit heading into the season?
Where does Nick Rollins fit in your future plans now? He’s always hurt and Grant Stein may be posed to take over the starting Third Base position.
2) St. Louis Cardinals
2028: 90-73, 2nd Place NL Central. Lost to San Francisco in Wild Card Game
Who They Were: The Cardinals had an underwhelming offense, but Joe Mills’ all-around play and Patrick Leonard’s power provided enough juice to make the playoffs. The team was really carried by a deep bullpen, and the ascension of ace Luis Detres. The 23-year-old went 14-4 with a 2.65 ERA, good for 5.9 WAR as a rookie. A bullpen collapse prevented them from reaching the NLDS.
Offseason Review: Leonard’s power is gone, and so are Manny Machado and Andres Chaparro, meaning St. Louis will need to replace a lot of right-handed pop. Bob Beasley, coming off a down year in Washington, looks to fill Third Base, while Ozzie Albies handles a middle-infield spot. Nomar Mazara and Rafael Jimenez will provide some outfield pop, and Eric Walker finally gets a starting job he’s deserved for awhile as the club’s Catcher. A lot of arms are still battling in camp, but it’s possible St. Louis only has Detres as an effective starting arm surrounded by a deep bullpen.
On The Farm: Chris Yera may not have enough stamina to start, or if he does, he’ll be limited to 5 innings a lot of the time, but he’s a nightmare for hitters and for people who blindly accept spellchecking suggestions. He touches 100 and all his hard pitches move as much as the softer ones. Dany Medina could join him as a rookie arm that gets great movement and also touches 100. Rich Whitt is nearly fully developed and is the third arm who touched 100, this time with a five-piece arsenal. The Cardinals will be able to dip into their minors if they need high-end pitching solutions this season.
Best Case Scenario: The Cardinals win the Wild Card Game
Worst Case Scenario: Pittsburgh wins the arms race.
Key Questions: Outside of Detres, the Cardinals arms either may be too young or too underwhelming. Do you trust the unit to hold up for you to make a playoff run?
Nomar Mazara had an inexplicably bad 2028. Are you worried that’s who he is now?
3) Pittsburgh Pirates
2028: 83-79: 3rd Place NL Central
Who They Were: Pittsburgh had its first winning season since 2020 last year, taking strides and continuing to improve at a healthy pace. The offense wasn’t bad and the starting staff was really good, with a bunch of young phenoms having great starts to their career. The team finished fourth in starting pitcher ERA. Three hitters age 25-or-younger had at least 1.9 WAR, as did three pitchers.
Offseason Review: Pittsburgh lost serviceable, but underwhelming Third Baseman Willi Castro and added more pitching depth with Brad Street, Damian Mendoza, and Luis Morillo coming aboard. Combined with internal improvements and some debuting prospects, Pittsburgh’s staff could be exceptional.
On The Farm: Brian Radcliff had a cup of coffee last year and will be given a full chance to start at Third Base. He has a big arm and should give Pittsburgh some power in its lineup. The team has an abundance of young arms competing for spots on the staff as well. Aside from Radcliff and some elite pitchers, the system is pretty barren with little position player depth and the best talents deep in rookie ball.
Best Case Scenario: The young staff carries Pittsburgh to the playoffs.
Worst Case Scenario: The offense drags Pittsburgh to a losing record
Key Questions: You have a lot of potential starting pitching options. What five will start the season in the rotation?
How do you feel about Tyler Freeman as your starting Shortstop? Do you think he gives you enough offense to compete at a high level?
4) Chicago Cubs
2028: 70-92, 4th Place NL Central
Who They Were: The Cubs, still digging out from terrible contracts and a void of young talent, struggled in 2028. They had enough talent to be respectable, but not enough to be competitive. Francisco Lindor was his usual spectacular self, with a .328 average and 6.8 WAR, and Tillman Corriga had a promising sophomore season with a 4.05 ERA. They didn’t have any impact arms though, and their offense was impotent. The one thing they did very well was run, as their 111 steals were second in the NL.
Offseason Review: Chicago traded for a potential ace Liam Thomas, shipping out promising youngster Bill Pollard in the process. They brought in Keibert Ruiz and Andres Cordero to revamp their Catcher spot, and Alejandro Toral to play First Base.
On The Farm: Chicago has the 29th ranked farm, so they still need talent for their rebuild. Udo Yoshida should help the rotation in a year or so as Chicago’s future number three arm. Charlie Connolly can be a fourth outfielder without much more development needed. There are a number of players on the left side of the infield in the low minors who will someday be useful players. There aren’t a lot of impactful players in the organization though.
Best Case Scenario: Chicago’s pitching is second best in the division
Worst Case Scenario: Francisco Lindor finally slows down
Key Questions: Alejandro Toral was brutal last year. Why did you decide to take a chance on him?
I thought Bill Pollard was a good looking young player. Why did you move on from him so quickly?
5) Cincinnati Reds
2028: 58-104, Last Place NL Central
Who They Were: The Reds were both second to last in scoring runs and preventing them during a dismal 2028 season. Star prospect Andrew Knutsen struggled through a negative WAR campaign, then got hurt, and was one of eight position players to produce negative WAR. The pitching wasn’t much better, especially after Josh Carlson was traded to Seattle. Everyone who finished the year with the Reds and who made more than four starts had an ERA of 5.06 or greater.
Offseason Review: The Reds brought on Justin Dunn and Ulysses Cantu to provide low-end depth for the team, and Tomoya Mori to put fans in the seats. Pitcher Cobi Johnson departs, as does defensive maestro Wander Samuel Franco. Cincinnati’s defense will likely be worst next year as a result.
On The Farm: There are more arms than gloves. Vince Dubin and Ferret Koehler look like good ones, and they’re only a year away. Nicolas Lieberman shouldn’t be too far behind them. Terence Lucas looks like a starting Center Fielder, though he may need a year of seasoning. Most of the rest of the decent position players are veteran Quad-A types, not impact bats.
Best Case Scenario: Knutsen plays up to his potential and leads the Reds into fourth.
Worst Case Scenario: With the division improving, the Reds could be left behind with 110 losses.
Key Questions: You have a lot of sluggers with questionable hit tools. Which player do you like most of all those who fit the archetype?
Why did you target Cantu in free agency?
1) Milwaukee Brewers
2028: 115-47, NL Central Champions. Defeated San Francisco 4-3 in NLDS. Defeated Los Angeles Dodgers 4-1 in NLCS. Defeated Toronto 4-1 in World Series.
Who They Were: Milwaukee was a juggernaut yet again. They had the best offense in the National League and the best run prevention in the National League. The offense was balanced with 11 hitters hitting double-digit home runs, and 17 players worth at least 0.5 WAR. The pitching was slightly less otherworldly than years past, but the starters were good, the bullpen was great, and Mike Arnold was spectacular with a 9.0 WAR season.
Offseason Review: The Brewers saw Orlando Arcia depart as their only major loss from their team. They didn’t add much, and will bring back most of the core of the 115-win champions.
On The Farm: Grant Stein looks like the next big Brewers corner infield slugger. He has a big arm and big power, and with Nick Rollins’ injury issues, looks like Milwaukee’s future Third Baseman. He may even start as soon as May. Cookie Downen has huge potential in Right Field, and there’s a ton of upper minors pitching depth if Milwaukee’s starting arms get hurt.
Best Case Scenario: Milwaukee Three-Peats
Worst Case Scenario: Milwaukee’s offense falters in the postseason
Key Questions: Your offense has struggled against elite arms at times in the playoffs. Are you comfortable with the unit heading into the season?
Where does Nick Rollins fit in your future plans now? He’s always hurt and Grant Stein may be posed to take over the starting Third Base position.
2) St. Louis Cardinals
2028: 90-73, 2nd Place NL Central. Lost to San Francisco in Wild Card Game
Who They Were: The Cardinals had an underwhelming offense, but Joe Mills’ all-around play and Patrick Leonard’s power provided enough juice to make the playoffs. The team was really carried by a deep bullpen, and the ascension of ace Luis Detres. The 23-year-old went 14-4 with a 2.65 ERA, good for 5.9 WAR as a rookie. A bullpen collapse prevented them from reaching the NLDS.
Offseason Review: Leonard’s power is gone, and so are Manny Machado and Andres Chaparro, meaning St. Louis will need to replace a lot of right-handed pop. Bob Beasley, coming off a down year in Washington, looks to fill Third Base, while Ozzie Albies handles a middle-infield spot. Nomar Mazara and Rafael Jimenez will provide some outfield pop, and Eric Walker finally gets a starting job he’s deserved for awhile as the club’s Catcher. A lot of arms are still battling in camp, but it’s possible St. Louis only has Detres as an effective starting arm surrounded by a deep bullpen.
On The Farm: Chris Yera may not have enough stamina to start, or if he does, he’ll be limited to 5 innings a lot of the time, but he’s a nightmare for hitters and for people who blindly accept spellchecking suggestions. He touches 100 and all his hard pitches move as much as the softer ones. Dany Medina could join him as a rookie arm that gets great movement and also touches 100. Rich Whitt is nearly fully developed and is the third arm who touched 100, this time with a five-piece arsenal. The Cardinals will be able to dip into their minors if they need high-end pitching solutions this season.
Best Case Scenario: The Cardinals win the Wild Card Game
Worst Case Scenario: Pittsburgh wins the arms race.
Key Questions: Outside of Detres, the Cardinals arms either may be too young or too underwhelming. Do you trust the unit to hold up for you to make a playoff run?
Nomar Mazara had an inexplicably bad 2028. Are you worried that’s who he is now?
3) Pittsburgh Pirates
2028: 83-79: 3rd Place NL Central
Who They Were: Pittsburgh had its first winning season since 2020 last year, taking strides and continuing to improve at a healthy pace. The offense wasn’t bad and the starting staff was really good, with a bunch of young phenoms having great starts to their career. The team finished fourth in starting pitcher ERA. Three hitters age 25-or-younger had at least 1.9 WAR, as did three pitchers.
Offseason Review: Pittsburgh lost serviceable, but underwhelming Third Baseman Willi Castro and added more pitching depth with Brad Street, Damian Mendoza, and Luis Morillo coming aboard. Combined with internal improvements and some debuting prospects, Pittsburgh’s staff could be exceptional.
On The Farm: Brian Radcliff had a cup of coffee last year and will be given a full chance to start at Third Base. He has a big arm and should give Pittsburgh some power in its lineup. The team has an abundance of young arms competing for spots on the staff as well. Aside from Radcliff and some elite pitchers, the system is pretty barren with little position player depth and the best talents deep in rookie ball.
Best Case Scenario: The young staff carries Pittsburgh to the playoffs.
Worst Case Scenario: The offense drags Pittsburgh to a losing record
Key Questions: You have a lot of potential starting pitching options. What five will start the season in the rotation?
How do you feel about Tyler Freeman as your starting Shortstop? Do you think he gives you enough offense to compete at a high level?
4) Chicago Cubs
2028: 70-92, 4th Place NL Central
Who They Were: The Cubs, still digging out from terrible contracts and a void of young talent, struggled in 2028. They had enough talent to be respectable, but not enough to be competitive. Francisco Lindor was his usual spectacular self, with a .328 average and 6.8 WAR, and Tillman Corriga had a promising sophomore season with a 4.05 ERA. They didn’t have any impact arms though, and their offense was impotent. The one thing they did very well was run, as their 111 steals were second in the NL.
Offseason Review: Chicago traded for a potential ace Liam Thomas, shipping out promising youngster Bill Pollard in the process. They brought in Keibert Ruiz and Andres Cordero to revamp their Catcher spot, and Alejandro Toral to play First Base.
On The Farm: Chicago has the 29th ranked farm, so they still need talent for their rebuild. Udo Yoshida should help the rotation in a year or so as Chicago’s future number three arm. Charlie Connolly can be a fourth outfielder without much more development needed. There are a number of players on the left side of the infield in the low minors who will someday be useful players. There aren’t a lot of impactful players in the organization though.
Best Case Scenario: Chicago’s pitching is second best in the division
Worst Case Scenario: Francisco Lindor finally slows down
Key Questions: Alejandro Toral was brutal last year. Why did you decide to take a chance on him?
I thought Bill Pollard was a good looking young player. Why did you move on from him so quickly?
5) Cincinnati Reds
2028: 58-104, Last Place NL Central
Who They Were: The Reds were both second to last in scoring runs and preventing them during a dismal 2028 season. Star prospect Andrew Knutsen struggled through a negative WAR campaign, then got hurt, and was one of eight position players to produce negative WAR. The pitching wasn’t much better, especially after Josh Carlson was traded to Seattle. Everyone who finished the year with the Reds and who made more than four starts had an ERA of 5.06 or greater.
Offseason Review: The Reds brought on Justin Dunn and Ulysses Cantu to provide low-end depth for the team, and Tomoya Mori to put fans in the seats. Pitcher Cobi Johnson departs, as does defensive maestro Wander Samuel Franco. Cincinnati’s defense will likely be worst next year as a result.
On The Farm: There are more arms than gloves. Vince Dubin and Ferret Koehler look like good ones, and they’re only a year away. Nicolas Lieberman shouldn’t be too far behind them. Terence Lucas looks like a starting Center Fielder, though he may need a year of seasoning. Most of the rest of the decent position players are veteran Quad-A types, not impact bats.
Best Case Scenario: Knutsen plays up to his potential and leads the Reds into fourth.
Worst Case Scenario: With the division improving, the Reds could be left behind with 110 losses.
Key Questions: You have a lot of sluggers with questionable hit tools. Which player do you like most of all those who fit the archetype?
Why did you target Cantu in free agency?
