Post by Commissioner Erick on Oct 15, 2022 13:15:58 GMT -5
The Toronto Blue Jays may have won the pennant, but the Boston Red Sox were the AL darlings for most of the season, until a second-straight playoff flameout. The Baltimore Orioles have a former champion guiding their ship, and the New York Yankees continue to restock the talent base after some down years. It should make for an incredibly competitive division race.
1) Boston Red Sox
2028: 109-53, AL East Champions. Lost to Toronto 4-2 in ALDS.
Who They Were: The team was a powerhouse in the regular season, then forgot how to pitch in the ALDS, falling to Toronto in six games. Marcus Stroman led the pitching with a 16-4, 3.19 season, and Bobby Mendez had 43 Saves and a 2.39 ERA out of the pen. Joe Taylor was an MVP candidate with a .312/33/112 season with 47 doubles, 20 steals, and eight triples to boot. They won the division by 12 games and couldn’t move on to the ALCS.
Offseason Review: Boston made a number of major changes for a team that won 109 games. Stroman is gone, with Luis Ortiz exiting too. The entire up-the-middle defense is overhauled too, with Victor Robles, Keibert Ruiz, and Andres Gimenez gone in free agency. Juan Gestoso is on to give the team a powerful offense, with Daniel Flores the new backstop. Prospect Joel McCabe will be given a chance to win the starting Shortstop job. Jhoan Duran will slot into the rotation, and Luis Contreras will likely be the team’s closer.
On The Farm: Boston still has some elite talent. Joel McCabe is a heck of an offensive middle infielder and he looks primed for a starting job. Alan Medina looks like a big time power hitter, though he may need a season before he’s ready to contribute. Mackenzie Nickoll is about a year away from being another contributing young slugger. The middle infield depth, both in prospects and veteran backups, is impressive. There are a lot of good pitchers in Triple-A to serve as depth, but the pipeline is drying up in the lower and middle minors.
Best Case Scenario: An ALCS appearance
Worst Case Scenario: We find out Mike Ball really did sell his soul for that 2018 White Sox championship. Ball hasn't won a playoff series since.
Key Questions: You changed so many pieces of such a good team. Why didn’t you run things back?
You don’t have that proven, top-tier ace on your team anymore. Are you worried about your rotation at all?
2) Baltimore Orioles
2028: 90-72, 3rd Place AL East
Who They Were: The franchise known for slugging bombs and botching grounders finished 13th in Home Runs and a respectable ninth in Zone Rating. Baltimore thrived thanks to its pitching, finishing fourth in team ERA with a 4.09 mark, and second in strikeouts with 1378. Part of the power drain was due to injuries to Wessell Russchen. Despite an OPS of 1.039, Russchen only played in 95 Games thanks to a strained groin.
Offseason Review: The Orioles lost long time star Salesman Ancrum, and face-of-the-franchise Darwinzon Hernandez. Peter Solomon and Holden Christian supply low cost arms to help the rotation, and the team hopes for better health from Russchen to make up for the loss of Ancrum.
On The Farm: It’s not the deepest farm. Fernando Arellano should be able to provide mid-rotation innings as soon as this year, and there’s some reliever depth in the mid-minors, but there isn’t much position player depth with a few youngsters like David Bollman slotted in as starters in the majors already. If the Orioles suffer position player injuries, they’ll need to go outside the organization to find help.
Best Case Scenario: Wessel Russchen single-handedly turns around last year’s power numbers.
Worst Case Scenario: Hon realizes that Salesman and Darwinzon were really good players.
Key Questions: You have a few youngsters fighting for the third outfield spot flanking Russchen and David Kouns. Who gets the final spot and why?
You have a few Second Base options. Who has the inside track at starting at the keystone spot?
3) Toronto Blue Jays
2028: 97-65, 2nd Place AL East. Defeated Cleveland in Wild Card Game. Defeated Boston 4-2 in ALDS. Defeated Kansas City 4-3 in ALCS. Lost to Milwaukee 4-1 in World Series
Who They Were: The Blue Jays had a fantastic start and put themselves in position to make the playoffs despite being well overbudget. The team was forced to trade Federico Pando and Thomas Szapucki and still finished the season strong. They were second in the league in runs scored last year, and a solid seventh in runs. Once they made the playoffs, they went on a magic run, shutting down Cleveland in the Wild Card Game, blitzing Boston in the ALDS, and upsetting Kansas City in seven games to reach the World Series before falling short to Milwaukee. The team was filled with good vibes with numerous unheralded players contributing during the club’s playoff run.
Offseason Review: The team upgraded the staff at the cost of the lineup. Rattlesnake Drouet was allowed to walk in free agency, and Eric Walker was traded to Oakland. Former playoff hero Darge Gakere was allowed to leave in free agency, and Tristan Casas was shipped to Oakland. Marc Eberle and Dakoda Hudson are on board to add high end talent to the rotation, with veteran Cal Raleigh the new backup Catcher.
On The Farm: Cortez Castaneda is the big name, a 6-2 slugger with huge power, he may be starting in the minors, or may be hitting cleanup on opening night. Tanh Di is a couple of seasons away, but looks like a mid-rotation arm that keeps the ball on the ground. Hector Jimenez may break camp with the club as a versatile player who can play all over the field. Tim Butler looks like a solid future Catcher, though he’ll need a lot of time to develop.
Best Case Scenario: Toronto doesn’t need to trade half the club’s best players for salary purposes.
Worst Case Scenario: The team struggles to come up with big hits with Drouet’s departure. Toronto doesn’t project to be a club that gets on base a lot.
Key Questions: Last year, your team relied on pluck and heart, but also a ton of hits by Eric Drouet. Do you feel you can easily replace what he brought to the table?
You’ve reworked your rotation this year. Do you think it’s improved upon last year’s verson?
4) New York Yankees
2028: 72-90, 4th Place AL East
Who They Were: New York was a good slugging team as their 199 homers were fourth in the AL, but they were only 13th in runs scored and 12th in runs allowed. Despite having Wilmer Flores and Francisco DeJesus on the team, they gave a bunch of First Base at bats to Matt Oster, and he hit just two home runs, suffocating their offense. Blake Rutherford and Xander Bogaerts were the only hitters with more than 100 Games played and more than a 100 OPS+. The staff had a number of pitchers with negative WAR, including a -0.9 WAR from Dusty Ely and a -1.5 WAR from Jhonthan Munoz as New York continues to rebuild its pitching.
On The Farm: New York has a few good pitchers, but is light on position players. Even their pitching haul may be light, as Bill Gomez is trending to looking like a reliever and not a starter. Dave Maya is a big-time arm, but he’s an eternity away. Jian-Si-Ma is a good looking Third Baseman, but he’s only 17 and in New York’s international complex. New York doesn’t have a young core set to elevate the roster anytime soon.
Best Case Scenario: Some smarter lineup choices could see the Yankees with a winning record.
Worst Case Scenario: With so many questions on the staff, the Yankees could lose 95 games with some bad luck.
Key Questions: Carlos A. Herrera hasn’t pitched in the majors in years. Do you think he’ll be a solid arm for your rotation?
Xander Bogaerts is the only position player currently listed in the top 10 for his position. Do you think you have enough high-end talent to compete this year?
5) Tampa Bay Rays
2028: 55-107, Last Place AL East
Who They Were: The Rays were in the middle of a rebuild, a reason why despite an excellent defense, they were a 107-loss team. Only three players had double-figure homers, and only two players had more than 104 at bats with an OPS+ above 100—and one of the two was Noah Correia with all of 227 At Bats. Jerry Dixon and Tim Grove were the only arms worth more than 1.0 WAR. The defense had the best BABIP in the AL and the second best Zone Rating, so that was a bright spot, but without pitching depth or offensive talent, the Rays couldn’t muster more than 55 wins.
Offseason Review: The Rays lost their best players this offseason. Lewin Diaz is a free agent, Logan Ice is a free agent, and Livan Soto was moved to Seattle. Center Fielders Mason House and Garrett Mitchell weren’t retained. Devin Ortiz will supply rotation depth and Austin Hedges was brought on to be Catcher, but with major financial issues and a commitment to invest in development, it should be a long season in Tampa Bay.
On The Farm: Despite having only one winning season since 2022, Tampa Bay has one of the weakest farms in the league. Eric Hopper looks like a future plus hitter who can slot in the middle of Tampa Bay’s order, and the Rays have a few good arms who are years away. Mitch Ramsay’s a year away from being able to supply some pop for the team, and Jeff Nelson is a year away from securing at worst a backup infielder role as a slick-gloved Shortstop. Nowhere is there the kind of star who will turn their fortunes around.
Best Case Scenario: The Angels are still the Angels
Worst Case Scenario: The worst team in the American League
Key Questions: You have a bunch of middling options at First Base. Who gets the job to start the year?
You’re slated to give Jason Thompson the starting Shortstop job. Do you think he’ll hit enough to not be an automatic out at the plate?
1) Boston Red Sox
2028: 109-53, AL East Champions. Lost to Toronto 4-2 in ALDS.
Who They Were: The team was a powerhouse in the regular season, then forgot how to pitch in the ALDS, falling to Toronto in six games. Marcus Stroman led the pitching with a 16-4, 3.19 season, and Bobby Mendez had 43 Saves and a 2.39 ERA out of the pen. Joe Taylor was an MVP candidate with a .312/33/112 season with 47 doubles, 20 steals, and eight triples to boot. They won the division by 12 games and couldn’t move on to the ALCS.
Offseason Review: Boston made a number of major changes for a team that won 109 games. Stroman is gone, with Luis Ortiz exiting too. The entire up-the-middle defense is overhauled too, with Victor Robles, Keibert Ruiz, and Andres Gimenez gone in free agency. Juan Gestoso is on to give the team a powerful offense, with Daniel Flores the new backstop. Prospect Joel McCabe will be given a chance to win the starting Shortstop job. Jhoan Duran will slot into the rotation, and Luis Contreras will likely be the team’s closer.
On The Farm: Boston still has some elite talent. Joel McCabe is a heck of an offensive middle infielder and he looks primed for a starting job. Alan Medina looks like a big time power hitter, though he may need a season before he’s ready to contribute. Mackenzie Nickoll is about a year away from being another contributing young slugger. The middle infield depth, both in prospects and veteran backups, is impressive. There are a lot of good pitchers in Triple-A to serve as depth, but the pipeline is drying up in the lower and middle minors.
Best Case Scenario: An ALCS appearance
Worst Case Scenario: We find out Mike Ball really did sell his soul for that 2018 White Sox championship. Ball hasn't won a playoff series since.
Key Questions: You changed so many pieces of such a good team. Why didn’t you run things back?
You don’t have that proven, top-tier ace on your team anymore. Are you worried about your rotation at all?
2) Baltimore Orioles
2028: 90-72, 3rd Place AL East
Who They Were: The franchise known for slugging bombs and botching grounders finished 13th in Home Runs and a respectable ninth in Zone Rating. Baltimore thrived thanks to its pitching, finishing fourth in team ERA with a 4.09 mark, and second in strikeouts with 1378. Part of the power drain was due to injuries to Wessell Russchen. Despite an OPS of 1.039, Russchen only played in 95 Games thanks to a strained groin.
Offseason Review: The Orioles lost long time star Salesman Ancrum, and face-of-the-franchise Darwinzon Hernandez. Peter Solomon and Holden Christian supply low cost arms to help the rotation, and the team hopes for better health from Russchen to make up for the loss of Ancrum.
On The Farm: It’s not the deepest farm. Fernando Arellano should be able to provide mid-rotation innings as soon as this year, and there’s some reliever depth in the mid-minors, but there isn’t much position player depth with a few youngsters like David Bollman slotted in as starters in the majors already. If the Orioles suffer position player injuries, they’ll need to go outside the organization to find help.
Best Case Scenario: Wessel Russchen single-handedly turns around last year’s power numbers.
Worst Case Scenario: Hon realizes that Salesman and Darwinzon were really good players.
Key Questions: You have a few youngsters fighting for the third outfield spot flanking Russchen and David Kouns. Who gets the final spot and why?
You have a few Second Base options. Who has the inside track at starting at the keystone spot?
3) Toronto Blue Jays
2028: 97-65, 2nd Place AL East. Defeated Cleveland in Wild Card Game. Defeated Boston 4-2 in ALDS. Defeated Kansas City 4-3 in ALCS. Lost to Milwaukee 4-1 in World Series
Who They Were: The Blue Jays had a fantastic start and put themselves in position to make the playoffs despite being well overbudget. The team was forced to trade Federico Pando and Thomas Szapucki and still finished the season strong. They were second in the league in runs scored last year, and a solid seventh in runs. Once they made the playoffs, they went on a magic run, shutting down Cleveland in the Wild Card Game, blitzing Boston in the ALDS, and upsetting Kansas City in seven games to reach the World Series before falling short to Milwaukee. The team was filled with good vibes with numerous unheralded players contributing during the club’s playoff run.
Offseason Review: The team upgraded the staff at the cost of the lineup. Rattlesnake Drouet was allowed to walk in free agency, and Eric Walker was traded to Oakland. Former playoff hero Darge Gakere was allowed to leave in free agency, and Tristan Casas was shipped to Oakland. Marc Eberle and Dakoda Hudson are on board to add high end talent to the rotation, with veteran Cal Raleigh the new backup Catcher.
On The Farm: Cortez Castaneda is the big name, a 6-2 slugger with huge power, he may be starting in the minors, or may be hitting cleanup on opening night. Tanh Di is a couple of seasons away, but looks like a mid-rotation arm that keeps the ball on the ground. Hector Jimenez may break camp with the club as a versatile player who can play all over the field. Tim Butler looks like a solid future Catcher, though he’ll need a lot of time to develop.
Best Case Scenario: Toronto doesn’t need to trade half the club’s best players for salary purposes.
Worst Case Scenario: The team struggles to come up with big hits with Drouet’s departure. Toronto doesn’t project to be a club that gets on base a lot.
Key Questions: Last year, your team relied on pluck and heart, but also a ton of hits by Eric Drouet. Do you feel you can easily replace what he brought to the table?
You’ve reworked your rotation this year. Do you think it’s improved upon last year’s verson?
4) New York Yankees
2028: 72-90, 4th Place AL East
Who They Were: New York was a good slugging team as their 199 homers were fourth in the AL, but they were only 13th in runs scored and 12th in runs allowed. Despite having Wilmer Flores and Francisco DeJesus on the team, they gave a bunch of First Base at bats to Matt Oster, and he hit just two home runs, suffocating their offense. Blake Rutherford and Xander Bogaerts were the only hitters with more than 100 Games played and more than a 100 OPS+. The staff had a number of pitchers with negative WAR, including a -0.9 WAR from Dusty Ely and a -1.5 WAR from Jhonthan Munoz as New York continues to rebuild its pitching.
On The Farm: New York has a few good pitchers, but is light on position players. Even their pitching haul may be light, as Bill Gomez is trending to looking like a reliever and not a starter. Dave Maya is a big-time arm, but he’s an eternity away. Jian-Si-Ma is a good looking Third Baseman, but he’s only 17 and in New York’s international complex. New York doesn’t have a young core set to elevate the roster anytime soon.
Best Case Scenario: Some smarter lineup choices could see the Yankees with a winning record.
Worst Case Scenario: With so many questions on the staff, the Yankees could lose 95 games with some bad luck.
Key Questions: Carlos A. Herrera hasn’t pitched in the majors in years. Do you think he’ll be a solid arm for your rotation?
Xander Bogaerts is the only position player currently listed in the top 10 for his position. Do you think you have enough high-end talent to compete this year?
5) Tampa Bay Rays
2028: 55-107, Last Place AL East
Who They Were: The Rays were in the middle of a rebuild, a reason why despite an excellent defense, they were a 107-loss team. Only three players had double-figure homers, and only two players had more than 104 at bats with an OPS+ above 100—and one of the two was Noah Correia with all of 227 At Bats. Jerry Dixon and Tim Grove were the only arms worth more than 1.0 WAR. The defense had the best BABIP in the AL and the second best Zone Rating, so that was a bright spot, but without pitching depth or offensive talent, the Rays couldn’t muster more than 55 wins.
Offseason Review: The Rays lost their best players this offseason. Lewin Diaz is a free agent, Logan Ice is a free agent, and Livan Soto was moved to Seattle. Center Fielders Mason House and Garrett Mitchell weren’t retained. Devin Ortiz will supply rotation depth and Austin Hedges was brought on to be Catcher, but with major financial issues and a commitment to invest in development, it should be a long season in Tampa Bay.
On The Farm: Despite having only one winning season since 2022, Tampa Bay has one of the weakest farms in the league. Eric Hopper looks like a future plus hitter who can slot in the middle of Tampa Bay’s order, and the Rays have a few good arms who are years away. Mitch Ramsay’s a year away from being able to supply some pop for the team, and Jeff Nelson is a year away from securing at worst a backup infielder role as a slick-gloved Shortstop. Nowhere is there the kind of star who will turn their fortunes around.
Best Case Scenario: The Angels are still the Angels
Worst Case Scenario: The worst team in the American League
Key Questions: You have a bunch of middling options at First Base. Who gets the job to start the year?
You’re slated to give Jason Thompson the starting Shortstop job. Do you think he’ll hit enough to not be an automatic out at the plate?
