Post by Jay Bigs on Mar 9, 2024 17:27:11 GMT -5
1. Los Angeles Dodgers
2031 95.-67
2032 Preseason prediction: 94-68
GM and Manager: Ben Vincent
Opening Day: April 1 @ Colorado Rockies
Key Acquisitions: OF Nomar Mazara, OF Jadon Ancrum, 1B/DH Andres Chaparro, P Kevin Truitt, P Boyd Vander Kooi
Big losses? OF Alex Verdugo, P Joey Wentz, OF Luis Robert
Having spent 14 seasons in LA Verdugo heading to free agency was a surprise for many and Robert’s return to LA was short lived but their losses are unlikely to be noticed with LA bringing in veteran outfielders Mazara and Ancrum it should be business as usual.
Top Hitters: OF Jeren Kendall (.266, 19 HRs,14.4 ZR @ CF, 4.5 WAR), IF Eric Drouet (.302, 43 BB, 3.6 WAR) 1B/DH Patrick Leonard (.239, 48 HRs, 120 RBI, 79 EBH)
Projected Rotation: LH Pat Cypert (8-7, 4.41 ERA, 145Ks in 163.1 IP) RH Kevin Truitt (8-10, 3.92 ERA, 167 Ks in 165.1 IP), LH Sal Blea (13-8, 3.92 ERA, 150Ks in 174.1 IP), LH Dale Messina (1-2, 5.16 ERA, 11 Ks in 22.2 IP), RH Boyd Vander Kooi (1-2, 5.60 ERA, 40 Ks in 35.1 IP for HOU), *RH Josh Weaver (12-11, 3.84 ERA, 234 Ks in 215.2 IP)
*Currently on DL with a long term injury
Key Relievers: LH Arturo Pedroza (2.26 ERA, 75 Ks in 79.2 IP,6 SV), RH Ismael Robles (3.71 ERA, 95 Ks in 89.2 IP, 40 SV) LH Travis Tyre (3.14 ERA, 86 Ks in 86 IP, 2 SV)
Rookie Watch: #5 OF Cody Saunderson, #95 1B/DH Brandon Sutphin
Outlook: What is there to be said about the serial winners LA Dodgers other than they look to continue their impressive record of 8 playoff appearances in a row winning 2 world series in that time. There is sure to be some disappointment however in LA having made the world series for the past two years but unable to get that 3rd ring but i am sure when we get to the business end of the season we will see LA going for it again. The majority of the Dodgers stars return, they are a team without many weaknesses, solid bats, good defense and a deep pen, the big injury to Josh Weaver leaves them without a true superstar at the top of the rotation but veteran Cypert paired with newly acquired Truitt should offer enough when paired with the young gun of Sal Blea coming off a solid rookie year for the dodgers to pick up wins until Weaver’s return. I expect the Dodgers to win the division due to their consistency over the more streaky Giants.
Key Questions:
- How happy were you to re-sign Kendall this offseason? a deal that will almost guarantee he remains a Dodger until he retires and how important is he to LA?
- Sal Blea seemed to have a solid rookie season, how do you feel his first year in the majors went and do you believe he can be even better this year?
2. San Francisco Giants
2031 90-72
2032 Preseason prediction: 102-60
GM and Manager: Vic Black
Opening Day: April 1 @ Seattle Mariners
Key Acquisitions: C Gilberto Flores (from CWS), C Israel Cruz (from PIT), SP Jorge Cotto + SP Dave Ironside (from HOU)
Big losses? SP Shane Baz, IF Luis Almanzar, IF Andres Gimenez.
The loss of talented pitcher Shane Baz will hurt the Giants who consistently pitched well during his time in San Francisco accumulating 45.5 WAR and over 2000 strikeouts in 9 seasons. Its asking a lot for newly acquired Ironside to replace the impressive numbers Baz put up.
Top Hitters: OF Nelle Willemsen (.309, 42 HRs, 113 RBIs), 1B/DH Juan Campos (.293, 43 HRs, 140 RBIs), OF Andrew Benintendi (.284, .828OPS), OF David Kouns (.322, 203 Hits, 65 EBH, 37 SB) 1B/DH Aaron Allen (.287, .815 OPS, .467 SLG)
Projected Rotation: RH Alfredo Estevez (3.49 ERA, 232Ks in 193.2 IP) LH Evan Orcutt (10-10, 4.08 ERA, 151 Ks in 150 IP), LH Shamar Polite (2-0, 4.67 ERA, 26Ks in 27 IP), RH Rich Sparks (9-4, 2.95 ERA, 102 Ks in 97.2 IP), LH Dave Ironside (7-8, 3.94 ERA, 95 Ks in 141.2 IP for HOU)
Key Relievers: RH Walter Trahan (2.63 ERA, 118 Ks in 109.1 IP, 6 SV)
Rookie Watch: #97 P John Mullens #130 1B Mike Meave
Outlook: The Giants were a bit of an enigma in 2031 missing the playoffs for the first time in 8 years, they still featured some true superstars on offense this showcased by Nelle Willemsen picking up the 2031 MVP with a truly elite showing hitting 42 HRs, hitting for .309 AVG with a league leading 6.7 WAR, pair this with a truly unique David Kouns putting up a record 24 triples you would think it was smooth sailing for the giants and many predicted they would be a shoe-in for the playoffs. Unfortunately they had some glaring weaknesses that cost them a lot of wins, outside of Estevez and Baz the pitching let them down but this was only exacerbated further by having one of the worst defenses in the league meaning any pitcher would have found it hard to be successful in San Fran. The acquisition of Flores should help with his stellar glove behind the plate but there is still a bit of defensive frailty and a bullpen that could use some strengthening if the Giants are to return to the top of the NL West.
Key Questions:
- Do you believe Nelle “Zipper” Willemsen can repeat his MVP calibre performances this year and carry the offense to the playoffs?
- How big a miss will losing Shane Baz be in the overall outlook for San Francisco?
3. Colorado Rockies
2031 69-93
2032 Preseason prediction: 65-97
GM and Manager: Erick Blsco
Opening Day: April 1 vs Los Angeles Dodgers
Key Acquisitions: SP Kevin Brancaccio, CF Greg Jacks, RP Billy McKay,
Big losses? 3B Nolan Arenado (Retired)
None of Colorado’s outgoings would be considered big losses as they all largely underperformed and while future hall of fame third baseman Arenado had an outstanding career in colorado his last 2 seasons were rather disappointing so there will not be a big drop off with his inevitable retirement. Strengthening pitchers was a key need for colorado this off season and they have managed to bring in a couple of shrewd signings along with multiple world series winner Jacks to compliment the OF.
Top Hitters: OF Danny Davis (.313, 39 HRs, .941 OPS, 118 RBIs), OF Steve Hutchinson (.277, 16HRs, .860 OPS), OF Juan Guevara (.277, 12 HR, 2.4 ZR in CF)
Projected Rotation: RH Joe McCurley (10-12, 5.10 ERA, 203Ks in 211.2 IP) LH Thomas Szapucki (11-12, 5.33 ERA, 175 Ks in 190 IP), RH Nate Vance (9-15, 4.74 ERA, 138Ks in 180 IP), RH Kevin Brancaccio (9-16, 4.41 ERA, 203 Ks in 192 IP), RH Mike Stangeland (4.23 ERA, 205 Ks in 181.1 IP in Meridian League)
Key Relievers: RH Aaron Perry (3.54 ERA, 74 Ks in 56 IP, 2 SV) RH Charlie Dougan (3.29 ERA, 87 Ks in 63 IP, 30 SV) RH Makabee Dingane (3.58 ERA, 76 Ks in 55.1 IP)
Rookie Watch: -
Outlook: It's hard to call where the teams outside of Dodgers and the Giants fall but with the teams around them all offloading their star players to make way for prospects I expect this year Colorado to edge closer to the teams above. If they are to make an improvement this year though they will rely heavily on superstar Danny Davis to do the heavy lifting on offense with support from Jacks and Gomez but outside of those I fear the offense will struggle to produce runs when not in the favourable Coors Field. There is however a couple of bright sparks for Colorado in the pitching department, Szapucki had a really solid FIP last year and could produce some good outings, pair this with McCurley and Vance who are another year older and wiser there could be a few wins and there is some solid pen options that could be a strength for them this year. It would take a magical run to make the playoffs and unfortunately a mediocre season looks to be awaiting Colorado again.
Key Questions:
- Davis had an exceptional year last year but for large parts was the only bright spark on offence. Do you feel you have provided him enough support this year?
- Joe McCurley looked to be making progress last year and the talent is certainly there. Do you feel he can take the next step and be an elite arm for you going forward?
4. San Diego Padres
2031 82-80
2032 Preseason prediction: 89-73
GM and Manager: Dalton Timmerman (1st year)
Opening Day: April 1 vs Arizona Diamondbacks
Key Acquisitions: -
Big losses? 1B/DH Mike Fitzgerald, IF Jason Fulton
Both Fitzgerald and Fulton combined helped San Diego pick up a lot of their wins last year so they are big losses on offense and without anyone but prospects coming in return it seems this year we could see a dramatic fall for the Padres.
Top Hitters: 2B Greg Kelly (.260, 12HRs, 21 SB, 9.8 ZR at 2B), C Daniel Reginalde (.259, 2.2 ZR at C), OF Ta-heng Rui (.265, 12 SB, 6.7 ZR at LF)
Projected Rotation: LH Adrian Morejon (15-9, 3.14 ERA, 180Ks in 217.2 IP) LH Tom McCracken (12-9, 3.82 ERA, 138 Ks in 190.2 IP), RH Daizo Matsumoto (4-4, 5.19 ERA, 54 Ks in 67.2 IP), LH Jake Shirey (9-9, 3.32 ERA, 152 Ks in 190 IP), RH Chris Rodriguez (8-4 4.35 ERA, 96 Ks in 138.2 IP)
Key Relievers: RH Travis Crombie (4.94 ERA, 72 Ks in 47.1 IP 8 SV) LH Kevin Fleishman (2.32 ERA, 74 Ks in 66 IP, 9 SV) RH Juan Serrato (3.36 ERA, 82 Ks in 75.1 IP)
Rookie Watch: #68 P Humberto Alcantara,
Outlook: The Padres were largely impressive for most of last year but with changes in the front office it seems they have decided to take a different direction this year and begin a rebuild that many would suggest needed to be done sooner rather than later. While they have in recent years had a few good young talents and a solid pitching core the overall team lacked talent in depth and the holes in the roster meant that they could never quite make a push for the playoffs. It takes a brave GM to make the bold move to sell off young talent such as Fulton and i'm sure more moves will be made before the deadline to offload some players that could be solid contributors on a winning team. That winning team will not be the Padres this year. The pitching staff still has talent in Morejon, McCracken and Shirey with 2 of those having enough years of team control that they could be key components in that future rebuilt team. The pen is largely unimpressive but the biggest weakness for San Diego is the real lack of offensive talent and while the defense and pitching will pick up a few wins against weaker teams the stronger teams will I expect ease past them.
Key Questions:
- New to the PBA and new to the Padres but you made the decision to go straight into a rebuild. What did you see when you evaluated the team the previous GM left you that made you think the rebuild was the correct path to take?
- Do you envisage more outgoings throughout the year? And are you aiming for a high draft pick to kick start the rebuild?
5. Arizona Diamondbacks
2031 76-86
2032 Preseason prediction: 60-102
GM and Manager: Jack Moeser
Opening Day: April 1 vs San Diego Padres
Key Acquisitions: 2B Justin Powell, RP Frank Zendejas, OF/IF Vinny Escudero, P AJ Puk,
Big losses? OF Tony Sierra, P Jim Robinson, 2B Chris Paramore, 3B Gary Ford, OF Jimmy Torres
It was a huge offseason for Arizona and the PBA with some genuine stars leaving Arizona and strengthening teams that were among the best records last year. Its an obvious thing to say but this considerably weakens Arizona and with it their worst record in recent years could be awaiting them. They managed to acquire a lot of young talent and prospects in return which will determine if the trades were a success or not. They also acquired veteran pitcher A.J. Puk which i'm sure the fans will love and could be future trade bait before the deadline if he can have a good year.
Top Hitters: OF Shane Cornelius (.274, 15 HRs, .827 OPS), 1B Robert Correa (.243, 33 HRs, 58 EBH) OF/IF Vinny Escudero (.263 AVG, 14 HRs, .761 OPS)
Projected Rotation: LH Jim D’Amico (Spent all of 2031 on DL) LH Jonas Cadena (9-14, 4.88 ERA, 167 Ks in 168 IP), LH A.J. Puk (7-6, 5.16 ERA, 128 Ks in 134.1 IP), RH Adam Holmgren (9-11 4.84 ERA, 101 Ks in 167.1 IP), RH Ismael Morel (0-8, 4.41 ERA, 60 Ks in 85.2 IP), *RH Chris Walker (5-7, 4.25 ERA, 122 Ks in 144 IP)
* On the DL with a long term injury. Expected return in 3 Months.
Key Relievers: RH Jonas Muniz (4.62 ERA, 75 Ks in 87.2 IP, 13 SV)
Rookie Watch: #96 OF Dustin Hall, #116 IF Justin Powell, #203 P Dan Varland
Outlook: What do you say about the team predicted to finish 5th in the NL West with one of the worst records in the whole of the PBA. The answer is there is not a lot to be positive about if you're a Dbacks fan and want to see your team win games. This year will be a painful one to watch and expect them to compete for the #1 overall draft pick to help with the good work they have already done to start their rebuild. There is however a couple of things to look forward to, we see the return of talented pitcher Jim D’Amico who after a big injury to end the 2030 season spent all of 2031 on the sidelines, his return at the top of the rotation paired with young Jonas Cadena could be enough to wet the appetite for those of us that appreciate talented pitching. We expect to see a debut season for talented infielder Justin Powell produced in the St louis talent factory that seems to hit more often than not with a good glove and the potential for hitting the gaps it may be something for Arizona to build upon when the prospects develop. Despite my adoration for some of the young talent, my one to watch in Arizona this year is young power hitting lefty Chris Herndon, Arizona have had a knack for developing power hitters in recent years so we could see another one added to that list.
Key Questions:
- I'm sure fans were not happy with you after letting go of Sierra, Ford and Torres but were you happy with what you got in return to kickstart your rebuild?
- Out of the players you acquired this offseason which are you most excited about?
2031 95.-67
2032 Preseason prediction: 94-68
GM and Manager: Ben Vincent
Opening Day: April 1 @ Colorado Rockies
Key Acquisitions: OF Nomar Mazara, OF Jadon Ancrum, 1B/DH Andres Chaparro, P Kevin Truitt, P Boyd Vander Kooi
Big losses? OF Alex Verdugo, P Joey Wentz, OF Luis Robert
Having spent 14 seasons in LA Verdugo heading to free agency was a surprise for many and Robert’s return to LA was short lived but their losses are unlikely to be noticed with LA bringing in veteran outfielders Mazara and Ancrum it should be business as usual.
Top Hitters: OF Jeren Kendall (.266, 19 HRs,14.4 ZR @ CF, 4.5 WAR), IF Eric Drouet (.302, 43 BB, 3.6 WAR) 1B/DH Patrick Leonard (.239, 48 HRs, 120 RBI, 79 EBH)
Projected Rotation: LH Pat Cypert (8-7, 4.41 ERA, 145Ks in 163.1 IP) RH Kevin Truitt (8-10, 3.92 ERA, 167 Ks in 165.1 IP), LH Sal Blea (13-8, 3.92 ERA, 150Ks in 174.1 IP), LH Dale Messina (1-2, 5.16 ERA, 11 Ks in 22.2 IP), RH Boyd Vander Kooi (1-2, 5.60 ERA, 40 Ks in 35.1 IP for HOU), *RH Josh Weaver (12-11, 3.84 ERA, 234 Ks in 215.2 IP)
*Currently on DL with a long term injury
Key Relievers: LH Arturo Pedroza (2.26 ERA, 75 Ks in 79.2 IP,6 SV), RH Ismael Robles (3.71 ERA, 95 Ks in 89.2 IP, 40 SV) LH Travis Tyre (3.14 ERA, 86 Ks in 86 IP, 2 SV)
Rookie Watch: #5 OF Cody Saunderson, #95 1B/DH Brandon Sutphin
Outlook: What is there to be said about the serial winners LA Dodgers other than they look to continue their impressive record of 8 playoff appearances in a row winning 2 world series in that time. There is sure to be some disappointment however in LA having made the world series for the past two years but unable to get that 3rd ring but i am sure when we get to the business end of the season we will see LA going for it again. The majority of the Dodgers stars return, they are a team without many weaknesses, solid bats, good defense and a deep pen, the big injury to Josh Weaver leaves them without a true superstar at the top of the rotation but veteran Cypert paired with newly acquired Truitt should offer enough when paired with the young gun of Sal Blea coming off a solid rookie year for the dodgers to pick up wins until Weaver’s return. I expect the Dodgers to win the division due to their consistency over the more streaky Giants.
Key Questions:
- How happy were you to re-sign Kendall this offseason? a deal that will almost guarantee he remains a Dodger until he retires and how important is he to LA?
- Sal Blea seemed to have a solid rookie season, how do you feel his first year in the majors went and do you believe he can be even better this year?
2. San Francisco Giants
2031 90-72
2032 Preseason prediction: 102-60
GM and Manager: Vic Black
Opening Day: April 1 @ Seattle Mariners
Key Acquisitions: C Gilberto Flores (from CWS), C Israel Cruz (from PIT), SP Jorge Cotto + SP Dave Ironside (from HOU)
Big losses? SP Shane Baz, IF Luis Almanzar, IF Andres Gimenez.
The loss of talented pitcher Shane Baz will hurt the Giants who consistently pitched well during his time in San Francisco accumulating 45.5 WAR and over 2000 strikeouts in 9 seasons. Its asking a lot for newly acquired Ironside to replace the impressive numbers Baz put up.
Top Hitters: OF Nelle Willemsen (.309, 42 HRs, 113 RBIs), 1B/DH Juan Campos (.293, 43 HRs, 140 RBIs), OF Andrew Benintendi (.284, .828OPS), OF David Kouns (.322, 203 Hits, 65 EBH, 37 SB) 1B/DH Aaron Allen (.287, .815 OPS, .467 SLG)
Projected Rotation: RH Alfredo Estevez (3.49 ERA, 232Ks in 193.2 IP) LH Evan Orcutt (10-10, 4.08 ERA, 151 Ks in 150 IP), LH Shamar Polite (2-0, 4.67 ERA, 26Ks in 27 IP), RH Rich Sparks (9-4, 2.95 ERA, 102 Ks in 97.2 IP), LH Dave Ironside (7-8, 3.94 ERA, 95 Ks in 141.2 IP for HOU)
Key Relievers: RH Walter Trahan (2.63 ERA, 118 Ks in 109.1 IP, 6 SV)
Rookie Watch: #97 P John Mullens #130 1B Mike Meave
Outlook: The Giants were a bit of an enigma in 2031 missing the playoffs for the first time in 8 years, they still featured some true superstars on offense this showcased by Nelle Willemsen picking up the 2031 MVP with a truly elite showing hitting 42 HRs, hitting for .309 AVG with a league leading 6.7 WAR, pair this with a truly unique David Kouns putting up a record 24 triples you would think it was smooth sailing for the giants and many predicted they would be a shoe-in for the playoffs. Unfortunately they had some glaring weaknesses that cost them a lot of wins, outside of Estevez and Baz the pitching let them down but this was only exacerbated further by having one of the worst defenses in the league meaning any pitcher would have found it hard to be successful in San Fran. The acquisition of Flores should help with his stellar glove behind the plate but there is still a bit of defensive frailty and a bullpen that could use some strengthening if the Giants are to return to the top of the NL West.
Key Questions:
- Do you believe Nelle “Zipper” Willemsen can repeat his MVP calibre performances this year and carry the offense to the playoffs?
- How big a miss will losing Shane Baz be in the overall outlook for San Francisco?
3. Colorado Rockies
2031 69-93
2032 Preseason prediction: 65-97
GM and Manager: Erick Blsco
Opening Day: April 1 vs Los Angeles Dodgers
Key Acquisitions: SP Kevin Brancaccio, CF Greg Jacks, RP Billy McKay,
Big losses? 3B Nolan Arenado (Retired)
None of Colorado’s outgoings would be considered big losses as they all largely underperformed and while future hall of fame third baseman Arenado had an outstanding career in colorado his last 2 seasons were rather disappointing so there will not be a big drop off with his inevitable retirement. Strengthening pitchers was a key need for colorado this off season and they have managed to bring in a couple of shrewd signings along with multiple world series winner Jacks to compliment the OF.
Top Hitters: OF Danny Davis (.313, 39 HRs, .941 OPS, 118 RBIs), OF Steve Hutchinson (.277, 16HRs, .860 OPS), OF Juan Guevara (.277, 12 HR, 2.4 ZR in CF)
Projected Rotation: RH Joe McCurley (10-12, 5.10 ERA, 203Ks in 211.2 IP) LH Thomas Szapucki (11-12, 5.33 ERA, 175 Ks in 190 IP), RH Nate Vance (9-15, 4.74 ERA, 138Ks in 180 IP), RH Kevin Brancaccio (9-16, 4.41 ERA, 203 Ks in 192 IP), RH Mike Stangeland (4.23 ERA, 205 Ks in 181.1 IP in Meridian League)
Key Relievers: RH Aaron Perry (3.54 ERA, 74 Ks in 56 IP, 2 SV) RH Charlie Dougan (3.29 ERA, 87 Ks in 63 IP, 30 SV) RH Makabee Dingane (3.58 ERA, 76 Ks in 55.1 IP)
Rookie Watch: -
Outlook: It's hard to call where the teams outside of Dodgers and the Giants fall but with the teams around them all offloading their star players to make way for prospects I expect this year Colorado to edge closer to the teams above. If they are to make an improvement this year though they will rely heavily on superstar Danny Davis to do the heavy lifting on offense with support from Jacks and Gomez but outside of those I fear the offense will struggle to produce runs when not in the favourable Coors Field. There is however a couple of bright sparks for Colorado in the pitching department, Szapucki had a really solid FIP last year and could produce some good outings, pair this with McCurley and Vance who are another year older and wiser there could be a few wins and there is some solid pen options that could be a strength for them this year. It would take a magical run to make the playoffs and unfortunately a mediocre season looks to be awaiting Colorado again.
Key Questions:
- Davis had an exceptional year last year but for large parts was the only bright spark on offence. Do you feel you have provided him enough support this year?
- Joe McCurley looked to be making progress last year and the talent is certainly there. Do you feel he can take the next step and be an elite arm for you going forward?
4. San Diego Padres
2031 82-80
2032 Preseason prediction: 89-73
GM and Manager: Dalton Timmerman (1st year)
Opening Day: April 1 vs Arizona Diamondbacks
Key Acquisitions: -
Big losses? 1B/DH Mike Fitzgerald, IF Jason Fulton
Both Fitzgerald and Fulton combined helped San Diego pick up a lot of their wins last year so they are big losses on offense and without anyone but prospects coming in return it seems this year we could see a dramatic fall for the Padres.
Top Hitters: 2B Greg Kelly (.260, 12HRs, 21 SB, 9.8 ZR at 2B), C Daniel Reginalde (.259, 2.2 ZR at C), OF Ta-heng Rui (.265, 12 SB, 6.7 ZR at LF)
Projected Rotation: LH Adrian Morejon (15-9, 3.14 ERA, 180Ks in 217.2 IP) LH Tom McCracken (12-9, 3.82 ERA, 138 Ks in 190.2 IP), RH Daizo Matsumoto (4-4, 5.19 ERA, 54 Ks in 67.2 IP), LH Jake Shirey (9-9, 3.32 ERA, 152 Ks in 190 IP), RH Chris Rodriguez (8-4 4.35 ERA, 96 Ks in 138.2 IP)
Key Relievers: RH Travis Crombie (4.94 ERA, 72 Ks in 47.1 IP 8 SV) LH Kevin Fleishman (2.32 ERA, 74 Ks in 66 IP, 9 SV) RH Juan Serrato (3.36 ERA, 82 Ks in 75.1 IP)
Rookie Watch: #68 P Humberto Alcantara,
Outlook: The Padres were largely impressive for most of last year but with changes in the front office it seems they have decided to take a different direction this year and begin a rebuild that many would suggest needed to be done sooner rather than later. While they have in recent years had a few good young talents and a solid pitching core the overall team lacked talent in depth and the holes in the roster meant that they could never quite make a push for the playoffs. It takes a brave GM to make the bold move to sell off young talent such as Fulton and i'm sure more moves will be made before the deadline to offload some players that could be solid contributors on a winning team. That winning team will not be the Padres this year. The pitching staff still has talent in Morejon, McCracken and Shirey with 2 of those having enough years of team control that they could be key components in that future rebuilt team. The pen is largely unimpressive but the biggest weakness for San Diego is the real lack of offensive talent and while the defense and pitching will pick up a few wins against weaker teams the stronger teams will I expect ease past them.
Key Questions:
- New to the PBA and new to the Padres but you made the decision to go straight into a rebuild. What did you see when you evaluated the team the previous GM left you that made you think the rebuild was the correct path to take?
- Do you envisage more outgoings throughout the year? And are you aiming for a high draft pick to kick start the rebuild?
5. Arizona Diamondbacks
2031 76-86
2032 Preseason prediction: 60-102
GM and Manager: Jack Moeser
Opening Day: April 1 vs San Diego Padres
Key Acquisitions: 2B Justin Powell, RP Frank Zendejas, OF/IF Vinny Escudero, P AJ Puk,
Big losses? OF Tony Sierra, P Jim Robinson, 2B Chris Paramore, 3B Gary Ford, OF Jimmy Torres
It was a huge offseason for Arizona and the PBA with some genuine stars leaving Arizona and strengthening teams that were among the best records last year. Its an obvious thing to say but this considerably weakens Arizona and with it their worst record in recent years could be awaiting them. They managed to acquire a lot of young talent and prospects in return which will determine if the trades were a success or not. They also acquired veteran pitcher A.J. Puk which i'm sure the fans will love and could be future trade bait before the deadline if he can have a good year.
Top Hitters: OF Shane Cornelius (.274, 15 HRs, .827 OPS), 1B Robert Correa (.243, 33 HRs, 58 EBH) OF/IF Vinny Escudero (.263 AVG, 14 HRs, .761 OPS)
Projected Rotation: LH Jim D’Amico (Spent all of 2031 on DL) LH Jonas Cadena (9-14, 4.88 ERA, 167 Ks in 168 IP), LH A.J. Puk (7-6, 5.16 ERA, 128 Ks in 134.1 IP), RH Adam Holmgren (9-11 4.84 ERA, 101 Ks in 167.1 IP), RH Ismael Morel (0-8, 4.41 ERA, 60 Ks in 85.2 IP), *RH Chris Walker (5-7, 4.25 ERA, 122 Ks in 144 IP)
* On the DL with a long term injury. Expected return in 3 Months.
Key Relievers: RH Jonas Muniz (4.62 ERA, 75 Ks in 87.2 IP, 13 SV)
Rookie Watch: #96 OF Dustin Hall, #116 IF Justin Powell, #203 P Dan Varland
Outlook: What do you say about the team predicted to finish 5th in the NL West with one of the worst records in the whole of the PBA. The answer is there is not a lot to be positive about if you're a Dbacks fan and want to see your team win games. This year will be a painful one to watch and expect them to compete for the #1 overall draft pick to help with the good work they have already done to start their rebuild. There is however a couple of things to look forward to, we see the return of talented pitcher Jim D’Amico who after a big injury to end the 2030 season spent all of 2031 on the sidelines, his return at the top of the rotation paired with young Jonas Cadena could be enough to wet the appetite for those of us that appreciate talented pitching. We expect to see a debut season for talented infielder Justin Powell produced in the St louis talent factory that seems to hit more often than not with a good glove and the potential for hitting the gaps it may be something for Arizona to build upon when the prospects develop. Despite my adoration for some of the young talent, my one to watch in Arizona this year is young power hitting lefty Chris Herndon, Arizona have had a knack for developing power hitters in recent years so we could see another one added to that list.
Key Questions:
- I'm sure fans were not happy with you after letting go of Sierra, Ford and Torres but were you happy with what you got in return to kickstart your rebuild?
- Out of the players you acquired this offseason which are you most excited about?
