Post by Commissioner Erick on Mar 10, 2024 12:06:08 GMT -5
The AL West looks split in two this year with Seattle, Texas, and Oakland clear playoff contenders, and Houston and Los Angeles already eliminated from playoff contention. Following the top of the AL West as the three contenders try to achieve their goals should lead to interesting storylines all season long.
1) Seattle Mariners
2031: 105-57, AL West Champions. Lost to Boston 4-1 in ALDS
Who They Were: Seattle had a young team and got better and better as the year went on. A young staff developed into the best run prevention team in the AL. Prospects like Ji-hu Kim had far better second halves than first halves. Jay Bigs made a few trades to bolster their roster for the stretch run. It led to Seattle developing into a force and winning 105 games. The Mariners didn’t perform in the playoffs, but the team was well positioned going forward.
Offseason Review: The team has lost some infield defense with Ivan Johnson and Noah Campbell elsewhere. Useful outfielders Luis Morales and Vinny Escudero have moved on, and solid starter Adam Hall is now with the White Sox. Anyelo Luna and Brian Villenueve are elsewhere, downgrading the bullpen. Seattle replaced Morales and Escudero with Tony Sierra, an MVP candidate. Stephen Marchant should settle in to the back of the rotation, and Quadir Murriel will replace Johnson’s glove, but may not replace his bat. The team should remain a great run-preventing team, the lineup is deep, and Sierra gives the team a superstar.
On The Farm: Seattle’s traded or graduated some prospects, but Oscar Arroyo looks like a great reliever who may develop into a decent starter if his changeup comes along. David Kitchell has a good bat and isn’t too far away, while Chris Brewster and Mitch Wilson provide strong depth in the upper minors. There aren’t any studs remaining, but Seattle’s used them to build a very competitive team.
Best Case Scenario: Seattle can have the best record in baseball and win a championship. The high end talent leads to the latter, while the dregs of the division lead to the former.
Worst Case Scenario: The team may punch below its weight offensively with a number of good, but not necessarily great hitters.
Deciding Questions: Can Quadir Murriel hit enough so the bottom of Seattle’s lineup isn’t a sink?
A previously elite bullpen has been broken up. Do you feel your pen is good enough to withstand the losses of Luna and Vileneuve?
2) Texas Rangers
2031: 94-68, 2nd Place AL West. Defeated Cleveland in AL Wild Card Game. Lost to Kansas City 4-1 in ALDS
Who They Were: Texas had good pitching, good patience, and good speed to edge into home field advantage for the Wild Card Game and edge past Cleveland 1-0 into the ALDS. Four different players stole 20 bases, Nick Pratto had a .412 OBP, and Josh Weyer, Steve Goode, and Lambert Swinkels each hit at least 40 homers. The team was only 11th in average though, which doomed them in the ALDS against Kansas City.
Offseason Review: Sluggers Josh Weyer and Bryan Martelo won’t return, and neither will starter Andre Stinson, who was a mild disappointment last season. Pedro Tapia will step into Martelo’s spot, with the hope that Jorge Ramos, Cruz Camargo, or Luis Parga will hit just enough to justify a spot in the lineup. Texas’ bullpen has been revamped, but not necessarily for the better.
On The Farm: There’s some Triple-A depth, but it’s not a good farm. Kurt Light, an outfielder with a good bat and a great eye is the best prospect in the minors, but he’s years away. Texas did sign some promising players in International Free Agency this year, and Ching Joo and Omar Lopez both have the potential to be big bats for Texas, but they’re just teenagers so who knows at this point.
Best Case Scenario: Texas’ role players hit for a little bit better average and Texas pitches their way to the ALCS
Worst Case Scenario: An older lineup takes a step back and Texas misses the playoffs.
Deciding Questions: Assuming Pedro Tapia gets a starting nod and your infield and catching stays the same as last year, you have one open spot in your lineup. Who gets it and why?
How concerned are you that you don’t have an elite arm in your bullpen?
3) Oakland Athletics
2031: 88-74, 3rd Place AL West
Who They Were: Oakland had a strong team, but some financially motivated deals at the deadline hurt the talent base and put them on the back foot in a strong American League. Anderson Espinoza was hurt, and A.J. Puk was less effective than expected, hurting the staff. Too many middling hitters got playing time, hurting the offense. Elias Ramirez blossomed into a star though, which is exciting for Oakland’s future, while Doug Heppenstall continued his ascent as one of the league’s best arms.
Offseason Review: The staff saw A.J. Puk and Esteban Valadez depart, replaced by budget option Daniel Galabeas and prospect Danny Medina. Gavin Lux takes over at Second Base, with Lucius Fox expected to take the reigns at Shortstop. The club is hoping Pedro Martinez can grab Third Base, while Dominic Smith was brought abroad and expected to play his second season with at least 100 games since 2026. Zach Diaz, Alvaro Paz, and Angel Garcia will compete to fill out rotation spots.
On The Farm: It’s an average farm. Josh Faulkner looks like an insect and appropriately throws a screwball, but he looks like more of a back-end starter. He’s their best prospect according to OSA. David Carrascohas more upside, but it’s fueled by guile, as the soft thrower relies on a slider and changeup to do his work for him. Felix Flemate looks underrated by OSA. He should be a high average hitter as he has a quick bat and an abundance of patience, plus his power will play at Third Base. He’s a poor defender though, so it’s imperative he stay at the hot corner as his bat may not play at First Base.
Best Case Scenario: The team has the star power to stay in the wild card fight all year
Worst Case Scenario: Good players get dealt in July again
Deciding Questions: Milt Pool has the ability to play Third Base, and Pedro Martinez hasn’t hit yet in his career. Who has the leg up on starting at Third for you?
Gavin Lux didn’t hit last year. Are you worried his bat will continue to erode this year?
4) Los Angeles Angels
2031: 58-104, Last Place AL West
Who They Were: The Angels lost over 100 games for the ninth straight year, and 10th time in 11 seasons. It was their ninth straight last place year as well, but their 58 wins was tied for their most since 2022. Denny Marchwinski looked like a blossoming future star, Darrick Hall slugged, and a young staff showed flashes of competence. Of course, the team still lacked high end talent and had too much chaff. Two players had -1.8 WAR, and only Hall and Grant Burton were worth more than 1 WAR.
Offseason Review: Marchwinski was traded for draft picks, while competent veterans Burton, Hall, German Marquez, and Ilijia Gvero were sent elsewhere. A.J. Masucci gives the team a strong arm, while Luis, Rivera, Noah Campbell, and Sam McMillian give the club some adults in the room. The team is still undertalented though, and will be terrible offensively again.
On The Farm: The Angels are starting to accumulate some talent. Danny Hein is the current number one prospect in the game and Danny Vargas is number nine—both were first overall picks the last two years, and the Angels will get a third again this year. Bob Ortiz is 62nd and Ephrem Ben Hassi is 100th so the Angels are starting to accumulate depth, but not a lot. The star prospects help, and the team continuing to accumulate extra picks help, but the Angels still aren’t close.
Best Case Scenario: The Angels only lose between 100-103 games, giving them their best team in a decade.
Worst Case Scenario: With Marchwinski gone, there’s no way the team isn’t the worst offense in baseball.
Deciding Questions: You signed a couple of veterans in McMillian and Campbell who aren’t bad players, but aren’t enough to be strong hitters anchoring a lineup. Why did you sign them specifically?
Why did you deal Denny Marchwinski after he was the most exciting Angels debut in years?
5) Houston Astros
2031: 60-102, 4th Place AL West
Who They Were: The Astros began to lean into a rebuild under new General Manager Stephen Strosko, but brought aboard a few veterans playing out the twilight of their career to boost ticket sales. The finances were at least respectable, but the on-field product suffered with few stars and non-existent young talent. An out-of-nowhere Terry Puebla season and defensive-driven steadiness from Mike Siani and Jean Carlos Carmona led to the trip producing Houston’s only 1+ WAR campaigns. Jorge Cotto and Dave Ironside were steady atop the rotation, but 12 pitchers made starts as Houston tried to find answers. It was a dismal year, as early stages of rebuilds often are. The fans did get a chance to see Mike Trout, Kris Bryant, and Mookie Betts, perhaps, for the final time in their careers depending on whether Trout survives Spring Training.
Offseason Review: Steady vets Carmona and Siani were allowed to apply their defensive steadiness elsewhere, while Ironside and Cotto were flipped for prospects. Jayden Mingo arrives as some young talent, while Manny Machado is this year’s washed up veteran brought aboard to bring some fans to the park. For the most part, it’s still an older lineup filled with retreads while the talent base refreshes. The rotation trends younger with Dennis Davis coming over from Free Agency, and Ricardo Artiaga set to step into a starting role.
On the Farm: Houston’s minors were ignored for a long time, so the club is still developing talent. Dale Nelson is a promising Third Base prospect as an aggressive hitter with a good arm and plus power, but he’ll need some developing. Nelis Hulsebos was signed in International Free Agency, and he has preternatural bat-to-ball skills, but Lazarito is just 16. Ratchet Quiroz can hit, run, and pepper the gaps, but he’s a weird fit as a powerless corner infielder. Chris Cecil is in the same boat as a strong bat with limited power plugged into First Base. Houston will have three picks in the first round, and another in the early second as they continue to rebuild.
Best Case Scenario: Staying well clear of the Angels
Worst Case Scenario: The worst record in baseball
Deciding Questions: You took on Luis Castillo’s $8.5 million salary in the deGrominator trade. What did you see in Castillo to bring him over?
You have a few options at Shortstop. Between Kevin Austin, Jeff Cobb, and Andrew Papantonis, who will be your starting Shortstop?
1) Seattle Mariners
2031: 105-57, AL West Champions. Lost to Boston 4-1 in ALDS
Who They Were: Seattle had a young team and got better and better as the year went on. A young staff developed into the best run prevention team in the AL. Prospects like Ji-hu Kim had far better second halves than first halves. Jay Bigs made a few trades to bolster their roster for the stretch run. It led to Seattle developing into a force and winning 105 games. The Mariners didn’t perform in the playoffs, but the team was well positioned going forward.
Offseason Review: The team has lost some infield defense with Ivan Johnson and Noah Campbell elsewhere. Useful outfielders Luis Morales and Vinny Escudero have moved on, and solid starter Adam Hall is now with the White Sox. Anyelo Luna and Brian Villenueve are elsewhere, downgrading the bullpen. Seattle replaced Morales and Escudero with Tony Sierra, an MVP candidate. Stephen Marchant should settle in to the back of the rotation, and Quadir Murriel will replace Johnson’s glove, but may not replace his bat. The team should remain a great run-preventing team, the lineup is deep, and Sierra gives the team a superstar.
On The Farm: Seattle’s traded or graduated some prospects, but Oscar Arroyo looks like a great reliever who may develop into a decent starter if his changeup comes along. David Kitchell has a good bat and isn’t too far away, while Chris Brewster and Mitch Wilson provide strong depth in the upper minors. There aren’t any studs remaining, but Seattle’s used them to build a very competitive team.
Best Case Scenario: Seattle can have the best record in baseball and win a championship. The high end talent leads to the latter, while the dregs of the division lead to the former.
Worst Case Scenario: The team may punch below its weight offensively with a number of good, but not necessarily great hitters.
Deciding Questions: Can Quadir Murriel hit enough so the bottom of Seattle’s lineup isn’t a sink?
A previously elite bullpen has been broken up. Do you feel your pen is good enough to withstand the losses of Luna and Vileneuve?
2) Texas Rangers
2031: 94-68, 2nd Place AL West. Defeated Cleveland in AL Wild Card Game. Lost to Kansas City 4-1 in ALDS
Who They Were: Texas had good pitching, good patience, and good speed to edge into home field advantage for the Wild Card Game and edge past Cleveland 1-0 into the ALDS. Four different players stole 20 bases, Nick Pratto had a .412 OBP, and Josh Weyer, Steve Goode, and Lambert Swinkels each hit at least 40 homers. The team was only 11th in average though, which doomed them in the ALDS against Kansas City.
Offseason Review: Sluggers Josh Weyer and Bryan Martelo won’t return, and neither will starter Andre Stinson, who was a mild disappointment last season. Pedro Tapia will step into Martelo’s spot, with the hope that Jorge Ramos, Cruz Camargo, or Luis Parga will hit just enough to justify a spot in the lineup. Texas’ bullpen has been revamped, but not necessarily for the better.
On The Farm: There’s some Triple-A depth, but it’s not a good farm. Kurt Light, an outfielder with a good bat and a great eye is the best prospect in the minors, but he’s years away. Texas did sign some promising players in International Free Agency this year, and Ching Joo and Omar Lopez both have the potential to be big bats for Texas, but they’re just teenagers so who knows at this point.
Best Case Scenario: Texas’ role players hit for a little bit better average and Texas pitches their way to the ALCS
Worst Case Scenario: An older lineup takes a step back and Texas misses the playoffs.
Deciding Questions: Assuming Pedro Tapia gets a starting nod and your infield and catching stays the same as last year, you have one open spot in your lineup. Who gets it and why?
How concerned are you that you don’t have an elite arm in your bullpen?
3) Oakland Athletics
2031: 88-74, 3rd Place AL West
Who They Were: Oakland had a strong team, but some financially motivated deals at the deadline hurt the talent base and put them on the back foot in a strong American League. Anderson Espinoza was hurt, and A.J. Puk was less effective than expected, hurting the staff. Too many middling hitters got playing time, hurting the offense. Elias Ramirez blossomed into a star though, which is exciting for Oakland’s future, while Doug Heppenstall continued his ascent as one of the league’s best arms.
Offseason Review: The staff saw A.J. Puk and Esteban Valadez depart, replaced by budget option Daniel Galabeas and prospect Danny Medina. Gavin Lux takes over at Second Base, with Lucius Fox expected to take the reigns at Shortstop. The club is hoping Pedro Martinez can grab Third Base, while Dominic Smith was brought abroad and expected to play his second season with at least 100 games since 2026. Zach Diaz, Alvaro Paz, and Angel Garcia will compete to fill out rotation spots.
On The Farm: It’s an average farm. Josh Faulkner looks like an insect and appropriately throws a screwball, but he looks like more of a back-end starter. He’s their best prospect according to OSA. David Carrascohas more upside, but it’s fueled by guile, as the soft thrower relies on a slider and changeup to do his work for him. Felix Flemate looks underrated by OSA. He should be a high average hitter as he has a quick bat and an abundance of patience, plus his power will play at Third Base. He’s a poor defender though, so it’s imperative he stay at the hot corner as his bat may not play at First Base.
Best Case Scenario: The team has the star power to stay in the wild card fight all year
Worst Case Scenario: Good players get dealt in July again
Deciding Questions: Milt Pool has the ability to play Third Base, and Pedro Martinez hasn’t hit yet in his career. Who has the leg up on starting at Third for you?
Gavin Lux didn’t hit last year. Are you worried his bat will continue to erode this year?
4) Los Angeles Angels
2031: 58-104, Last Place AL West
Who They Were: The Angels lost over 100 games for the ninth straight year, and 10th time in 11 seasons. It was their ninth straight last place year as well, but their 58 wins was tied for their most since 2022. Denny Marchwinski looked like a blossoming future star, Darrick Hall slugged, and a young staff showed flashes of competence. Of course, the team still lacked high end talent and had too much chaff. Two players had -1.8 WAR, and only Hall and Grant Burton were worth more than 1 WAR.
Offseason Review: Marchwinski was traded for draft picks, while competent veterans Burton, Hall, German Marquez, and Ilijia Gvero were sent elsewhere. A.J. Masucci gives the team a strong arm, while Luis, Rivera, Noah Campbell, and Sam McMillian give the club some adults in the room. The team is still undertalented though, and will be terrible offensively again.
On The Farm: The Angels are starting to accumulate some talent. Danny Hein is the current number one prospect in the game and Danny Vargas is number nine—both were first overall picks the last two years, and the Angels will get a third again this year. Bob Ortiz is 62nd and Ephrem Ben Hassi is 100th so the Angels are starting to accumulate depth, but not a lot. The star prospects help, and the team continuing to accumulate extra picks help, but the Angels still aren’t close.
Best Case Scenario: The Angels only lose between 100-103 games, giving them their best team in a decade.
Worst Case Scenario: With Marchwinski gone, there’s no way the team isn’t the worst offense in baseball.
Deciding Questions: You signed a couple of veterans in McMillian and Campbell who aren’t bad players, but aren’t enough to be strong hitters anchoring a lineup. Why did you sign them specifically?
Why did you deal Denny Marchwinski after he was the most exciting Angels debut in years?
5) Houston Astros
2031: 60-102, 4th Place AL West
Who They Were: The Astros began to lean into a rebuild under new General Manager Stephen Strosko, but brought aboard a few veterans playing out the twilight of their career to boost ticket sales. The finances were at least respectable, but the on-field product suffered with few stars and non-existent young talent. An out-of-nowhere Terry Puebla season and defensive-driven steadiness from Mike Siani and Jean Carlos Carmona led to the trip producing Houston’s only 1+ WAR campaigns. Jorge Cotto and Dave Ironside were steady atop the rotation, but 12 pitchers made starts as Houston tried to find answers. It was a dismal year, as early stages of rebuilds often are. The fans did get a chance to see Mike Trout, Kris Bryant, and Mookie Betts, perhaps, for the final time in their careers depending on whether Trout survives Spring Training.
Offseason Review: Steady vets Carmona and Siani were allowed to apply their defensive steadiness elsewhere, while Ironside and Cotto were flipped for prospects. Jayden Mingo arrives as some young talent, while Manny Machado is this year’s washed up veteran brought aboard to bring some fans to the park. For the most part, it’s still an older lineup filled with retreads while the talent base refreshes. The rotation trends younger with Dennis Davis coming over from Free Agency, and Ricardo Artiaga set to step into a starting role.
On the Farm: Houston’s minors were ignored for a long time, so the club is still developing talent. Dale Nelson is a promising Third Base prospect as an aggressive hitter with a good arm and plus power, but he’ll need some developing. Nelis Hulsebos was signed in International Free Agency, and he has preternatural bat-to-ball skills, but Lazarito is just 16. Ratchet Quiroz can hit, run, and pepper the gaps, but he’s a weird fit as a powerless corner infielder. Chris Cecil is in the same boat as a strong bat with limited power plugged into First Base. Houston will have three picks in the first round, and another in the early second as they continue to rebuild.
Best Case Scenario: Staying well clear of the Angels
Worst Case Scenario: The worst record in baseball
Deciding Questions: You took on Luis Castillo’s $8.5 million salary in the deGrominator trade. What did you see in Castillo to bring him over?
You have a few options at Shortstop. Between Kevin Austin, Jeff Cobb, and Andrew Papantonis, who will be your starting Shortstop?
