Post by Commissioner Erick on Sept 10, 2024 11:29:56 GMT -5
Seattle has proven that it's the class of the division, but Oakland and Texas still have enough juice to compete for a Wild Card spot. The Angels and Astros are still rebuilding, but each have the most exciting young talent the franchises have had in a long time.
1) Seattle Mariners
2032: 113-49, AL West Champion. Defeated Cleveland 4-0 in ALDS. Lost to Kansas City 4-3 in ALCS.
Who They Were: Seattle built a juggernaut, elite on offense, defense, and on the mound. They were fueled by a special outfield. Angelo Santiago won a Platinum Stick, a Gold Glove, and was the AL MVP. He led the league with a .387 OBP, plus hit 39 homers, and was a force in Right Field. Tony Sierra got the Bronze for MVP, and also collected both a Platinum Stick and Gold Glove for Left Fielders. Raimfer Salinas was doomed to play the same position as Elias Ramirez, preventing him from winning a Platinum Stick, but he won a Gold Glove to give Seattle a clean sweep in outfield defensive awards. The outfield overshadowed Ivan Johnson’s contributions, as he had a .785 OPS, 14 steals, and a 14.7 Zone Rating on the way to a 6.2 WAR season. Meanwhile, the staff dominated with a 3.01 ERA. The offense deserted the team in the ALCS, leading to a tough loss to Cleveland in the ALCS.
Offseason Review: Raimfer Salinas was the big loss, as he opted out of his contract to sign a worse contract with the Cubs. Gleyber Torres and Quadir Murriel have moved on as well. The staff is mostly the same, though Stephan Marchant was swapped for Padres reliever Travis Crombie. Seattle brought on Calvin Mitchell to replace Salinas and provide depth, especially if Mitch Wilson can’t replace Salinas. Ape Montiel comes over from Cleveland to help bolster the pen.
On The Farm: It’s not a great farm as many prospects have graduated or been traded to acquire talent. David Kitchel is the best prospect, a good line drive hitter who may need more pop to stick at First, or more defense to play he field. There aren’t many other impactful prospects in the minors.
Best Case Scenario: The team’s offense shows up in October.
Worst Case Scenario: Angelo Santiago’s .464 career playoff OPS continues.
Key Questions: You lost Raimfer Salinas, someone who allowed your outfield to field three Gold Glovers and blanket the field. How will you adjust defensively without him?
The one question mark your team has is at Second Base. How confident are you that Ray Church will hold up as your starter at the position?
2) Texas Rangers
2032: 76-86, 3rd Place AL West
Who They Were: It was a disastrous year for Texas as too many players underperformed on the way to a losing record. Luis Parga had 399 plate appearances, mainly at DH, and he had a 59 OPS+. Jorge Ramos didn’t hit enough to make up for poor Center Field defense, leading to a negative WAR season. Doorbell Gestoso hit only .228 and Luis V. Garcia just .199, as the team got almost nothing from the middle infield. The team had some solid arms, but too many poor performers dragged the team down to 10th in AL ERA.
Offseason Review: Texas made very few moves. Dakota Hudson and Justin Martin, a pair of ineffective arms, were let go, while Jesus Montemayor was brought on to compete for a bullpen spot. Aside from that, it’s the same team as 2032.
On The Farm: Carol Scholten is only 16 so we won’t see him for a while, but he has the tools to be an outstanding offensive player if he puts everything together. That’s good, because there aren’t any other major prospects in the system, and things are barren close to the majors.
Best Case Scenario: The underperforming veterans show 2032 is a blip and Texas is back to its winning ways.
Worst Case Scenario: If the veteran hitters can’t rebound, Texas will be an expensive team with a losing record for the second straight year.
Key Questions: You made few moves this offseason. Why roll things back with such a disappointing team?
Jorge Ramos couldn’t really hack it in Center Field last year. Will he have a long leash?
3) Oakland Athletics
2032: 84-78, 2nd Place AL West.
Who They Were: Oakland got a huge season from Elias Ramirez, who hit 45 homers, drove in 104 runs, swiped 18 bases, and finished second in AL MVP voting. He produced 7.7 WAR, but Nick Markell was the only other position player with more than 1.8, showing how much of Oakland’s offense was a one-man show. The rotation was topheavy, and the bullpen more good than great, keeping the team shy of the playoffs.
Offseason Review: Corner outfielders Nick Markell and Arturo Rivera left the team, with middle infielders Sean Mendoza, Kent Guttman, and Gavin Lux joining them. Ozzie Albies will take over Shortstop, Mackenzie Nicoll will give the club some more punch, and Oil Can Evans should factor into the outfield. Jim D’Amico and Jeff Rung arrive from Arizona and Washington, respectively, to add depth to a rotation that could use some.
On The Farm: There’s a lot of depth in the upper minors masking a lack of prospects. Lazar Bajic is the one notable figure, and he may be a second division Left Fielder if things break right. There aren’t any other quality prospects around.
Best Case Scenario: The new faces supply the depth Oakland needed and they earn a Wild Card spot.
Worst Case Scenario: The floor is pretty high with a few stars and decent depth. It’s hard to see Oakland with a losing record.
Key Questions: You acquired Francisco Lindor as he winds down his career. What role will he play for you?
John Woodard is back after a couple of years in Africa. Why did you reobtain the outfielder?
4) Los Angeles Angels
2032: 65-97, 4th Place AL West
Who They Were: The Angels won 65 games, snapping nine consecutive seasons in last place and nine consecutive 100-loss seasons. The offense was still horrendous, but the staff finished seventh in runs allowed, and sixth in starters ERA. Jeff Susino, Rick Jeffers, Bryan Beauvais, and Hirokatsu Inouye formed a solid rotation. While the offense wasn’t good at all, Shalom Pronk had a breakout year in Center Field, while veterans Noah Campbell, Sam McMillian, and Juan Inzunza helped the position player group play good defense, while not being wretched defensively.
Offseason Review: Los Angeles made a bold move to trade some of their best pieces, pieces that allowed the team a modest measure of respectability for the first time in a decade. They did so in recognition that there’s still a ton of work needed to get back to being a winning team. Jeffers and Beauvais are elsewhere, as are competent vets McMillian and Inzunza. Star infielder Jordan Cabral was acquired from Atlanta, the best young hitting prospect the team has had, perhaps in its history. Jorge Cotto was brought over from San Francisco in a salary dump that netted the Angels prospect Orlando Monje and some draft capital. The Angels should be worse on the field, but they’re starting to get young talent in the pipeline.
On The Farm: It’s an exciting farm. Monje will likely break camp in the majors, and so will #14 prospect David Vargas, an aggressive slashing outfielder who was the first overall pick in 2031. Former 2030 first overall pick Mini Horse, Danny Hein, remains an elite prospect. He had a good stint in A-Ball last year, and should play in High-A this year. He remains a hitter who hits the ball hard, and with a chance to have plus power as a middle infielder. 2032 first overall pick Alex Camargo looks like a difference making outfielder. The pitching side is a little weaker, but this is the first time the Angels have had an exciting horizon.
Best Case Scenario: The offensive prospects are good enough for a second straight year without 100 losses.
Worst Case Scenario: Rookies play like rookies, a depleted staff is the worst Los Angeles has trotted out since the middle of the last decade, and the Angels are the worst team in baseball again.
Key Questions: You had a decent staff that appears to have been gutted. Why did you deal away some young arms despite your rebuild?
Will you keep your prospects in the minors this year to prevent service time from accruing or start the season with them?
5) Houston Astros
2032: 55-107, Last Place AL West
Who They Were: Houston hit a few homers, and stole a few bases, but were decrepit in all other aspects of the game. Only three position players finished with 1 WAR or more, while four players played in at least 94 games and had -0.6 WAR or worse. Jayden Mingo went .189/.246/.338, good for -2.1 WAR. The pitching was worse—worth -1.5 WAR as a unit. Dennis Santana and Robbie Bloomquist, a pair of generic relievers, led the club with 0.8 WAR. Nobody who started double digit games had an ERA under 4.73—Daniel Childress started 27 games and had an 8.13 ERA.
Offseason Review: Juan Vega was the big addition—he should provide a quality bat in the middle of Houston’s order. Jorge Cardenas, Wilkerman Garcia and A.J. Masucci were brought on as depth pieces. Robby Bloomquist and Ilja Gvero are elsewhere, and they were two of Houston’s better arms, which is appetizing news for opposing hitters.
On The Farm: It’s a deep offensive system. Houston has two Top 10 prospects in slugger Ben Koker and Center Fielder Scott LeMay, both plucked from the first round of last year’s draft. Mario Silva was a third first rounder from last season, and he looks like a terrific offensive infielder. Joe Gibson doesn’t know how to cut down on his swing, but he has a live bat and can play a solid corner outfield. Only 20, he’s not close, but he may be good when he arrives. Ice Lowe doesn’t have Gibson’s power, but sprays liners to all fields and runs well. The one pitcher of note is Mike Dearmon, a ground ball specialist who keeps the ball on the ground, and most importantly, in the park.
Best Case Scenario: The Angels are so bad, Houston sneaks into fourth place.
Worst Case Scenario: This pitching staff feels like a worst case scenario
Key Questions: You made some nice selections in the draft last year, giving you some optimism, even if at the PBA level, the results aren’t there. How do you feel the rebuild is progressing?
Will Edwin Quiroz debut in the PBA at the start of the year, or will he stay in the minors so surprise standout Jerry Elke can get some at bats?
1) Seattle Mariners
2032: 113-49, AL West Champion. Defeated Cleveland 4-0 in ALDS. Lost to Kansas City 4-3 in ALCS.
Who They Were: Seattle built a juggernaut, elite on offense, defense, and on the mound. They were fueled by a special outfield. Angelo Santiago won a Platinum Stick, a Gold Glove, and was the AL MVP. He led the league with a .387 OBP, plus hit 39 homers, and was a force in Right Field. Tony Sierra got the Bronze for MVP, and also collected both a Platinum Stick and Gold Glove for Left Fielders. Raimfer Salinas was doomed to play the same position as Elias Ramirez, preventing him from winning a Platinum Stick, but he won a Gold Glove to give Seattle a clean sweep in outfield defensive awards. The outfield overshadowed Ivan Johnson’s contributions, as he had a .785 OPS, 14 steals, and a 14.7 Zone Rating on the way to a 6.2 WAR season. Meanwhile, the staff dominated with a 3.01 ERA. The offense deserted the team in the ALCS, leading to a tough loss to Cleveland in the ALCS.
Offseason Review: Raimfer Salinas was the big loss, as he opted out of his contract to sign a worse contract with the Cubs. Gleyber Torres and Quadir Murriel have moved on as well. The staff is mostly the same, though Stephan Marchant was swapped for Padres reliever Travis Crombie. Seattle brought on Calvin Mitchell to replace Salinas and provide depth, especially if Mitch Wilson can’t replace Salinas. Ape Montiel comes over from Cleveland to help bolster the pen.
On The Farm: It’s not a great farm as many prospects have graduated or been traded to acquire talent. David Kitchel is the best prospect, a good line drive hitter who may need more pop to stick at First, or more defense to play he field. There aren’t many other impactful prospects in the minors.
Best Case Scenario: The team’s offense shows up in October.
Worst Case Scenario: Angelo Santiago’s .464 career playoff OPS continues.
Key Questions: You lost Raimfer Salinas, someone who allowed your outfield to field three Gold Glovers and blanket the field. How will you adjust defensively without him?
The one question mark your team has is at Second Base. How confident are you that Ray Church will hold up as your starter at the position?
2) Texas Rangers
2032: 76-86, 3rd Place AL West
Who They Were: It was a disastrous year for Texas as too many players underperformed on the way to a losing record. Luis Parga had 399 plate appearances, mainly at DH, and he had a 59 OPS+. Jorge Ramos didn’t hit enough to make up for poor Center Field defense, leading to a negative WAR season. Doorbell Gestoso hit only .228 and Luis V. Garcia just .199, as the team got almost nothing from the middle infield. The team had some solid arms, but too many poor performers dragged the team down to 10th in AL ERA.
Offseason Review: Texas made very few moves. Dakota Hudson and Justin Martin, a pair of ineffective arms, were let go, while Jesus Montemayor was brought on to compete for a bullpen spot. Aside from that, it’s the same team as 2032.
On The Farm: Carol Scholten is only 16 so we won’t see him for a while, but he has the tools to be an outstanding offensive player if he puts everything together. That’s good, because there aren’t any other major prospects in the system, and things are barren close to the majors.
Best Case Scenario: The underperforming veterans show 2032 is a blip and Texas is back to its winning ways.
Worst Case Scenario: If the veteran hitters can’t rebound, Texas will be an expensive team with a losing record for the second straight year.
Key Questions: You made few moves this offseason. Why roll things back with such a disappointing team?
Jorge Ramos couldn’t really hack it in Center Field last year. Will he have a long leash?
3) Oakland Athletics
2032: 84-78, 2nd Place AL West.
Who They Were: Oakland got a huge season from Elias Ramirez, who hit 45 homers, drove in 104 runs, swiped 18 bases, and finished second in AL MVP voting. He produced 7.7 WAR, but Nick Markell was the only other position player with more than 1.8, showing how much of Oakland’s offense was a one-man show. The rotation was topheavy, and the bullpen more good than great, keeping the team shy of the playoffs.
Offseason Review: Corner outfielders Nick Markell and Arturo Rivera left the team, with middle infielders Sean Mendoza, Kent Guttman, and Gavin Lux joining them. Ozzie Albies will take over Shortstop, Mackenzie Nicoll will give the club some more punch, and Oil Can Evans should factor into the outfield. Jim D’Amico and Jeff Rung arrive from Arizona and Washington, respectively, to add depth to a rotation that could use some.
On The Farm: There’s a lot of depth in the upper minors masking a lack of prospects. Lazar Bajic is the one notable figure, and he may be a second division Left Fielder if things break right. There aren’t any other quality prospects around.
Best Case Scenario: The new faces supply the depth Oakland needed and they earn a Wild Card spot.
Worst Case Scenario: The floor is pretty high with a few stars and decent depth. It’s hard to see Oakland with a losing record.
Key Questions: You acquired Francisco Lindor as he winds down his career. What role will he play for you?
John Woodard is back after a couple of years in Africa. Why did you reobtain the outfielder?
4) Los Angeles Angels
2032: 65-97, 4th Place AL West
Who They Were: The Angels won 65 games, snapping nine consecutive seasons in last place and nine consecutive 100-loss seasons. The offense was still horrendous, but the staff finished seventh in runs allowed, and sixth in starters ERA. Jeff Susino, Rick Jeffers, Bryan Beauvais, and Hirokatsu Inouye formed a solid rotation. While the offense wasn’t good at all, Shalom Pronk had a breakout year in Center Field, while veterans Noah Campbell, Sam McMillian, and Juan Inzunza helped the position player group play good defense, while not being wretched defensively.
Offseason Review: Los Angeles made a bold move to trade some of their best pieces, pieces that allowed the team a modest measure of respectability for the first time in a decade. They did so in recognition that there’s still a ton of work needed to get back to being a winning team. Jeffers and Beauvais are elsewhere, as are competent vets McMillian and Inzunza. Star infielder Jordan Cabral was acquired from Atlanta, the best young hitting prospect the team has had, perhaps in its history. Jorge Cotto was brought over from San Francisco in a salary dump that netted the Angels prospect Orlando Monje and some draft capital. The Angels should be worse on the field, but they’re starting to get young talent in the pipeline.
On The Farm: It’s an exciting farm. Monje will likely break camp in the majors, and so will #14 prospect David Vargas, an aggressive slashing outfielder who was the first overall pick in 2031. Former 2030 first overall pick Mini Horse, Danny Hein, remains an elite prospect. He had a good stint in A-Ball last year, and should play in High-A this year. He remains a hitter who hits the ball hard, and with a chance to have plus power as a middle infielder. 2032 first overall pick Alex Camargo looks like a difference making outfielder. The pitching side is a little weaker, but this is the first time the Angels have had an exciting horizon.
Best Case Scenario: The offensive prospects are good enough for a second straight year without 100 losses.
Worst Case Scenario: Rookies play like rookies, a depleted staff is the worst Los Angeles has trotted out since the middle of the last decade, and the Angels are the worst team in baseball again.
Key Questions: You had a decent staff that appears to have been gutted. Why did you deal away some young arms despite your rebuild?
Will you keep your prospects in the minors this year to prevent service time from accruing or start the season with them?
5) Houston Astros
2032: 55-107, Last Place AL West
Who They Were: Houston hit a few homers, and stole a few bases, but were decrepit in all other aspects of the game. Only three position players finished with 1 WAR or more, while four players played in at least 94 games and had -0.6 WAR or worse. Jayden Mingo went .189/.246/.338, good for -2.1 WAR. The pitching was worse—worth -1.5 WAR as a unit. Dennis Santana and Robbie Bloomquist, a pair of generic relievers, led the club with 0.8 WAR. Nobody who started double digit games had an ERA under 4.73—Daniel Childress started 27 games and had an 8.13 ERA.
Offseason Review: Juan Vega was the big addition—he should provide a quality bat in the middle of Houston’s order. Jorge Cardenas, Wilkerman Garcia and A.J. Masucci were brought on as depth pieces. Robby Bloomquist and Ilja Gvero are elsewhere, and they were two of Houston’s better arms, which is appetizing news for opposing hitters.
On The Farm: It’s a deep offensive system. Houston has two Top 10 prospects in slugger Ben Koker and Center Fielder Scott LeMay, both plucked from the first round of last year’s draft. Mario Silva was a third first rounder from last season, and he looks like a terrific offensive infielder. Joe Gibson doesn’t know how to cut down on his swing, but he has a live bat and can play a solid corner outfield. Only 20, he’s not close, but he may be good when he arrives. Ice Lowe doesn’t have Gibson’s power, but sprays liners to all fields and runs well. The one pitcher of note is Mike Dearmon, a ground ball specialist who keeps the ball on the ground, and most importantly, in the park.
Best Case Scenario: The Angels are so bad, Houston sneaks into fourth place.
Worst Case Scenario: This pitching staff feels like a worst case scenario
Key Questions: You made some nice selections in the draft last year, giving you some optimism, even if at the PBA level, the results aren’t there. How do you feel the rebuild is progressing?
Will Edwin Quiroz debut in the PBA at the start of the year, or will he stay in the minors so surprise standout Jerry Elke can get some at bats?
