Post by Commissioner Erick on Jun 4, 2018 20:32:10 GMT -5
1) Tampa Bay Rays
2018: 97-65, AL East Champion. Lost to Texas 4-3 in ALDS.
Who They Were: Tampa Bay continued to ride the ascent of Kevin Kiermaier and Casey Gillaspie to superstardom, as Gillaspie popped 42 home runs and Kiermaier was first in triples and third in slugging. The team swung a deal for Steven Matz before last season and he finished second in ERA, while the Rays allowed the third fewest runs. Brent Honeywell, Blake Snell, Jake Odorizzi, and Chris Archer teamed with Matz to form an outstanding rotation, while Alex Colome lead the league in saves with 47 with a 0.90 ERA.
Offseason Review: Tampa Bay sent away a few players with the most noticeable being Jake Odorizzi and Justin Wilson. They're hoping Thomas Nido can produce as a catcher after disappointing years from Derek Norris and Wilson Ramos. Eric Hosmer is on board as an extra bat, and the hope is that Joe McCarthy, Jake Bauers, Matt Chapman, and Willy Adames—each 25 years old or younger—can step into starting roles and have strong seasons.
On the Farm: It's an interesting system in that the top talent is in the upper minors. Jesus B. Sanchez has scouts excited for a first-division starter, Andres Giminez is a potential star, Kevin Smith can contend for gold gloves, and if Joshua Lowe can turn some of his doubles into home runs, he'll be a solid regular. Each of these players is in High-A or above and can contribute as soon as next year with expected development.
Best Case Scenario: The kids develop and take the AL East.
Worst Case Scenario: The offense regresses to a bottom-five unit, the pitching takes a small step back, and the Rays struggle to finish with a winning record.
Key Questions: You're banking a lot on young unproven players. Why go with them and not veterans?
Jake Odorizzi was part of an excellent staff last year. Why did you trade him away?
2) New York Yankees
2018: 94-69, 2nd Place AL East. Lost to Cleveland in Wild Card Round
Who They Were: The Yankees were able to hit for power but had too many average sinks on their roster preventing the lineup from being one of the best. Despite a down year from Dellin Betances, the bullpen was predictably excellent and the rotation remained healthy for the majority of the season. That resulted in the Yankees having the best pitching numbers in the league. Unfortunately, it only resulted in a second straight season of bowing out in the Wild Card game.
Offseason Review: The Yankees didn't lose too many players of note—unless you count Julio Teheran's disastrous tenure as being of note—though Tyler Clippard had a 1.69 ERA as part of New York's exceptional relief corps. Esteban Robles was signed to be an upgrade in the middle infield. He fits the Yankees MO of patient power hitters. Mark Payton has turned heads in the spring and should be a welcome addition to the team as a late-blooming average-and-defense player. Aside from that, it will be a very similar team this year to last year.
On the Farm: There's not much in the upper minors outside of an abundance of middle infield depth. The Yankees are well stocked with middle infielders both on their 40 man and seeping into their high minors. Luis Cessa will most likely get a crack in the rotation to start the year, and Ian Clarkin could be next in line if he falters.
Best Case Scenario: The offense makes a bit more contact to get on base for the big sluggers.
Worst Case Scenario: Another one-run loss in the Wild Card Game.
You have mostly the same roster as last year. Do you feel that you've addressed the issues that plagued your squad last season?
You have so many options in the infield. Do you know who will make the roster at second short and third and who won't?
3) Toronto Blue Jays
2018: 82-80, 4th Place AL East
Who They Were: Toronto struggled through a frustrating, injury marred season that took all Joe Mazzola had to finish with a winning record. The bad karma started in late 2017 when a setback to an Aaron Sanchez injury meant he would miss the season. Next, Jose Bautista's performance in "On the Shore Lay Montezuma" was routinely panned by critics, then Bautista hit .159 with two home runs last April. Troy Tulowitzki was banged up in April, Josh Donaldson was lost for the year in early June, and virtually everyone else of note suffered some sort of injury that held the team back. As a result, despite being exceptionally talented, the team sputtered to an 82-80 record.
Offseason Review: Toronto really broke up some of its core. Bautista, aka Dick Grimes, is in Atlanta. Aaron Sanchez and Marcus Stroman are in Seattle. Marco Estrada is on the Angels. J.A. Happ was traded away midseason last year, meaning four-fifths of Toronto's intended 2018 rotation is elsewhere. The team did bring in a massive prospect haul, and there are still talented veterans and big league ready youngsters on the roster. However, it's hard to see the team not taking a small step back on the field this year. If the team doesn't contend, Toronto set things up so a number of financial obligations come off the books this season.
On the Farm: It's a stacked system filled with high-end upside, many may already see time in the majors. Yusniel Diaz hit 40 home runs in the Texas League last season and should claim a starting outfield spot as a 22 year-old. Jahmai Jones, Luis Alexander Basabe, Luis Liberato, Logan Warmoth, and Jake Burger may be one year away from becoming productive major leaguers. It should allow the team to get very good, very cheap, very quickly.
Best Case Scenario: The kids are stars and the Blue Jays win a wild card.
Worst Case Scenario: With all the talent given away, the Jays lose 90 games.
Key Questions: You had a stellar 2017 team and it took injuries to bring it down in 2018. Why the decision to go for youth instead of running it back?
Will Diaz start for you this season or will he need more seasoning until you give him a starting job?
4) Baltimore Orioles
2018: 84-78, 3rd Place AL East
Who They Were: Baltimore was all about power last year. They had the fewest steals and triples in the AL, but were third in home runs, second in slugging percentage, and second in runs scored. Despite three players with 35 or more home runs, plus Adam Jones who clocked 30 with 100 RBIs and a .293 average, the Orioles never fielded the pitching to complement the bats. The team had the third worst zone rating in the league last season and only two pitchers produced more than 1.6 WAR. One of those two pitchers was closer Zach Britton, meaning the rotation was not up to par.
Offseason Review: Baltimore was very quiet this offseason. They let shortstops Alcides Escobar and Erick Aybar go, but neither moves the needle. Instead Baltimore will be relying on the maturation of Chance Sisco and Hunter Harvey as rookies who can make a difference. The Orioles will remain most of their free swinging sluggers, but it's an older roster that still needs a pitching infusion.
On the Farm: Cedric Mullins is close to being able to make the majors as a balanced player with good speed, while Chance Sisco is at most a year away from taking over the starting catching job from Jonathan Lucroy. Anthony Santander disappointed last year, but may be able to tap into his potential a year later.
Best Case Scenario: Dylan Bundy evolves into the ace Baltimore needs.
Worst Case Scenario: Chris Davis loses another 11 home runs, or 0.38 points of average—or both.
Key Questions: Your defense was terrible last year. Have you taken steps to address it?
With Erick Aybar out of the picture, is this the year Manny Machado moves to shortstop?
5) Boston Red Sox
2018: 58-104, Last Place AL East
Who They Were: Despite several stars, absentee management led to the Red Sox getting buried in the AL East last year. Despite over 100 RBIs, Hanley Ramirez was below replacement level last year. Alex Dickerson's .612 OPS over a full year resulted in -2.3 WAR, while Dustin Pedroia produced on-base percentage and slugging numbers under .300 resulting in -2.4 WAR. Robbie Scott managed to go 4-18 with an 8.69 ERA. It was less than ideal
Offseason Review: After the tire fire of a 2018, owner John Henry dramatically cut payroll and is operating with a $48 million dollar lower budget. As a result the team has lost Jose Quintana and Xander Bogaerts to trades, though Javier Baez and Tyson Ross were strong choices to replace the departures. More cuts will need to be made before Boston can reach the new budget, meaning it will likely be a season or two before Boston is a major player again. Hopefully Robert Savard is in for the long haul to provide much needed stability.
On the Farm: Tyler O'Neill and Zach Collins are big power bats that are ready to hit the majors as early as this year, while Bobby Dalbec looks like he can join in next season to provide even more pop. There's starting pitching depth in the upper minors should Scott look like he'll carry an 8.69 ERA again.
Best Case Scenario: The stars are so good that they carry a depleted roster to 77 wins.
Worst Case Scenario: More budget cuts.
Key Questions: You've turned rough finances into Javier Baez which is a hell of an accomplishment. With a proud incumbent in Dustin Pedroia on the roster, where will Baez play most of his games?
Robbie Scott lost 18 games last year. Will you roll him out again this season?
2018: 97-65, AL East Champion. Lost to Texas 4-3 in ALDS.
Who They Were: Tampa Bay continued to ride the ascent of Kevin Kiermaier and Casey Gillaspie to superstardom, as Gillaspie popped 42 home runs and Kiermaier was first in triples and third in slugging. The team swung a deal for Steven Matz before last season and he finished second in ERA, while the Rays allowed the third fewest runs. Brent Honeywell, Blake Snell, Jake Odorizzi, and Chris Archer teamed with Matz to form an outstanding rotation, while Alex Colome lead the league in saves with 47 with a 0.90 ERA.
Offseason Review: Tampa Bay sent away a few players with the most noticeable being Jake Odorizzi and Justin Wilson. They're hoping Thomas Nido can produce as a catcher after disappointing years from Derek Norris and Wilson Ramos. Eric Hosmer is on board as an extra bat, and the hope is that Joe McCarthy, Jake Bauers, Matt Chapman, and Willy Adames—each 25 years old or younger—can step into starting roles and have strong seasons.
On the Farm: It's an interesting system in that the top talent is in the upper minors. Jesus B. Sanchez has scouts excited for a first-division starter, Andres Giminez is a potential star, Kevin Smith can contend for gold gloves, and if Joshua Lowe can turn some of his doubles into home runs, he'll be a solid regular. Each of these players is in High-A or above and can contribute as soon as next year with expected development.
Best Case Scenario: The kids develop and take the AL East.
Worst Case Scenario: The offense regresses to a bottom-five unit, the pitching takes a small step back, and the Rays struggle to finish with a winning record.
Key Questions: You're banking a lot on young unproven players. Why go with them and not veterans?
Jake Odorizzi was part of an excellent staff last year. Why did you trade him away?
2) New York Yankees
2018: 94-69, 2nd Place AL East. Lost to Cleveland in Wild Card Round
Who They Were: The Yankees were able to hit for power but had too many average sinks on their roster preventing the lineup from being one of the best. Despite a down year from Dellin Betances, the bullpen was predictably excellent and the rotation remained healthy for the majority of the season. That resulted in the Yankees having the best pitching numbers in the league. Unfortunately, it only resulted in a second straight season of bowing out in the Wild Card game.
Offseason Review: The Yankees didn't lose too many players of note—unless you count Julio Teheran's disastrous tenure as being of note—though Tyler Clippard had a 1.69 ERA as part of New York's exceptional relief corps. Esteban Robles was signed to be an upgrade in the middle infield. He fits the Yankees MO of patient power hitters. Mark Payton has turned heads in the spring and should be a welcome addition to the team as a late-blooming average-and-defense player. Aside from that, it will be a very similar team this year to last year.
On the Farm: There's not much in the upper minors outside of an abundance of middle infield depth. The Yankees are well stocked with middle infielders both on their 40 man and seeping into their high minors. Luis Cessa will most likely get a crack in the rotation to start the year, and Ian Clarkin could be next in line if he falters.
Best Case Scenario: The offense makes a bit more contact to get on base for the big sluggers.
Worst Case Scenario: Another one-run loss in the Wild Card Game.
You have mostly the same roster as last year. Do you feel that you've addressed the issues that plagued your squad last season?
You have so many options in the infield. Do you know who will make the roster at second short and third and who won't?
3) Toronto Blue Jays
2018: 82-80, 4th Place AL East
Who They Were: Toronto struggled through a frustrating, injury marred season that took all Joe Mazzola had to finish with a winning record. The bad karma started in late 2017 when a setback to an Aaron Sanchez injury meant he would miss the season. Next, Jose Bautista's performance in "On the Shore Lay Montezuma" was routinely panned by critics, then Bautista hit .159 with two home runs last April. Troy Tulowitzki was banged up in April, Josh Donaldson was lost for the year in early June, and virtually everyone else of note suffered some sort of injury that held the team back. As a result, despite being exceptionally talented, the team sputtered to an 82-80 record.
Offseason Review: Toronto really broke up some of its core. Bautista, aka Dick Grimes, is in Atlanta. Aaron Sanchez and Marcus Stroman are in Seattle. Marco Estrada is on the Angels. J.A. Happ was traded away midseason last year, meaning four-fifths of Toronto's intended 2018 rotation is elsewhere. The team did bring in a massive prospect haul, and there are still talented veterans and big league ready youngsters on the roster. However, it's hard to see the team not taking a small step back on the field this year. If the team doesn't contend, Toronto set things up so a number of financial obligations come off the books this season.
On the Farm: It's a stacked system filled with high-end upside, many may already see time in the majors. Yusniel Diaz hit 40 home runs in the Texas League last season and should claim a starting outfield spot as a 22 year-old. Jahmai Jones, Luis Alexander Basabe, Luis Liberato, Logan Warmoth, and Jake Burger may be one year away from becoming productive major leaguers. It should allow the team to get very good, very cheap, very quickly.
Best Case Scenario: The kids are stars and the Blue Jays win a wild card.
Worst Case Scenario: With all the talent given away, the Jays lose 90 games.
Key Questions: You had a stellar 2017 team and it took injuries to bring it down in 2018. Why the decision to go for youth instead of running it back?
Will Diaz start for you this season or will he need more seasoning until you give him a starting job?
4) Baltimore Orioles
2018: 84-78, 3rd Place AL East
Who They Were: Baltimore was all about power last year. They had the fewest steals and triples in the AL, but were third in home runs, second in slugging percentage, and second in runs scored. Despite three players with 35 or more home runs, plus Adam Jones who clocked 30 with 100 RBIs and a .293 average, the Orioles never fielded the pitching to complement the bats. The team had the third worst zone rating in the league last season and only two pitchers produced more than 1.6 WAR. One of those two pitchers was closer Zach Britton, meaning the rotation was not up to par.
Offseason Review: Baltimore was very quiet this offseason. They let shortstops Alcides Escobar and Erick Aybar go, but neither moves the needle. Instead Baltimore will be relying on the maturation of Chance Sisco and Hunter Harvey as rookies who can make a difference. The Orioles will remain most of their free swinging sluggers, but it's an older roster that still needs a pitching infusion.
On the Farm: Cedric Mullins is close to being able to make the majors as a balanced player with good speed, while Chance Sisco is at most a year away from taking over the starting catching job from Jonathan Lucroy. Anthony Santander disappointed last year, but may be able to tap into his potential a year later.
Best Case Scenario: Dylan Bundy evolves into the ace Baltimore needs.
Worst Case Scenario: Chris Davis loses another 11 home runs, or 0.38 points of average—or both.
Key Questions: Your defense was terrible last year. Have you taken steps to address it?
With Erick Aybar out of the picture, is this the year Manny Machado moves to shortstop?
5) Boston Red Sox
2018: 58-104, Last Place AL East
Who They Were: Despite several stars, absentee management led to the Red Sox getting buried in the AL East last year. Despite over 100 RBIs, Hanley Ramirez was below replacement level last year. Alex Dickerson's .612 OPS over a full year resulted in -2.3 WAR, while Dustin Pedroia produced on-base percentage and slugging numbers under .300 resulting in -2.4 WAR. Robbie Scott managed to go 4-18 with an 8.69 ERA. It was less than ideal
Offseason Review: After the tire fire of a 2018, owner John Henry dramatically cut payroll and is operating with a $48 million dollar lower budget. As a result the team has lost Jose Quintana and Xander Bogaerts to trades, though Javier Baez and Tyson Ross were strong choices to replace the departures. More cuts will need to be made before Boston can reach the new budget, meaning it will likely be a season or two before Boston is a major player again. Hopefully Robert Savard is in for the long haul to provide much needed stability.
On the Farm: Tyler O'Neill and Zach Collins are big power bats that are ready to hit the majors as early as this year, while Bobby Dalbec looks like he can join in next season to provide even more pop. There's starting pitching depth in the upper minors should Scott look like he'll carry an 8.69 ERA again.
Best Case Scenario: The stars are so good that they carry a depleted roster to 77 wins.
Worst Case Scenario: More budget cuts.
Key Questions: You've turned rough finances into Javier Baez which is a hell of an accomplishment. With a proud incumbent in Dustin Pedroia on the roster, where will Baez play most of his games?
Robbie Scott lost 18 games last year. Will you roll him out again this season?
