Post by torontogm on Jun 7, 2018 22:16:06 GMT -5
1) Washington Nationals
2017: 85-78, 2nd NL East
Who they were: The Nationals were riddled with injuries in 2018, but star Bryce Harper still accumulated over 5 WAR (and some MVP votes) despite only playing in 91 games. Other than Max Scherzer, the team struggled to get much going with their pitching staff. The team finished in the lower 3rd of the NL in runs allowed. They lost a tiebreaker game in the final game of the season, missing out on the playoffs.
Offseason Review: The Nats lost a good number of players to free agency, but perhaps the only significant loss is 1B Jose Abreu. The team added an arguably better bat in LF Michael Brantley.
On the Farm: In addition to a solid major league squad, the Nationals have a top-third farm system. SP Franklin Perez is one of their top arms, and C Daniel Flores is one of their top bats.
Best case scenario: The team stays healthy, they win the division crown and not stop there.
Worst case scenario: Last year seems very close to the worst-case scenario for this club. A ton of injuries, and missing the playoffs.
Key questions: 1) You remained remarkably disciplined this offseason and in the wake of many injuries last year. What makes you believe that this team does not need much to change?
2) How far do you think your team can go, if healthy, in 2019?
2) New York Mets
2017: 90-72, 1st NL East
Who they were: The Mets were one of the top pitching teams in 2018, finishing 2nd in runs allowed. They were led by Cy Young winner Noah Syndergaard, as well as a strong performance from Matt Harvey. Of their hitters, only Yeonis Cespedes and Neil Walker earned more than 3 WAR, each cracking at least 30 home runs. They were eliminated in the NLDS by the Chicago Cubs.
Offseason Review: The Mets acquired a couple of outfielders from the Rays in exchange for catcher Tomas Nido. Other than a few other minor losses, this team will largely look the same in 2019.
On the Farm: According to OSA, the Mets have the worst farm in the division. They have no top-100 prospects, but still have some talent in their minors. Outfielder Julio B. Rodriguez is their top hitter, and Matt Cleveland is their top pitcher. Both are still a few years away from a taste of the majors.
Best case scenario: Another division title, and a deep playoff run.
Worst case scenario: Regression hits this team hard (from two years ago), and they finish in the low-80s in wins, and their farm continues to not impress.
Key questions: 1) Compared to your major league talent, your farm is somewhat weak. How do you plan to address this moving forward?
2) The Mets took a step back in 2018 after winning it all in 2017. What do you think is responsible for this?
3) Miami Marlins
2017: 76-86, 3rd NL East
Who they were: The Marlins failed to reach .500 in 2018, but were near the middle of the pack in both runs scored and runs allowed. Offensively, they received solid contributors from a variety of players, including Derek Dietrich (3.6 WAR) and J.T. Riddle (3 WAR). Their pitching staff was headlined by Jose Urena (3.1 WAR)
Offseason Review: The Marlins were active this offseason, acquiring Mitch Haniger, shipping off Marcel Ozuna, flipping Mike Zunino, and acquiring Will Harris from Houston. Overall, they filled some needs on the major league roster while dealing from areas of depth in their farm.
On the Farm: The Marlins have a middle-range farm system, according to OSA, but have some incredibly exciting players close to the majors. Center fielder Jeren Kendall is a top 5 prospect, and got a taste of the majors last year. Pitcher Taylor Clarke is also close to the majors and is their top pitching prospect.
Best case scenario: Youngsters continue to develop, and this team closes in on a wild card.
Worst case scenario: This team seems to have a decent baseline, but some disastrous development from Kendall and Clarke could spell long-term doom.
Key questions: 1) Your team has some interesting talent and youth. How soon do you see yourself competing for a playoff spot? The division title?
2) What prospect are you most excited about in your system, and why?
4) Philadelphia Phillies
2017: 72-90, 4th NL East
Who they were: The Phillies scored a lot of runs (4th) in 2018, but allowed much, much more (15th). They received all-star caliber performances from 3B Maikel Franco, SS J.P. Crawford, and OF Odubel Herrera, but their pitching was simply not able to keep up with their bats. Mark Appel was their top pitching performance despite only accumulating 1.7 WAR in 31 starts.
Offseason Review: The Phillies also had a quiet offseason. Their biggest loss was Freddy Galvis, but with so much young talent on the infield, his loss should not leave a hole. Evan Gattis was brought on board to compete for the starting catcher role.
On the Farm: The Phillies have a mid-range farm system, according to OSA. Mickey Moniak headlines their group. Their best arm is Franklyn Kilome.
Best case scenario: The pitching is acceptable, and the hitting caries this team close to a .500 season.
Worst case scenario: The pitching does not improve. With a quiet offseason, it could even get worse. There may be no floor low enough for this team if the pitching falls apart.
Key questions: 1) You didn’t make many big moves this offseason. What is your plan for your pitching staff?
2) Your team has an impressive batting lineup. How do you plan on taking advantage of this, and when do you think you will be ready to compete for a playoff spot?
5) Atlanta Braves
2017: 63-99, 5th NL East
Who they were: The Braves really struggled in 2018. They finished last in their division, last in the NL in runs scored, and second-to-last in runs allowed. Their top hitter was Dansby Swanson (3.8 WAR) and their best pitcher was Aaron Blair (2.7 WAR).
Offseason Review: In a division in which most of the teams did very little activity, the Atlanta Braves were one of the more active teams in the NL. There is not enough time or space to discuss all of their moves. Most notable losses: Freddie Freeman and Ronald Acuna. Most notable gains: Taijuan Walker, Jose Abreu, and Jose Bautista.
On the Farm: The Braves have the top ranked system in the PBA, headlined by pitchers Albert Abreu, Ian Anderson, and infielder Kevin Maitan.
Best case scenario: The Braves added some interesting veteran pieces, but they also sold some off. The absolute best case scenario for this club is probably 3rd in their division, but I have a hard time seeing a playoff berth in the near future. With some more shrewd moves, this club may not be far off next offseason.
Worst case scenario: Team doesn’t “gel” with all the changes, and they stay at the NL East basement.
Key questions: 1) You made a lot of moves this offseason. Which one was your favorite and why?
2) You clearly are going to be aggressive in turning this franchise around. What has been your strategy with your moves to this point, and what will it be moving forward?
2017: 85-78, 2nd NL East
Who they were: The Nationals were riddled with injuries in 2018, but star Bryce Harper still accumulated over 5 WAR (and some MVP votes) despite only playing in 91 games. Other than Max Scherzer, the team struggled to get much going with their pitching staff. The team finished in the lower 3rd of the NL in runs allowed. They lost a tiebreaker game in the final game of the season, missing out on the playoffs.
Offseason Review: The Nats lost a good number of players to free agency, but perhaps the only significant loss is 1B Jose Abreu. The team added an arguably better bat in LF Michael Brantley.
On the Farm: In addition to a solid major league squad, the Nationals have a top-third farm system. SP Franklin Perez is one of their top arms, and C Daniel Flores is one of their top bats.
Best case scenario: The team stays healthy, they win the division crown and not stop there.
Worst case scenario: Last year seems very close to the worst-case scenario for this club. A ton of injuries, and missing the playoffs.
Key questions: 1) You remained remarkably disciplined this offseason and in the wake of many injuries last year. What makes you believe that this team does not need much to change?
2) How far do you think your team can go, if healthy, in 2019?
2) New York Mets
2017: 90-72, 1st NL East
Who they were: The Mets were one of the top pitching teams in 2018, finishing 2nd in runs allowed. They were led by Cy Young winner Noah Syndergaard, as well as a strong performance from Matt Harvey. Of their hitters, only Yeonis Cespedes and Neil Walker earned more than 3 WAR, each cracking at least 30 home runs. They were eliminated in the NLDS by the Chicago Cubs.
Offseason Review: The Mets acquired a couple of outfielders from the Rays in exchange for catcher Tomas Nido. Other than a few other minor losses, this team will largely look the same in 2019.
On the Farm: According to OSA, the Mets have the worst farm in the division. They have no top-100 prospects, but still have some talent in their minors. Outfielder Julio B. Rodriguez is their top hitter, and Matt Cleveland is their top pitcher. Both are still a few years away from a taste of the majors.
Best case scenario: Another division title, and a deep playoff run.
Worst case scenario: Regression hits this team hard (from two years ago), and they finish in the low-80s in wins, and their farm continues to not impress.
Key questions: 1) Compared to your major league talent, your farm is somewhat weak. How do you plan to address this moving forward?
2) The Mets took a step back in 2018 after winning it all in 2017. What do you think is responsible for this?
3) Miami Marlins
2017: 76-86, 3rd NL East
Who they were: The Marlins failed to reach .500 in 2018, but were near the middle of the pack in both runs scored and runs allowed. Offensively, they received solid contributors from a variety of players, including Derek Dietrich (3.6 WAR) and J.T. Riddle (3 WAR). Their pitching staff was headlined by Jose Urena (3.1 WAR)
Offseason Review: The Marlins were active this offseason, acquiring Mitch Haniger, shipping off Marcel Ozuna, flipping Mike Zunino, and acquiring Will Harris from Houston. Overall, they filled some needs on the major league roster while dealing from areas of depth in their farm.
On the Farm: The Marlins have a middle-range farm system, according to OSA, but have some incredibly exciting players close to the majors. Center fielder Jeren Kendall is a top 5 prospect, and got a taste of the majors last year. Pitcher Taylor Clarke is also close to the majors and is their top pitching prospect.
Best case scenario: Youngsters continue to develop, and this team closes in on a wild card.
Worst case scenario: This team seems to have a decent baseline, but some disastrous development from Kendall and Clarke could spell long-term doom.
Key questions: 1) Your team has some interesting talent and youth. How soon do you see yourself competing for a playoff spot? The division title?
2) What prospect are you most excited about in your system, and why?
4) Philadelphia Phillies
2017: 72-90, 4th NL East
Who they were: The Phillies scored a lot of runs (4th) in 2018, but allowed much, much more (15th). They received all-star caliber performances from 3B Maikel Franco, SS J.P. Crawford, and OF Odubel Herrera, but their pitching was simply not able to keep up with their bats. Mark Appel was their top pitching performance despite only accumulating 1.7 WAR in 31 starts.
Offseason Review: The Phillies also had a quiet offseason. Their biggest loss was Freddy Galvis, but with so much young talent on the infield, his loss should not leave a hole. Evan Gattis was brought on board to compete for the starting catcher role.
On the Farm: The Phillies have a mid-range farm system, according to OSA. Mickey Moniak headlines their group. Their best arm is Franklyn Kilome.
Best case scenario: The pitching is acceptable, and the hitting caries this team close to a .500 season.
Worst case scenario: The pitching does not improve. With a quiet offseason, it could even get worse. There may be no floor low enough for this team if the pitching falls apart.
Key questions: 1) You didn’t make many big moves this offseason. What is your plan for your pitching staff?
2) Your team has an impressive batting lineup. How do you plan on taking advantage of this, and when do you think you will be ready to compete for a playoff spot?
5) Atlanta Braves
2017: 63-99, 5th NL East
Who they were: The Braves really struggled in 2018. They finished last in their division, last in the NL in runs scored, and second-to-last in runs allowed. Their top hitter was Dansby Swanson (3.8 WAR) and their best pitcher was Aaron Blair (2.7 WAR).
Offseason Review: In a division in which most of the teams did very little activity, the Atlanta Braves were one of the more active teams in the NL. There is not enough time or space to discuss all of their moves. Most notable losses: Freddie Freeman and Ronald Acuna. Most notable gains: Taijuan Walker, Jose Abreu, and Jose Bautista.
On the Farm: The Braves have the top ranked system in the PBA, headlined by pitchers Albert Abreu, Ian Anderson, and infielder Kevin Maitan.
Best case scenario: The Braves added some interesting veteran pieces, but they also sold some off. The absolute best case scenario for this club is probably 3rd in their division, but I have a hard time seeing a playoff berth in the near future. With some more shrewd moves, this club may not be far off next offseason.
Worst case scenario: Team doesn’t “gel” with all the changes, and they stay at the NL East basement.
Key questions: 1) You made a lot of moves this offseason. Which one was your favorite and why?
2) You clearly are going to be aggressive in turning this franchise around. What has been your strategy with your moves to this point, and what will it be moving forward?
