Post by Commissioner Erick on Nov 2, 2018 6:45:32 GMT -5
1) Chicago White Sox
2019: 95-67, AL Central Champion. Lost to New York Yankees in ALDS 4-2.
Who They Were: Despite coming off a World Series title, there was reason to believe Chicago was a better team last season. Yoan Moncada and Rafael Devers took big leaps, Andrew Benintendi somehow got even better, Andrew McCutchen mashed, and Chicago had the second best offense in the AL. With Carlos Martinez going from immortal to simply exceptional, the rotation wasn't as strong, and a quality bullpen regressed. The team couldn't help themselves from giving up home runs to the Yankees in the ALDS.
Offseason Review: The best players on Chicago are incredibly young, with bright novices Corey D. Ray and Brendan McKay ready to step in as contributing players. Contract demands could break things up, but the aging curve has Chicago riding a large crest for awhile. Derek Law comes over from the Giants, while Jimmy Sherfy comes over from the Diamondbacks, as the White Sox look west to patch up the back of the rotation and the bullpen. Will Smith had a good season and won't return in a salary saving move, while the team hopes Alfredo Despaigne, after a miserable time overseas, can provide the production of the departed McCutchen. The youth mitigates some of the depth concerns, but it's possible the White Sox are top-heavy and prone to an injury.
On the Farm: It's not a great system, but the most talented players are in the upper minors. Alex Faedo had a great season in Double A last year, and it's not a stretch the #33 prospect last season makes the majors this year. Speed-and-defense outfielder Cole Brannon is also in Double-A, as is Shane Shifflett, who has impressed with his legs, glove, and approach. While the system isn't stacked, the major league lineup may field two starters over the age of 26, and the projected rotation doesn't have a player over 28 in it. Who needs a farm when the best youngsters are already big league superstars?
Best Case Scenario: A second championship
Worst Case Scenario: That Yankees offense sure can slug!
Key Questions: Alfredo Despaigne has had such a weird career, and has essentially been in the Japanese minor leagues the past two seasons. How can you project what he'll provide for you this year?
Top to bottom, your staff doesn't appear to get a ton of movement. Are you worried about home runs in this offensive environment?
2) Cleveland Indians
2019: 84-78, 3rd Place AL Central
Who They Were: Cleveland was third in the AL in home runs, but nobody could get on base. The team was fourth from the bottom in batting average and struck out more than anybody in the AL. The team pitched well, fielded well, and slugged well, but the inability to find guys to hit singles cost them some wins.
Offseason Review: While Luke Weaver had a strong season for the team last year, Cleveland's biggest additions were replacing a pretty good youngster in Weaver with a volatile veteran in Felix Hernandez, plus trading for Tyler Naquin. King Felix kept the ball in the yard last season, but his ability to miss bats eroded and led to a 5.53 ERA. Meanwhile, Naquin has teased as a multi-tool player the past three seasons, but has always produced less than what teams have expected. He will contribute to a good defense though.
On the Farm: Evan Skoug hasn't hit in the upper minors or the big leagues yet, but scouts love his power and coaches love his intangibles. Carlos Sepuvelda and Yu-Cheng Chang are ready to compete for utility infield spots, if not the starting second base job. Mike Papi is older, but is probably a major leaguer at this point and could be a backup. There aren't many stars, but there are a lot of former major leaguers and minor league veterans in the upper minors who can step in and contribute.
Best Case Scenario: The team is a little bit better at getting the bat on the ball and the pitching and defense are terrific.
Worst Case Scenario: Maybe nobody hits higher than .250
Key Questions: The team is filled with big sluggers. Will you try to field a lineup where everyone can hit the ball over the fence, or try to get some situations where players can get on ahead of the big bats?
For the most part, this is an older team. Will you go for broke if you have a chance to win the division?
3) Minnesota Twins
2019: 86-76, AL Wild Card. Defeated Texas in Wild Card Game, lost to Houston 4-3 in ALDS
Who They Were: The Twins led the AL in steals, were fourth in homers, and rode Jose Berrios' Cy Young season to take an ascendant Astros team to extra innings in Game 7 of the ALDS. Their main weakness was an aversion to contact. They struck out the second most times in the AL, and were fourth-to-last in on-base percentage.
Offseason Review: The Twins did little to build on last year's momentum and will retain the same team. Phil Hughes wasn't retained as a fifth starter and is the only notable addition or subtraction.
On the Farm: The Twins have a strong farm, led by last season's number one prospect, Hunter Greene. Green hasn't had success channeling his stuff or showing patience, but has a world of talent and multiple paths to the majors. Alex Kirilloff and Travis Blankenhorn are well-rounded enough to be close to contributing, and Heliot Ramos' potential to impact games with his legs and glove is as bright as the sun.
Best Case Scenario: Last year's team made the playoffs and it's the same team.
Worst Case Scenario: The middle of the AL disappeared last year, opening a path to the playoffs. It's possible the field catches up to the Twins, even if they remain the same team as last year.
Key Questions: Jose Berrios was terrific last year. Who do see stepping up and joining him as a number-two arm in the rotation?
Engelb Vielma was a gold glover last season, but Luis Arraez has really performed well in the minors. Who will be the starting second basemen of the two this year?
4) Kansas City Royals
2019: 71-91, 4th Place AL Central
Who They Were: Still in the middle of a long rebuild, Kansas City overachieved to a 38-40 record after sweeping Houston to start July. Then the lack of talent kicked in, and the team fell to 91 losses. The Royals had the second worst offense in baseball, but they still had their best season in the PBA, and discovered that Chase Vallot and Donnie Dewees could be part of the future.
Offseason Review: Kansas City curiously made a splashy signing, bringing on Gio Gonzalez at the cost of a second round pick. After a good season from Taylor Jungmann, and a promising future for Justus Sheffield, the expectation is that the rotation of the near term is settled. The Royals have some good youngsters in the upper minors and will hope for production from them this season.
On the Farm: There are some talented players that are barely old enough to drink but may be good enough to start, with Joe Rizzo and Austin Riley ready to make the team this year. Jeifry Nunez could make the club soon as a reliever, though could use more seasoning to become a starter. Gavin Lux is the jewel of the system though. While he hasn't produced on the field yet, scouts see him as a defensive star who can get on base at the top of a lineup.
Best Case Scenario: The Royals discover more position players that are keepers.
Worst Case Scenario: Gio Gonzalez is a beacon of light in a 100-loss season.
Key Questions: You claimed Brock Stassi off waivers and he had 20 home runs two years ago. You have him, Jon Singleton, Hunter Dozier, Austin Riley, and Joe Rizzo as candidates for first. Who will start there?
Your team is very young for the most part. Why sign Gio Gonzalez, the only splashy free agent you signed this year?
5) Detroit Tigers
2019: 55-107: Last Place AL Central
Who They Were: The worst offensive team in baseball, and one of the worst pitching teams too, Detroit finished their second season with 100 losses and an under talented roster. Clearly with the future in mind, Detroit played out the string, waiting for some contracts to come off the books, some prospects to develop, and hoping that Miguel Cabrera's eventual decline comes late enough where he can possibly fetch an asset.
Offseason Review: The Tigers largely held pat and continued to bide their time and wait for the future. Melky Cabrera was one of the least productive regulars in baseball last season and was allowed to walk, with Jaycob Brugman brought aboard in the hopes that his Triple-A numbers may ever translate to the majors. The Tigers will instead bring back most of a roster that lost well over 100 games. It's also not a particularly young roster with a lot of guys in their mid-20s who produced OBPs below .300 coming back for more.
On the Farm: The Tigers will need their farm to pay off, and it has some talent, but it’s mostly in the lower minors. Detroit has six promising middle infielders aged 21 or under in their system, so the odds of them having a strong double play combination down the line are favorable odds. Griffin Canning and Matt Manning are close to providing reinforcements to the rotation. Still, there isn't a can't miss guy among the group, so they'll need their development team to shine.
Best Case Scenario: Only losing 100 games
Worst Case Scenario: Miguel Cabrera stops hitting
Key Questions: You have some prospects coming down the line. Is there anything you can do to advance the time line, or would you rather not rush things and perhaps make the situation worse?
Dirty Tarin has a colorful name. What are your plans for him this season?
2019: 95-67, AL Central Champion. Lost to New York Yankees in ALDS 4-2.
Who They Were: Despite coming off a World Series title, there was reason to believe Chicago was a better team last season. Yoan Moncada and Rafael Devers took big leaps, Andrew Benintendi somehow got even better, Andrew McCutchen mashed, and Chicago had the second best offense in the AL. With Carlos Martinez going from immortal to simply exceptional, the rotation wasn't as strong, and a quality bullpen regressed. The team couldn't help themselves from giving up home runs to the Yankees in the ALDS.
Offseason Review: The best players on Chicago are incredibly young, with bright novices Corey D. Ray and Brendan McKay ready to step in as contributing players. Contract demands could break things up, but the aging curve has Chicago riding a large crest for awhile. Derek Law comes over from the Giants, while Jimmy Sherfy comes over from the Diamondbacks, as the White Sox look west to patch up the back of the rotation and the bullpen. Will Smith had a good season and won't return in a salary saving move, while the team hopes Alfredo Despaigne, after a miserable time overseas, can provide the production of the departed McCutchen. The youth mitigates some of the depth concerns, but it's possible the White Sox are top-heavy and prone to an injury.
On the Farm: It's not a great system, but the most talented players are in the upper minors. Alex Faedo had a great season in Double A last year, and it's not a stretch the #33 prospect last season makes the majors this year. Speed-and-defense outfielder Cole Brannon is also in Double-A, as is Shane Shifflett, who has impressed with his legs, glove, and approach. While the system isn't stacked, the major league lineup may field two starters over the age of 26, and the projected rotation doesn't have a player over 28 in it. Who needs a farm when the best youngsters are already big league superstars?
Best Case Scenario: A second championship
Worst Case Scenario: That Yankees offense sure can slug!
Key Questions: Alfredo Despaigne has had such a weird career, and has essentially been in the Japanese minor leagues the past two seasons. How can you project what he'll provide for you this year?
Top to bottom, your staff doesn't appear to get a ton of movement. Are you worried about home runs in this offensive environment?
2) Cleveland Indians
2019: 84-78, 3rd Place AL Central
Who They Were: Cleveland was third in the AL in home runs, but nobody could get on base. The team was fourth from the bottom in batting average and struck out more than anybody in the AL. The team pitched well, fielded well, and slugged well, but the inability to find guys to hit singles cost them some wins.
Offseason Review: While Luke Weaver had a strong season for the team last year, Cleveland's biggest additions were replacing a pretty good youngster in Weaver with a volatile veteran in Felix Hernandez, plus trading for Tyler Naquin. King Felix kept the ball in the yard last season, but his ability to miss bats eroded and led to a 5.53 ERA. Meanwhile, Naquin has teased as a multi-tool player the past three seasons, but has always produced less than what teams have expected. He will contribute to a good defense though.
On the Farm: Evan Skoug hasn't hit in the upper minors or the big leagues yet, but scouts love his power and coaches love his intangibles. Carlos Sepuvelda and Yu-Cheng Chang are ready to compete for utility infield spots, if not the starting second base job. Mike Papi is older, but is probably a major leaguer at this point and could be a backup. There aren't many stars, but there are a lot of former major leaguers and minor league veterans in the upper minors who can step in and contribute.
Best Case Scenario: The team is a little bit better at getting the bat on the ball and the pitching and defense are terrific.
Worst Case Scenario: Maybe nobody hits higher than .250
Key Questions: The team is filled with big sluggers. Will you try to field a lineup where everyone can hit the ball over the fence, or try to get some situations where players can get on ahead of the big bats?
For the most part, this is an older team. Will you go for broke if you have a chance to win the division?
3) Minnesota Twins
2019: 86-76, AL Wild Card. Defeated Texas in Wild Card Game, lost to Houston 4-3 in ALDS
Who They Were: The Twins led the AL in steals, were fourth in homers, and rode Jose Berrios' Cy Young season to take an ascendant Astros team to extra innings in Game 7 of the ALDS. Their main weakness was an aversion to contact. They struck out the second most times in the AL, and were fourth-to-last in on-base percentage.
Offseason Review: The Twins did little to build on last year's momentum and will retain the same team. Phil Hughes wasn't retained as a fifth starter and is the only notable addition or subtraction.
On the Farm: The Twins have a strong farm, led by last season's number one prospect, Hunter Greene. Green hasn't had success channeling his stuff or showing patience, but has a world of talent and multiple paths to the majors. Alex Kirilloff and Travis Blankenhorn are well-rounded enough to be close to contributing, and Heliot Ramos' potential to impact games with his legs and glove is as bright as the sun.
Best Case Scenario: Last year's team made the playoffs and it's the same team.
Worst Case Scenario: The middle of the AL disappeared last year, opening a path to the playoffs. It's possible the field catches up to the Twins, even if they remain the same team as last year.
Key Questions: Jose Berrios was terrific last year. Who do see stepping up and joining him as a number-two arm in the rotation?
Engelb Vielma was a gold glover last season, but Luis Arraez has really performed well in the minors. Who will be the starting second basemen of the two this year?
4) Kansas City Royals
2019: 71-91, 4th Place AL Central
Who They Were: Still in the middle of a long rebuild, Kansas City overachieved to a 38-40 record after sweeping Houston to start July. Then the lack of talent kicked in, and the team fell to 91 losses. The Royals had the second worst offense in baseball, but they still had their best season in the PBA, and discovered that Chase Vallot and Donnie Dewees could be part of the future.
Offseason Review: Kansas City curiously made a splashy signing, bringing on Gio Gonzalez at the cost of a second round pick. After a good season from Taylor Jungmann, and a promising future for Justus Sheffield, the expectation is that the rotation of the near term is settled. The Royals have some good youngsters in the upper minors and will hope for production from them this season.
On the Farm: There are some talented players that are barely old enough to drink but may be good enough to start, with Joe Rizzo and Austin Riley ready to make the team this year. Jeifry Nunez could make the club soon as a reliever, though could use more seasoning to become a starter. Gavin Lux is the jewel of the system though. While he hasn't produced on the field yet, scouts see him as a defensive star who can get on base at the top of a lineup.
Best Case Scenario: The Royals discover more position players that are keepers.
Worst Case Scenario: Gio Gonzalez is a beacon of light in a 100-loss season.
Key Questions: You claimed Brock Stassi off waivers and he had 20 home runs two years ago. You have him, Jon Singleton, Hunter Dozier, Austin Riley, and Joe Rizzo as candidates for first. Who will start there?
Your team is very young for the most part. Why sign Gio Gonzalez, the only splashy free agent you signed this year?
5) Detroit Tigers
2019: 55-107: Last Place AL Central
Who They Were: The worst offensive team in baseball, and one of the worst pitching teams too, Detroit finished their second season with 100 losses and an under talented roster. Clearly with the future in mind, Detroit played out the string, waiting for some contracts to come off the books, some prospects to develop, and hoping that Miguel Cabrera's eventual decline comes late enough where he can possibly fetch an asset.
Offseason Review: The Tigers largely held pat and continued to bide their time and wait for the future. Melky Cabrera was one of the least productive regulars in baseball last season and was allowed to walk, with Jaycob Brugman brought aboard in the hopes that his Triple-A numbers may ever translate to the majors. The Tigers will instead bring back most of a roster that lost well over 100 games. It's also not a particularly young roster with a lot of guys in their mid-20s who produced OBPs below .300 coming back for more.
On the Farm: The Tigers will need their farm to pay off, and it has some talent, but it’s mostly in the lower minors. Detroit has six promising middle infielders aged 21 or under in their system, so the odds of them having a strong double play combination down the line are favorable odds. Griffin Canning and Matt Manning are close to providing reinforcements to the rotation. Still, there isn't a can't miss guy among the group, so they'll need their development team to shine.
Best Case Scenario: Only losing 100 games
Worst Case Scenario: Miguel Cabrera stops hitting
Key Questions: You have some prospects coming down the line. Is there anything you can do to advance the time line, or would you rather not rush things and perhaps make the situation worse?
Dirty Tarin has a colorful name. What are your plans for him this season?
