|
Pre-Season Report
--After a strong off-season, this team finally looks primed to make the playoffs for the first time in 7 years. We have acquired and developed enough talent to piece together a formidable roster. We are hoping that 2020 is the year that the fruits of the rebuild will begin to pay off! It will not be easy though, as the Mets, Phillies, and Nats all have strong enough rosters to make a playoff run. It should be an interesting season and a fight till the end in order to win the NL East.
Lineup
C: Brett Cumberland- The 24-year old rookie is given a shot to make an impact at the big-league level after a strong spring. He has an elite eye, evidenced by his 117 walks in AAA last year. He also has decent pop, and can be a solid bat-first catcher.
1B: Freddie Freeman- As he enters his 30's, he's still one of the premier first basemen in the game. Death, taxes, and solid production from Freeman.
2B: Ozzie Albies- At 23, he might have already claimed the title of best 2B in franchise history. 5-tool stud capable of winning an MVP award.
3B: Rio Ruiz/Austin Riley- Two young, average defensive 3B that could work well in a platoon. Riley has a big power bat, while Ruiz is an on-base machine.
SS: Dansby Swanson- It was refreshing to see him post a breakout season in 2019. If the local product is a true .300 & 20 HR hitter, then he will have a long and outstanding career in "The A"
LF: Ronald Acuna- The phenom was solid (2.5 WAR) last year as a 21-year old. Is this the year he takes a step forward and carries the team?
CF: Ender Inciarte- Ender is the type of player who might benefit from sitting more against lefties. He still provides solid defense and on-base ability, but has almost zero pop in his bat.
RF: Adam Eaton- We're going to chalk his disappointing 2019 campaign up to poor BABIP luck. He is still capable of being a solid player on both sides of the ball.
Grade: B
Bench:
OF Billy McKinney
OF Aaron Hicks
IF Xander Bogaerts
C Max Stassi
Grade: B
Rotation:
1. Clayton Kershaw- All-word ace who led the NL in WAR last season. Another 19 wins will bring him to 200 in his career.
2. Erasmo Ramirez- Coming off a strong breakout season in Washington. If he pitches close to his 4.9 WAR figure last year, then we will have a bargain at $11mill a year. Elite control pitcher with 51 walks in 225 innings in '19.
3. Jeff Samardzija- Shark is 35 now, but still has remarkle control and durability. He's a horse that should give us 200+ innings of quality pitching.
4. Danny Duffy- We were offered Duffy this off-season and had to jump at the opportunity. Coming off of a solid season in KC, we think Duffy will be even better here. He's an extreme flyball pitcher and we have a great defensive outfield.
5. Mike Soroka- Last year he got hit hard at times, but showed flashes of being a solid mid-rotation workhorse. He's only 22 and has a plus changeup and plus-plus control. Would likely be a #3 guy in most rotations.
Grade: A
Bullpen:
CL: Zach Britton (LHP)
SU: A.J. Minter (LHP)
MR: Riley Ferrell
MR: Jose A. Ramirez
MR: Grant Dayton (LHP)
LOOGY: Phillip Pfeiffer (LHP)
LR: Lucas Sims
Grade: B-
Owner Goals:
-Play above .500
-Upgrade at RF
-Sign Arodys Vizcaino to an extension (failed)
-Keep building in order to make playoffs by 2022
Down on the Farm
Top 10 Prospects:
1. RHP Kyle Wright AAA (#46 in MLB): Wright showed flashes of his high ceiling in 46 September/October innings last year. He's probably next in line if someone goes down. He's got 4 pitches that could all be above-average and a mid-90's fastball.
2. C Joey Bart AAA (#52 in MLB): Right now, he could probably hold his own in the majors. He's 23 and coming off of a solid season in AA-Mississippi. He has matured behind the plate and has the potential of a dynamic two-way catcher.
3. OF Jasiah Dixon Rk (#49 in MLB): Last years #9 overall pick is extremely athletic and has every tool in the toolbox. He's a bit overagressive at the plate, but has a good feel for hitting. He's still only 18, but has massive upside as a 5-tool centerfielder.
4. LHP/LF Cooper Benson Rk: Two-way player whose future is likely on the mound. A lefty that throws his fastball in the low-to-mid 90's with a devestating changeup. His control is fringey, but he's dominant when he is on.
5. RHP Kendall Williams A+: Williams has some of the best stuff in our system. He's comfortable in the mid-90's with the fastball and can run it up to 97. He's also got a deceptive delivery and a low 3/4 arm slot. We are challenging the 19 year old by starting him in high-A.
6. IF Lency Delgado A+: Our 2018 2nd round pick looked comfortable in his first full professional season, posting an .810 OPS as a 19-year old in single-A. He has been getting reps as a third baseman and will likely stick there. He's got a good power bat and is a solid baserunner despite his size.
7. RHP Freddy Tarnok AA: Tarnok has arguably the best stuff in our system. His high-90's fastball and power curve are a solid two-pitch mix. If his changeup doesn't develop into a solid third pitch, he might have a career as a solid shutdown reliever. He's still only 21, so we will let him continue to start games.
8. RHP Kale Davis A: His stuff isn't overwhelming - he sits at 89-93 with his fastball, but he's able to place it wherever he wants. He also a solid 12-to-6 curveball and a promising changeup. We're hoping the big-bodied 20-year old is able to add a few more ticks to his fastball.
9. OF Cabera Weaver R: His speed and outfield defense are elite - the best amongst anyone in the entire minor leagues. He has decent bat-to-ball ability but really lacks power. He's also super agressive and pounds the ball into the ground, using his speed to try to get on base. We're hoping he can continue to develop and he grows into his slender frame.
10. OF Drew Waters AA: The switch-hitting outfielder has exciting tools, but is held back by his ability to make consistent contact. Still, his elite speed and plus raw power make him an interesting prospect.
System ranking: 21st overall
Grade: C+
|