2015 Hair of the Dog Fred Team Preview

Prince Fielder (Tex - 1B)

Summary:  After a brief hiatus, Hair of the Dog Fred (HODF) has returned to the league and he has come back at a good time.  This is the likely the start of the teams believed to be bonafide contenders in 2015.

Offense:  HODF features a fairly balanced offense in terms of power and speed.  Leading the way is 40 homer beast Nelson Cruz who had his beast season as a 33-year-old and speedster SS Jose Reyes.  Veterans SS Jimmy Rollins, 1B David Ortiz as well as OF Michael Cuddyer continue to defy father time and should have a little bit left in the tank.  Ortiz's heir apparent 1B Paul Goldschmidt had a good season considering his injuries while contemporary 1B Prince Fielder suffered a season ending injury, which makes his presence a potential difference maker this season.  Utility man 2B/3B/OF Josh Harrison likely had a career year last season that will be hard to repeat though 3B David Wright has undergone a severe power outage this is concerning and the same thing could be said about 1B/OF Mark Trumbo.  Cuban import Leonys Martin represents an intriguing skill set of speed and pop while tease 2B/3B Brett Lawrie and C Miguel Montero find themselves on new teams.  Rule-5 pick C Wilin Rosario, who is rumored to get time at 1B, is a fine pick as is playing the wait-and-see game on 2B/SS Wilmer Flores.  HODF's offense is capable of holding its own and will have to do just that.  While there is a large veteran footprint on this team and some potential slumps, all seem to be worthy at this point but counting on them too much could be dangerous.

Pitching:  Armed with aces Johnny Cueto and Jon Lester, HODF forms a very viable duo atop the rotation with ace in name only RA Dickey continuing to be serviceable.  Gio Gonzalez, an ace on many teams, looks to build on his impressive 2014 season while Jose Quintana and Roenis Elias are interesting options to hold onto until something better comes around.  Starters Kris Medlen, who has a new team, and AJ Griffin will only be available during the 2nd half of the season so that will limit HODF's potential starting off.  Prospect Matt Wisler has risen up rankings and the potential of pitching in San Diego can go a long way.  While HODF does roster two relievers, Joe Nathan's leash is shorter than its ever been and Dellin Betances, who has competition for 9th inning duties, has not been guaranteed the closing gig.  HODF has a lot of talent atop of the rotation but is limited in its overall production so adding some more sure bets would be smart.

Draft:  With most of the top prospects likely gone, HODF would likely look to select player that will help it contend now rather than later.  Relievers Joe Nathan and Dellin Betances are not sure things as closer but Luke Gregerson (SD - RP) firmly has a grip of the closer job in Houston.  Outfielders Michael Taylor (Was - OF) and Dalton Pompey (Tor - OF) might also be possible picks.  Look for HODF to look a potential prospect selections later in the draft.

Prediction:
RD 1:  Luke Gregerson (Hou - RP) - Questions at closer make him a nice selection here
RD 2:  Melky Cabrera (ChW - OF) - Forgotten bat that can really produce for a contender
RD 3:  Brandon Nimmo (NYM - OF) - Young prospect bat is starting to grow up
RD 4:  Aaron Blair (Ari - SP) - Big college righty moving quickly with nice K:9 ratio
RD 5:  Michael Gettys (SD - OF) - Projectable HS bat with an advanced approach
RD 6:  Wilin Rosario (Col - C) - R5 Keeper

Prospect Draft:
RD 1:  Kodi Medeiros (Mil - SP) - 12th pick in draft, hard throwing HS lefty should only get better
RD 2:  Austin Wilson (Sea - OF) -  Keeper
RD 3:  Dorssys Paulino (Cle - SS) - Keeper