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| Devin Mesoraco (Cin - C) |
Offense: LL's offense recently benefited from a off-season trade the netted the team it's top performer 3B Todd Frazier who along with the other player coming over C Devin Mesoraco had breakout seasons last year. 1B Adrian Gonzalez led LL in RBI production with 100+ though the team had 2B Ian Kinsler, OF Lucas Duda, and 1B only Edwin Encarnacion finished with more than 90 RBIs. LL has lot of speed with 2B Dee Gordon, now a full-time starter, SS Alexi Ramirez and OF Austin Jackson all producing 20 or more steals. Masher OF George Springer produced nice numbers after his call-up while fellow OF Angel Pagan, who is serviceable, is only slightly above replacement level. Prospects SS Daniel Robertson is on a new team but has a lot of talent as does uber-prospect 3B Joey Gallo, who may not be able to stay at 3B, and the underrated OF Jesse Winker should put up good numbers in the coming seasons. There really isn't a lot to dislike here other than maybe an upgrade over Pagan as a backup as well as lack of depth at SS and 3B. While there aren't many stars on this team, there might be some stars on the horizon.
Pitching: While offense doesn't seem to be lacking, starting pitching is another story. Coasting on the coattails of ace Max Scherzer worked 2 year ago but caught up to LL last season. Former Cy Young winner Jake Peavy going back to NL and a pitchers park to boot helps as would a rebound from CJ Wilson, who is more capable than he played in 2014. Getting Michael Pineda back from injury and pine tar issues will go a long way and looking for Trevor Bauer to improve looks like a smart bet. The apparent loss of Hiroki Kuroda going back Japan hurts and will be a big void to fill, one likely not able to be filled by the mediocre Tommy Milone, who was the team's worst pitching holdover from last season. On the other hand, the team is armed with 4 current closers in Sean Doolittle, Drew Storen, Jake McGee, and Rule-5 pick Fernando Rodney, which help week-to-week though setup guys Tony Watson and Jordan Walden could be replaced with proven starters. As long as the health of LL's closers holdup, look for this team to invest in pitching if not in the draft during the pre-season. If productive starters are found and the current arms on this team produce, which is easier said than done, watch out.
Draft: While the biggest weakness of this team is currently starting pitching, that might not be the direction it goes with 5th overall pick. As aforementioned, the team also lacks star power which could be found in young slugger OF Alex Jackson. Prospects Rodon, Kolek, Tomas, and Gordon would accomplish that feat to but all are presumed to be gone by this pick. Look for LL to address his pitching issues a little later.
Prediction:
RD 1: Alex Jackson (Sea - OF) - 6th overall pick form draft, dynamic 5-tool potential
RD 2: Wily Peralta (Mil - SP) - At age 25 and with 17 wins last year, he would help stabilize staff
RD 3: Orlando Arcia (Mil - SS) - Underrated SS with pedigree and pop, could be a big steal here
RD 4: Hunter Dozer (KC - 3B) - Quickly becoming MLB ready and would fit with Gallo shifting
RD 5: Fernando Rodney (Sea - RP) - R5 Keeper
RD 6: Daniel Robertson (TB - SS) - Keeper
Prospect Draft:
RD 1: Grant Holmes (LAD - SP) - Fireballer Dodgers prospect that has a lot of hype
RD 2: Jario Beras (Tex - OF) - Big time talent with a big projectable frame
RD 3: Ritchie Shaffer (TB - 3B) - Keeper
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