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| Andrew Benintendi (Bos-OF) |
Hitting: Led by the dynamic AL MVP and World Champion Jose Altuve (Hou-2B), SUSU is already starting most conversations on top. Add in big bopper J.D. Martinez (Bos-OF), who is on a new team, and fellow BoSox outfielder Andre Benitendi (Bos-OF) and you have potentially the strongest offensive trio in the league. Add in speedster Billy Hamilton (Cin-OF) to that group and you have the makings of a super hero team. Veterans Jay Bruce (NYM-1B,OF) had a renaissance season while Evan Longoria (SF-3B) and Logan Morrison (Min-1B) both find themselves on new teams. The inexperienced Michael Conforto (NYM-OF) had a nice sophomore season while SUSU will be looking for more of the same from Ozzie Albies (Atl-2B) and Clint Frazier (NYY-OF). Prospects Nick Senzel (Cin-3B), Peter Alonso (NYM-1B) and Austin Riley (Atl-3B) look to hopefully fill valuable voids at needed positions. The only real knock to this starting lineup appears to be its lack of depth and finding a productive shortstop will be key but that can likely be addressed either in the draft or during the season with sensible pickups.
Pitching: Aces Madison Bumgarner (SF-SP) and Chris Archer (TB-SP) led a respectable group of arms with Aaron Nola (Phi-SP) and Charlie Morton (Hou-SP) next up to the rubber. The consistent inning eaters of Kenta Maeda (LAD-SP), Zack Godley (Ari-SP) and Jake Odorizzi (TB-SP) should prove fruitful with Chris Stratton (SF-SP) looking to fall into that category. Youthful arms Carson Fulmer (ChW-SP) and Tyler Glasnow (Pit-SP) will hopefully prove to be in the latter group but that remains to be seen. Ninth inning men Kenley Jansen (LAD-RP), Edwin Diaz (Sea-RP) and Alex Colome (TB-RP) should help SUSU be amongst the league leader in saves. Prospect Riley Pint (Col-SP) looks like the real deal while Mitch White (LAD-SP) could help soon. Not a ton of high end depth here other than Bum, Arch and likely Nola but like the offense, these needs can be met.
Draft: A proven player will likely be the direction here with a tendency towards the best player available. Selecting someone like Shane Greene (Det-RP), Rich Hill (LAD-SP) or Rick Porcello (Bos-SP) could all be options here if a prospect like Kyle Lewis (Min-SS) is not selected.
Prediction:
RD 1: Shane Greene (Det-RP) - See Above
RD 2: Jackie Bradley, Jr. (Bos-OF) - Why not select the other BoSox outfielder, all around talent
RD 3: Ketel Marte (Ari-SS) - Good player in right ballpark with some growth potential
RD 4: Zack Godley (Ari-SP) - Rule-5
RD 5: Peter Alonso (NYM-1B) - Keeper
RD 6: Mitch White (LAD-SP) - Keeper
Prospect Draft:
RD 1: Julio Rodriguez (Sea-SS) - International signee could be very special with a lot of projection
RD 2: Danny Diaz (Bos-SS) - Tooly infielder and can hit if needed to move to 3B
RD 3: Micker Adolfo (ChW-OF) - If he realizes his potential, he could easily be an All-Star
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