2016 Chevy Chase Coopers Team Preview

Kyle Schwarber (ChC - C,OF)

Summary:  The former league champion has fallen on hard times in terms of record.  Chevy Chase Cooper's (CCC) offense was actually pretty good though the same cannot be said for its pitching. Still, there are some nice quality players and some sell high veterans that, if dealt, would form a nice foundation for a future competing team.

Offense:  CCC's offense experienced a surprising renaissance with veteran sluggers such as David Ortiz (Bos - 1B) at age 40, Alex Rodriguez (NYY - Util) at age 40, and Albert Pujouls (LAA - 1B) at age 36 all producing better numbers than most expected.  Still, father time catches up to us all as we witnessed last season with Jacoby Ellsbury (NYY - OF), Pablo Sandoval (Bos - 3B) and Hanley Ramirez (Bos - OF), a Rule-5 pick that loses value without 3B or SS eligibility.  CCC might do well to prepare for an aging exodus by selling high and building for the future in an attempt to replace their numbers.  Speaking of a rebounds, outfielder Shin-Soo Choo (Tex - OF) had a nice season but no longer runs at age 33 world champ Kendry Morales (KC - 1B) had a great season despite a reduction in homers at age 32 while catcher Brian McCann (NYY - C) had a Top 10 season and will remain an asset moving forward.  Infielder Andrelton Simmons (LAA - SS) is an amazing shortstop but a much better gloveman than a Batman, more of a Robin actually.  If we want to talk to about true surprises, former-phenom Cameron Maybin (Atl - OF) finally tapped into his potential for his age 28 season while Joe Panik (SF - 2B) outplayed his projections before slowing down in the 2nd half.  Despite opposing pitchers trying, there was no slowing down prospects Miguel Sano (Min - 3B), as he capitalized on his talents with 18 homers in just 219 at bats, and the same can be said for playoff gem Kyle Schwarber, as he hit 16 homers in just 232 at bats.  There is a lot of young talent waiting in the wings as prospects David Dahl (Col - OF), Nomar Mazara (Tex - OF) and Blake Swihart (Bos - C), heir to McCann, look poised to contribute in 2016 while uber-prospect Rafael Devers (Bos - 3B) remains in the hole.  This team has some valuable pieces but the mix of old and young, with little players at their peak, remains concerning. Consistently hitting with draftees (ala Sano and Schwarber) and selling on vets with a little left in the tank to a contender will go a long way making this team a contender once again. 

Pitching:  Something that has slowly deteriorated over the years for CCC has been its pitching staff.  Veteran Scott Kazmir (LAD - SP) leads this set of arms but he was just recently out of baseball before making a successful $48 million comeback.  While Kazmir might get the attention, youngsters Julio Teharen (Atl - SP) and Noah Snydergaard (NYM - SP) possess the most talent and are both capable of ace numbers.  After that trio, things start the get murky ace former-ace Justin Verlander (Det - SP) has continued to fade the last couple of years and the same could be said about John Lackey (ChC - SP), though he figures to play for a winner in 2016.  Mike Foltynewicz (Atl - SP) remains a crazy talented arm though his results have yet to show that.  First round prospects Mark Appel (Phi - SP) and Sean Manaea (KC - SP) remain intriguing arms but they both have a lot to prove at the high levels.  Relievers are also lacking on this team though it might not be prudent to over-react as they can be had with timing and smart pickups.  Still, finding capable pitchers will be a crucial need for this team going forward. 

Draft:  With Simmons being a much better reality player than a fantasy player and since this such a strong year for shortstops in this draft, it would't be surprising to see Vanderbilt infielder Dansby Swanson (Atl - SS) selected with the 1st round pick here.  An argument might be made for Alex Bregman (Hou - SS) or Blake Snell (TB - SP) here but Swanson figures to fill a more viable need.  

Prediction:
RD 1:  Darby Swanson (Atl - SS) - 2015 MLB 1st overall draft pick and looks to stay at shortstop
RD 2:  David Hernandez (Phi - RP) - Strikeout artist looks to have full-time closer gig 
RD 3:  Jeremy Jeffress (Mil - RP) - Always had an amazing arm but could finally put it together as a closer
RD 4:  Hanley Ramirez (Bos - OF) - R5 Keeper
RD 5:  Rafael Devers (Bos - 3B) - Keeper
RD 6:  Nomar Mazara (Tex - OF) - Keeper

Prospect Draft:
RD 1: Vladimir Gutierrez (FA - SP) - Cuban free agent yet to sign but will a top pitching prospect when he does
RD 2: Demi Orimoloeye (Mil - OF) - All the tools in the world, starting to put it together to be complete 
RD 3: Yusniel Diaz (LAD - OF) - Appears to be a mini-Yoenis Cespedes at age 19, good gamble, could be more