2016 Lovable Losers Team Preview

Dee Gordon (Mia - 2B)

Summary: Lovable Losers (LL) has some definite question marks but also possesses some sure things.  So, the question remains, will the question marks become the answers this team needs to contend?  That remains to be seen so stockpiling needed MLB ready, or close to MLB ready pitching, will be this team's main goal early on during the season. 

Offense:  LL's team was championed last season by Edwin Encarnacion (Tor - 1B) and speedster Dee Gordon and, who led his league in steals and hits.  Hot corner Todd Frazier (ChW - 3B) finds himself on a new team but with the same offensive potential, WS champ Lorenzo Cain (KC - OF) remains a 20/20 candidate and Adam Eaton (ChW - OF) does as well though not to the same degree. Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez (LAD - 1B) still has a lot in the tank while rookies Matt Duffy (SF - 2B,3B) and Odubel Herrera (Phi - OF) sorta shocked the world with their production, a feat tough to repeat. NL champ Lucas Duda (NYM - 1B) remains fairly one-dimensional with power with hopes that rookies Joey Gallo (Tex - 3B,OF) and Richie Shaffer (TB - 1B) are capable of more than just power in the long-run, something the dynamic George Springer (Hou - OF) proved last season. Rounding out LL's active bats is Stephen Vogt (Oak - C,1B), who remains one of the better fantasy catchers. The prospect foursome of Trea Turner (Was - SS), Tim Anderson (ChW - SS), Jesse Winker (Cin - OF) and Daniel Robertson (TB - 3B) are all easily amongst the top impact players that may be called up this season. LL's nucleus is very strong and should continue that trend this season. Being able to add quality rookie and prospect production could push this team to the next level. 

Pitching:  A smart 2015 trade netted ace Zack Greinke (Ari - SP) last season and, though he has switched teams, remains very valuable.  The same thing can be said about Max Sherzer (Was - SP) as he hopes his 2016 team becomes the team is was expected to be last season. After that fearsome duo, things get tricky with youngsters Trevor Bauer (Cle - SP) and Michael Pineda (NYY - SP) as the next best with both having better than an 8.0K/9 ratio. Rounding out the rotation is Andrew Heaney (LAA - SP), who needs to strikeout more out, starter (sometimes reliever) Derek Holland (Tex - SP), who has all of the potential in the world but has failed to remain healthy and the same can be said for Rule-5 pick Patrick Corbin (Ari - SP), who if healthy will be a worthwhile keep. Compounding this thin group of starters are the question marks in its relief core with AJ Ramos (Mia - RP) not guaranteed a closing spot and Carson Smith (Bos - RP) buried down the bullpen depth chart despite his flame-throwing arm.  This group has some talent on top, some potential in the middle, but a lot of questions near the bottom.  Adding capable pitching will be critical to this team's survival. 

Draft:  Pitching will be key and will need to bee addressed early and often to keep pace this leaving Vanderbilt righty Carson Fulmer (ChW - SP) as a nice potential addition with the USCB's Dillon Tate (Tex - SP) and Brad Boxberger (TB - RP) as other potential selections. 

Prediction:
RD 1: Carson Fulmer (ChW - SP) - College arm is very polished and would be a nice fit
RD 2: Jean Segura (Ari - SS) - LL needs a rental until Anderson and/or Turner are ready for the show
RD 3: Michael Fulmer (Det - SP) - The other Fulmer, while not as coveted still has body and velocity to stick
RD 4: James Kaprielian (NYY - SP) - UCLA 1st RD draftee fits the trend of fast moving pitchers
RD 5: Jose Peraza (Cin - 2B) - Looks like the Reds 2B of the future but blocked, speedster will show up 
RD 6: Patrick Corbin (Ari - SP) - R5 Keeper

Prospect Draft:
RD 1: Ian Happ (ChC - 2B) - University of Cincinnati alum has a strong bat at a valuable position
RD 2: Jorge Ona (FA - OF) - Age and body to be a star, Jorge Soler clone?
RD 3: Garrett Holmes (LAD - SP) - Keeper