 |
| JD Martinez (Det - OF) |
Offense: Two years ago JD Martinez was picked up by SUBU, a decision that has paid dividends as Martinez has hit 61 homers in the last two seasons and provided the SUBU their only 100 RBI bat in 2015. In fact, no other player aside from Jay Bruce (Cin - OF), who seems to be on a downswing, hit more than 25 long balls. The team lacks any true superstars though it still possesses the veteran leadership of Evan Longoria (TB - 3B) and world champ Ben Zobrist (ChC - 2B,OF), though the latter has lost shortstop eligibility. Second baseman Jose Altuve (Hou - 2B), with 3-stat contributions, is likely the best player here and when combined with fellow-speedsters Billy Hamilton (Cin - OF) and veteran Brett Garnder (NYY - OF) SUBU's stolen base totals are going to be tough to beat. The one heralded Brandon Belt (SF - 1B,OF) will still be a nice option at first base which will help and growing pains Cuban Jorge Soler (ChC - OF) might have if platooned. Playoff phenom Michael Conforto (NYM - OF) proved the hype was real and will hope future performance mirrors those in October and Rule-5 pick Devin Mesoraco (Cin - C) might be the league's best off-season move. Prospects Ozhaino Albies (Atl - SS), Clint Frazier (Cle - OF) and Raimel Tapia (Col - OF) remain fairly far away but all remain worthy keepers for the future. As already mentioned, SUBU's strategy is second to none though it will need some sure things to count. Adding a starting shortstop will also be a needed move to begin the season.
Pitching: Leading the way for SUBU's pitching staff is the two-headed monster in the form of Madison Bumgarner (SF - SP) and Chris Archer (TB - SP) as both registered well more than 200Ks last season. The polished Michael Wacha (Stl - SP) was a nice asset on his way to winning 17 games while youngsters Jake Odorizzi (TB - SP), lefty James Paxton (Sea - SP) and Aaron Nola (Phi - SP) each provided bright sparks for their teams. Prospects Chi Chi Gonzalez (Tex - SP) and Erik Johnson (ChW - SP) looked capable during their limited time while SUBU waits for the talented arms of Tyler Glasnow (Pit - SP), Kohl Stewart (Min - SP) and Jeff Hoffman (Col - SP) to arrive. Closers Mark Melancon (Pit - RP) and Kenley Jansen (LAD - RP) are highly capable 9th inning studs that will be counted on to hold down the fort. After Bumgarner, Archer and to some degree Wacha, this team will be counting on a lot of production from unproven, though, capable hurlers. Adding more here in terms of relievers, starters and talented prospects will not be a bad idea.
Draft: Finding a player on the cusp of stardom is as much about timing as it is about opportunity. Armed with the 10th overall pick, SUBU will be searching for the best player available this season and possibly in the future and all of the sabremetrics seem to say that reliever Brad Boxberger (TB - RP) might be the next great potential closer. If Boxberger isn't the choice here, then Japanese import Kenta Meada (LAD - SP), who will contribute right away, and David Hernandez (Phi - RP) or Jake Mcgee (Col - RP) could all be options.
Prediction:
RD 1: Brad Boxberger (TB - RP) - Might be the next best thing closing games in the majors
RD 2: Fernando Rodney (SD - RP) - Pitching in SD isn't the worst thing and saves are saves
RD 3: Alcides Escobar (KC - SS) - Team needs a starting SS as it awaits the arrival of Albies
RD 4: Andrew Cashner (SD - SP) - Always has been one of the most talented arms when healthy
RD 5: Devin Mesoraco (Cin - C) - R5 Keeper
RD 6: Ozhaino Albies (Atl - SS) - Keeper
Prospect Draft:
RD 1: Brady Aiken (Cle - SP) - 2x 1st RD draftee is a rare power lefty arm
RD 2: Garrett Whitley (TB - OF) - 2015 draftee possess one of best prep bats available
RD 3: Jack Flaherty (Stl - SP) - Projectable size, frame, and one of the most polished arms
No comments:
Post a Comment