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| Josh Donaldson (Tor - 3B) |
Offense: TD's team featured some of the most potent bats during the 2015 season with AL-MVP Josh Donaldson (Tor - 3B) and AL home run champ Chris Davis (Bal - 1B,OF) both being rostered. After that., TD has 20/30 player Adam Eaton (Ari - OF) as well as highly capable outfielders Jason Heyward (ChC - OF), who finds himself on a new team, and the dynamic Adam Jones (Bal - OF). Second baseman Brian Dozier (Min - 2B) continues to provide power stats at a premium position while TD has continued to increase its position versatility with vet Jhonny Peralta (Stl - SS), Korean success Jung Ho Kang (Pit - 3B,SS) and Cuban import Yasmany Tomas (Ari - 3B,OF). Catcher Jonathan Lucroy (Mil - C,1B) looks to once again be among the best offensive backstops in the league and R5 draftee Josh Reddick (Oak - OF) can rake when healthy. Sophomore Eddie Rosario (Min - OF) finished 6th in AL ROY voting while rookies Byron Buxton (Min - OF), who likely is the front runner for 2016 AL ROY, and LSU alum Mikie Mahtook (TB - OF) all look to capitalize on their forthcoming opportunities. World Series champ prospect Raul Mondesi (KC - SS) and Clint Coulter (Mil - OF) both look capable of taking the next step with possibilities for stardom. TD has done a nice job building the foundation here and will need to continue to smartly add and subtract in order to stay close to to the top. There is a nice combination of bats and emerging youth on this team with little to gripe about.
Pitching: If there is a weakness on this team, it likely resides in the lack of refinement in its pitching staff. Lefty Chris Sale (ChW - SP) and 2014 NL ROY Jacob deGrom (NYM - SP) are the clear class acts on this team as no other rostered arm registered moe than 6 wins last season. That is not to say that the team lacks talent as starter Shelby Miller (Ari - SP) was a tough luck loser while Zack Wheeler (NYM - SP) is recovering from TJ surgery. Reds hurlers Raisel Iglesias (Cin - SP) and Brandon Finnegan (Cin - SP,RP) all figure to be better than their 2015 numbers indicate though there is a question if Finnegan will start or relieve. Prospects Henry Owens 9Bos - SP) and Archie Bradley (Ari - SP) finally received a cup of coffee late during the season leaving them poised to make an impact this season. Closers Zach Britton (Bal - RP), Trevor Rosenthal (Stl - RP) and Ken Giles (Hou - RP), if he closes, will give TD something few teams have, 3 capable fulll-time closers. Quality pitching stats will be key here and adding quality starters will be this team's undoing or allow them to stay in contention.
Draft: As mentioned above, MLB ready pitching will be important to TD's success so finding arms able to help now might be the best course of action. Asian import Kenta Meada (LAD - SP) would be a logical selection here to keep the status quo. Veteran starters Jason Hammel (ChC - SP) or Kyle Hendricks (ChC - SP) might be possible options here as well.
Prediction:
RD 1: Kenta Meada (LAD - SP) - Might give Third Day its best chance to continue to repeat past performance
RD 2: Kyle Hendricks (ChC - SP) - Young and plays on a good team, wins will come as he progresses
RD 3: Tyler Jay (Min - SP) - 2015 1st RD draft pick that appears more polished than a normal lefty prep arm
RD 4: Franklin Barreto (Oak - SS) - Jury still out if he can man an infield spot, if not, his value shrinks
RD 5: Josh Reddick (Oak - OF) - R5 Keeper
RD 6: Clint Coulter (Mil - OF) - Keeper
Prospect Draft:
RD 1: Cody Reed (Cin - SP) - Potentially the biggest acquisition from the Johnny Cueto trade
RD 2: Gilbert Lara (Mil - 3B) - Keeper
RD 3: Derek Fisher (Hou - OF) - Keeper
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