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| Dallas Kuechel (Hou - SP) |
Offense: Over the last couple of years, few players have been as consistent as Jose Bautista (Tor - OF), who's 40 homers, 108 Runs and 114 RBI's led the team in all three categories. Coupling with Bautista is former-MVP Ryan Howard (Phi - 1B), who had a small resurgence last season, veteran hot corner Adrian Beltre (Tex - 3B), entering his 19th year, and fellow Ranger Josh Hamilton (Tex - OF), who will hope for another rebound in Texas. While this foursome can be potent at times, all are 35-years-old or soon will be and are on a downward slide which should mean a "For Sale Sign" to contending teams. That is where the old stops and the new begins. Cubbie Kris Bryant (ChC - 3B,OF) was an excellent draftee 2 years ago and looks to be a legitimate building block moving forward as he teams with fellow-infielder Addison Russell (ChC - 2B,SS) and Francisco Lindor (Cle - SS), both past-draftees of this team. NL East players Travis d'Arnaud (NYM - C), who will look to improve on a nice 2015 season, and Michael A. Taylor (Was - OF), a toolsy player capable of 20/20 output. After that comes prospects Yoan Moncada (Bos - 2B), arguably the best infield prospect in baseball, Hunter Renfroe (SD - OF), a fast-moving college bat, Austin Meadows (Pit - OF), a talented AA high school bat, as well as nice backup receiver in Jorge Alfaro (Phi - C), who moves to another nice offensive ballpark. Despite its youthful presence, WB looks a starting bat short which will need to be addressed. Offensive struggles will likely continue for this team as it moves on to the next generation and moving its vets for some more potential star power might be a nice move though careful drafting will continue to be key to this team's success.
Pitching: While WB's pitching staff isn't as great as it has been in the past, it does have some nice pieces including NL Cy Young Dallas Keuchel (Hou - SP). Draftee Carlos Rondon (ChW - SP) proved to be the correct selection last season as was in-season pickup Marco Estrada (Tor - SP) who provided some valuable numbers, while World Series Champ Edison Volquez (KC - SP) figures to be a steadfast presence behind a good Kansas City offense. The trio of young flame throwers from Toronto Marcus Stroman (Tor - SP), Aaron Sanchez (Tor - SP,RP) and Roberto Osuna (Tor - SP,RP) are all very talented but there is some uncertainty regarding Stroman's health, if Sanchez will close or start which in turn puts Osuna in flux. JO Berrios (Min - SP) looks poised is contribute this season though the same may not be said about Danny Hultzen (Sea - SP), who has been removed from the Yahoo database. Relievers Huston Street (LAA - RP) is slotted to close as is Sean Doolittle (Oak - RP) but it remains to be seen how healthy he is after missing most of last season. Rule-5 pick Yovani Gallardo has yet to sign a contract but it will likely be with a contender, virtually cementing him being retained. Evansville University lefty Kyle Freeland (Col - SP) should move quickly and remains a very good prospect. Much of the success of these arms will depend on the situation in Toronto and if Keuchel can repeat his unpredicted success. Yet, adding some talent here, both in the rotation and bullpen, wouldn't hurt anything.
Draft: If WB needed a shortstop for the future, this would be a great year to draft 1st overall. Unfortunately, this team already has two of the best young shortstops in the game with Russell and Lindor which leaves it searching for a worthy selection. If WB doesn't trade down, which might be the smartest move, selecting Andrew Benintendi (Bos - OF), who tore up the minors last season, Blake Snell (TB - SP), likely the most ready top pitching prospect available, or Anderson Espinosa (Bos - SP), many herald him as the next #1 pitching prospect in baseball but won't be 18 until this March.
Prediction:
RD 1: Andrew Benintendi (Bos - OF) - Under-sized though many consider him a Trout-esque type player
RD 2: Byung-ho Park (Min - 1B) - Big power potential, WB needs a starting bat now and could replace Howard
RD 3: Dexter Fowler (ChC - OF) - Not a perfect player but 20/20 potential is nothing to sneeze at
RD 4: Amir Garrett (Cin - SP) - Former-Rutgers basketball player now focusing entirely on baseball
RD 5: Touki Toussaint (Atl - SP) - Has great stuff and showed it on new team late last season
RD 6: Yovani Gallardo (Min - SP) - R5 Keeper
Prospect Draft:
RD 1: Vladimir Guerrero, Jr. (Tor - OF) - Stuntin' like his daddy, huge power bat!
RD 2: Michael Kopech (Bos - SP) - Big arm coming into his own with prototypical frame
RD 3: Ryne Stanek (TB - SP) - Keeper
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