2017 Beer & Brat Brigade Team Preview

Gary Sanchez (NYY-C)

Summary: It seems like every year Beer and Brat Brigade (BBB) looks like a contender but always falls a little short.  Will this be the year? Maybe if everything falls right but one thing is for sure BBB will do it their way, right or wrong. 

Offense: Something BBB always likes is a catcher and that is why the team has 3 worthy backstops with Gary Sanchez (NYY-C) leading the way with Wilson Ramos (TB-C) helping and Tom Murphy (Col-C) still with some questions. What isn't in question is the resurgence of Matt Kemp (Atl-OF) who led the team with 108 RBIs and fellow outfielder Yoenis Cespedes (NYM-OF) 30+ home run power. After that, you get a little less power but still nice production from former MVP Dustin Pedroia (Bos-2B), 20/20 Ian Desmond (Tex-OF), Joc Pederson (LAD-OF) who had a more consistent season 2016 Coors Field surprise Trevor Story (Col-SS) and Maikel Franco (Phi-3B) who has matured as a everyday producer. Youngster Devon Travis (Tor-2B) looks poised to be take the next step while prospect A.J. Reed (Hou-1B) might still be a big bopper and Casey Gillaspie (TB-1B) looks more powerful than his MLB brother. The team likely has 1 too many catchers but there is a lot to like with some worthwhile vet talent to lean as BBB continues to add to its ranks. 

Pitching: Ace David Price (Bos-SP) will likely be excellent again in 2017 with the hopes that Jon Gray (Col-SP) and his overpowering stuff rises to the top while the same can be said for NL bound Taijuan Walker (Ari-SP). AL ROY Michael Fullmer (Det-SP) will look to continue his impressive resume while Jordan Zimmerman (Det-SP), Danny Salazar (Cle-SP) and Drew Smyly (Sea-SP) will hope for an injury free season. Youngsters Cody Reed (Cin-OF) and Corey Knebel (Mil-SP) remains intriguing assets though Tyler Beede (SF-SP) remains a valuable prospect. Adding to the staff is stud closer Aroldis Chapman (NYY-RP) and reliever Adam Ottavino (Col-RP), who looks to call short of being the Colorado closer to start the year. Still, this has the potential to be a strong group but there is always room for more production. 

Draft: There will be some nice value in the 4th overall pick. Going with young valuable talent such as Moniak, Stenzel or Morejon might be the play here if available. 

Prediction:
RD 1: Mickey Moniak (Phi - OF) - #1 pick in 2016 MLB draft, HS bat might take time
RD 2: Ryan Madson (Oak - EP) - In line for lots of saves in Oakland if healthy
RD 3: Nick Gordon (Min - SS) - A talented SS prospect with nice bloodlines
RD 4: Jerad Eickhoff (Phi - SP) - Rule-5 Pick
RD 5: Beau Burrows (Det - SP) - Keeper
RD 6: Justus Sheffield (NYY - SP) - Keeper

Prospect Draft:
RD 1: Bo Bichette (Tor - SS)
RD 2: Tyler Watson (Was - SP)
RD 3: Shedric Long (Cin - 2B)