2017 Chevy Chase Coopers Team Preview

Eduardo Nunez (SF - 3B)

Summary: While this will be a fun team to watch, it needs a lot more certainty in its production to be a contender at this point. Continuing to build for the future and selling older talents might be a course of action. 

Offense: What really will hurt this team is losing David Ortiz, who led the team in homers and RBIs last season, as only Big Papi and 2016 Rule-5 draftee Hanley Ramirez (Bos-1B) hit for more than 100 RBIs last season. Ramirez is back but Ortiz is not which leaves veterans Brian mortgaging (Hou-C,1B) who is still a good backstop producer, Kendry Morales (KC-1B) who had a nice rebound season and infielder Justin Turner (LAD-3B) to pick up the slack in the power department. Willing to help out there will be the power bats of World Series hero Kyle Shawarber (ChC-C,OF), Miguel Sano (Min-3B,OF) who is capable of titanic blasts, Brad Miller (TB-SS,1B) as he surprised many with his 2016 output and Nomar Mazara (Tex-OF) who finally capitalized on his potential. All-around talents Eduardo Nunez (SF-3B) had 40 stolen bases while Steven Souza, Jr. (Was-OF) is capable of annual 20/20 seasons. Vet Jacoby Ellsbury (NYY-OF) might be rosterable as might Joe Panik (SF-2B) but both appear to be better reality than fantasy players. Possessing some of the best young infield captains in the game with Dansby Swanson (Atl-SS), Brendon Rodgers (Col-SS), and Franklin Barreto (Oak-SS) CCC's looks to be chopping at the bit to unload one or two at peak value for a haul. Teaming up with that talented trio should soon be Rafael Devers (Bos-3B) and David Dahl (Col-OF). It looks like CCC needs to continue to trip the fact by trying to add young capable players at all costs and eventually unload on of its dynamic shortstops. 

Pitching: Led by Thor from the Avengers...I mean Noah Snydergaard (NYM-SP), CCC does have some capable arms but likely needs a little more sure things. Vets John Lackey (ChC - SP), Rich Hill (LAD-SP) and Scott Kazmir (LAD-S) will all play on a winners and provide nice stats though not overpowering. Julio Teharen (Atl-SP) and lefty Sean Manaea (KC-SP) posses some high upside while prospects Carson Fullmer (ChW- SP) and Taylor Guerrieri (TB-SP) have yet to be tested on a full-time basis though Mark Appel (Phi-SP) may see time in the majors this season.  Still, this is a top heavy rotation that would benefit from adding some high yield arms and maybe a young closer. 

Draft: Yet to be a contender again, look for CCC to try and pick up young high upside talents wherever possible and forget about the wait. CCC could bide its time and find bonafide studs. 

Prediction:
RD 1: Lourdes Gurriel (Tor - OF) - Cuban import has better physical tools than brother Yuli
RD 2: Riley Pint (Col - SP) - 2nd overall arm in 2016 draft, Coors provides discount
RD 3: Dakota Hudson (Stl - SP) - Big Mississippi State arm with high velocity
RD 4: Daz Cameron (Hou - OF) - Son of Mike Cameron could be worth the wait
RD 5: Kelvin Herrera (KC - RP) - Rule-5 selection
RD 6: Michael Kopech (ChW - SP) - Keeper

Prospect Draft:
RD 1: Hector Mendoza (FA - SP)
RD 2: Jake Cosart (Bos - SP)
RD 3: Anibal Sierra (Hou - SP)