2017 Semper Ubi Sub Ubi Team Preview

Billy Hamilton (Cin-OF)

Summary: While Semper Ubi Sub Ubi (SUSU) remains a contender it will have to likely rely on veteran players as it waits on young players to get seasoned and major league ready. Still, this team has it lightning in a bottle before. 

Offense: Other than Jose Altuve (Hou-2B), SUSU's bats might not have anymore elite stars but it does have some young players that could grow into that role. Veterans Jay Bruce (NYM-OF) and three bagger Evan Longoria (TB-3B) are likely the next closest thing this team has to be sure things other than the fact that Billy Hamilton (Cin-OF) will run and run fast so steals won't be a problem. Yasmani Grandal (LAD-C) finally had his breakout year and world champ Ben Zobrist (ChC-2B,OF) who lost some position eligibility and former world champ Brandon Belt (SF-1B) actually seems better than he showed in 2016. Something to look forward to is a healthy JD Martinez (Det-OF), Jorge Soler (KC-OF) who is slated to finally get full-time work, and Andrew Benintendti (Bos-OF) who many consider to be the top overall prospect in the game. After that, things get young with Clint Frazier (NYY-OF) on a new team with a new hair cut, Reimel Tapia (Col-OF) who got his cup of coffee in 2016, Ozhaino Albies (Atl-SS) who is being groomed for the 2B job in Atlanta, Michael Conforto (NYM-OF) whose sophomore year wasn't quite what he expected while heavy bat prospects Austin Riley (Atl-3B) and Garrett Whitley (TB-OF) get more reps on the farm. SUSU will need to add a full-time shortstop but it is building in the right direction and could be a potent sect very soon. 

Pitching: Unquestionably, the best arm here belongs to Madison Bumgarner (SF-SP) but he can't do it alone which leads to Chris Archer (TB-SP) Kenta Meada (LAD-SP) and Aaron Nola (Phi-SP) who all averaged more than a K per inning.  Next up is Jake Odorizzi (TB-SP) and Tanner Roark (Was-SP) who can be very good but not elite. Rule-5 pick Tyson Ross (Tex-SP) though can be elite at times and youngster Tyler Glasnow (Pit-SP) has been labeled that for years. The starters are little top heavy and will need to some help from its effective bullpen Kenley Janson (LAD-RP), Mark Melancon (SF-RP), Edwar Diaz (Sea-RP), and Alex Colome (TB-RP). Lots of saves and Ks coming from this group but this team might need some more fine tuning throughout the season. 

Draft: SUSU will need to bide its time as it waits for its fine young players to join its ranks in the majors which might push them to add some play now players. The most intriguing player here looks to be Ryon Healy (Oak-3B) as SUSU might find a Mark Trumbo clone with a little more refinement. 

Prediction:
RD 1: Ryon Healy (Oak - 3B) - Big bopper was dynamite in only 82 ABs
RD 2: Albert Pujols (LAA - 1B) - Hit 31HRs and 119 RBIs at age 36, good when healthy
RD 3: Fernando Rodney (Ari - RP) - Hate him, love him he'll close wherever he goes
RD 4: Tyson Ross (Tex - SP) - Rule-5 Draft
RD 5: Austin Riley (sophomore - 3B) - Keeper
RD 6: Garrett Whitley (TB - OF) - Keeper

Prospect Draft:
RD 1: Caven Biggio (Tor - 2B)
RD 2: Bobby Dalbec (Bos - 3B)
RD 3: Leonardo Crawford (LAD - SP)