2018 The Judgesicles Team Preview

Lucas Giolito (ChW-SP)

Summary:  Taking over last season, The Judgesicles (TJ) started out hot and heavy in an effort to improve this dynasty team.  While this team wasn't necessarily bad on the front end, some well intended maintenance was needed in order to insure this team's improvement.  Whether those decisions will be correct remains to be seen but continuing to add talent and value will be key here.  

Hitting:  This team features two of the top offense stars in the game with MVP candidates Charlie Blackmon (Col-OF) and AL ROY Aaron Judge (NYY-OF).  After that, the team takes a small step back with Mike Moustakas (KC-3B), back in Kansas City, the surprising Travis Shaw (Mil-3B) with his 100+ RBIs and playoff darling Chris Taylor (LAD-2B,SS,OF) who has 20x20 ability.  Cornerstone mashers Matt Olson (Oak-1B,OF) and Ryon Healy (Sea-1B,3B) remain capable of 30 HR and 100+ RBI seasons with likely a little less production from Eugenio Suárez (Cin-3B), who has done well in Cincy, Melky Cabrera (KC-OF), good if not suspended, and Josh Reddick (Hou-OF), who could be out of favor in Houston.  TJ keeping Jose Martinez (Stl-1B,OF) over Rougned Odor (Tex-2B) was a little surprising but fortune favors the bold.  Uber prospects Gleyber Torres (NYY-SS) and Kevin Maitan (LAA-SS) look to be a gluttonous of riches at shortstop with both capable of being heirs to Andrelton Simmons (LAA-SS) once he slips past his near 20x20 production.  After Blackmon and Judge, this team takes an unsurprising step back so TJ will need to keep finding secondary pieces, as well as a catcher prior to Opening Day, to help move this team forward.

Pitching:  TJ's pitching staff is not that much different than its offense with Cy Young winner Corey Kluber (Cle-SP) far above the rest with Yu Darvish (ChC-SP) and his new NL team the next best.  Lance Lynn (FA-SP), who has yet to sign with a team, and Lucas Giolito (ChW-SP) can produce top-of-rotation stats while arms Mike Clevinger (Cle-SP,RP) and Patrick Corbin (Ari-SP), if healthy, will help solidify this team.  Along with Lynn's team status and Corbin's health, the roles of pitchers Daniel Mengden (Oak-SP) and Colin McHugh (Hou-SP) remain somewhat in flux and might benefit from a trade to ensure they produce fantasy-wise.  Closers David Robertson (ChW-RP) remains a steadfast late inning option while there is hope that Blake Parker (LAA-RP) will get to that level though it hasn't gone well so far this spring.  Rule-5 draftee Steve Matz (NYM-SP) is another injury concern though flame-throwing prospect Michael Kopech (CWS-SP) could help things.  If all of the questions are answered correctly regarding team status, health and rotation roles then TJ's staff including the obvious Kluber and Darvish might just be able to do some damage.  These are some fairly big concerns so TJ should keep its eyes open for potential building blocks to lessen the risk here. 

Draft:  Having never drafted in this league before, TJ might go one of two directions.  Pitching should be the path but with no slam dunk prospect available TJ will likely take the best proven player available to try and win now or take a risk on a high-upside pick to address a weakness.  Giants closer Mark Melancon (SF-RP) and his high-end closer stats would seem safe here though the volatile Matt Harvey (NYM-SP) might prove to be the best pick here. 

Prediction:
RD 1:  Mark Melancon (SF-RP) - See above
RD 2:  Rick Porcello (Bos-SP) - Just 1 year removed from a CY Young campaign, still talented
RD 3:  Ian Kinsler (LAA-2B) - New team and batting atop the order, will produce at valuable position
RD 4:  Welington Castillo (ChW-C) - Could be a high-yield backstop for years to come
RD 5:  Jack Flaherty (Stl-SP) - Solid rotation candidate that could surprise many in a good organzation
RD 6:  Steve Matz (NYM-SP) - Rule-5

Prospect Draft:
RD 1: Freudis Nova (Hou-SS) - One of Houston's top prospects would be a steal here
RD 2: Jorge Ona (SD-OF) - Keeper

RD 3: Jose Almonte (Tex-OF) - Keeper