2018 The Loveable Losers Team Preview

Jose Ramirez (Cle-2B,3B)

Summary:  After just missing out on the playoffs last season, The Loveable Losers (LL) remains on the cusp of contention but took a slight detour after placing 3rd overall in 2016.  Still, this team's categorical balance looks to remain a strength as it tries to get back to its winning ways. 

Hitting:  This team's offense seems is full of statistical monsters with power from studs like Joey Gallo (Tex-1B,3B), Jose Ramirez (Cle-2B,3B), Edwin Encarnacion (Cle-1B) and Eric Thames (Mil-OF).  While each of those guys have their shortcomings, they are limited by the likes of Dee Gordon (Sea-2B), Sterling Marte (Pit-OF), Lorenzo Cain (Mil-OF), Jean Segura (Sea-SS), Manual Margot (SD-OF), Tim Anderson (ChW-SS) and the surprising Whit Merrifeld (KC-2B,OF).  In fact, 6 of LL's players each posted double digits in both homers and steals with fellow teammates Odubel Herrera (Phi-OF), Adam Eaton (ChW-OF) along with youngsters Jesse Winker (Cin-OF) and J.P. Crawford (Phi-SS) all capable of that same production if opportunities and health prevail.  The bats are rounded out by future Hall-Of-Famers Miguel Cabrera (Det-1B) and Yadier Molina (Stl-C) who do not pose the same threat they once did but can still be productive.  Again, lots of nice contrast here with power balancing speed.  

Pitching:  The pitching staff isn't quite as fearsome as LL's offense but it still possess some top-level arms.  Led exquisitely by aces Clayton Kershaw (LAD-SP) and Max Scherzer (Was-SP), this team has 2 of the best arms in baseball.  Unfortunately, after that things get a little murkier with guys like Kyle Kendricks (ChC-SP), Chase Anderson (Col-SP) and Brad Peacock (Hou-SP) as good role players.  None of those 3 pitchers will hurt LL statistically but they aren't in the same league as Kershaw and Scherzer.  Prospects Grant Holmes (Oak-SP), Franklyn Kilome (Phi-SP) and Rule-5 Draft Bryan Mata (Bos-SP) all posses talent and it will be interesting to see if they get a chance to pitch in the majors this season.  Closer Brad Hand (SD-SP) is the currently the only 9th inning man on this team though Peacock can relieve if called on.  While obviously top heavy, adding more quality arms will be key to LL finishing where it wants to land in 2018. 

Draft:  While this team is deep at most places, there is an apparent lack of depth at pitching.  LL may look to find an arm for now and the comparisons that MacKenzie Gore (SD-SP) is getting to Clayton Kershaw (LAD-SP) may be too great to pass up.  This need will likely force LL to focus on MLB pitching in the latter rounds but its a move that could pay huge dividends in the future.  Starter Matt Harvey (NYM-SP) or a potential closer might also be in play here. 

Prediction:
RD 1:  MacKenzie Gore (SD-SP) - See Above
RD 2:  Jordan Montgomery (NYY-SP) - Could be a quality innings eaters and maybe more
RD 3:  Miguel Andújar (NYY-3B) - Hitting cover off the ball during the spring and may force Yanks hand
RD 4:  Carson Kelly (Stl-C) - Looks to be the eventual heir apparent to Yadier at catcher
RD 5:  Kelvin Herrera (KC-RP) - Rule 5
RD 6:  Bryan Mata (Bos-SP) - Keeper

Prospect Draft:
RD 1: Jeter Downs (Cin-SS) - Reds officials are very excited for this guy, very projectable
RD 2: Chris Okey (Cin-C) - Keeper

RD 3: Caven Biggio (Tor-2B) - Keeper