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| Jonathan Schoop (Bal-2B) |
Offense: Touting one of the best and deepest offenses around, SD's core of bats is built on the foundation of Mike Trout (LAA-OF), Manny Machado (Bal-3B) and Freddie Freeman (Atl-1B,3B) who are all capable of MVP-esque production with upstarts Corey Seager (LAD-SS) and Alex Bregman (Hou-3B,SS) to potentially approaching that same level. At time same time, you have the trio of outfielders in Justin Upton (LAA-OF), Wil Myers (SD-1B,OF) and Christian Yelich (Mil-OF) all of whom can put this team on their back any given week. Fellow outfielders Andrew McCutchen (SF-OF) had a good 2nd half after a disastrous 1st half finds himself on a new team while Michael Brantley (Cle-OF) is hoping for a healthy season. Infielders Robinson Cano (Sea-2B) and Jonathan Schoop (Bal-2B) are still very talented at a thin position while the surprising Trey Mancini (Bal-1B,OF) will serve as a fine backup. Backstop Francisco Mejia (Cle-C) looks poised as the top catching prospect while pedigree youngsters Dominic Smith (NYM-1B) and Bo Bichette (Tor-SS) await there chances along with the toolsy Juan Soto (Was-OF). As stated, this is a great looking offense and will will likely be for years to come but at a cost. This team is very heavy here and it is possible to have too much of a good thing. Potentially trading one of SD's great outfielders for a valuable arm might be a smart avenue.
Pitching: This rotation is by far the weakest in the league with Masahiro Tanaka (NYY-SP) as the team's surest pitcher with the silver going to TJ surgery survivor Dylan Bundy (Bal-SP). That next placement would likely fall to Alex Cobb (FA-SP) but he has yet to sign with a team this offseason. Uber prospect Julio Urias (LAD-SP) has also fallen victim to the injury bug and will likely miss most of the season due to a torn anterior capsule in his throwing shoulder. There is hope that swingman Francis Martes (Hou-SP,RP) and youngster Walker Buehler (LAD-RP) will find production but it may be difficult to find time on those talented World Series Teams. Rounding out the staff are prospects Anderson Espinoza (SD-SP), Rule-5 Pick Triston McKenzie (Cle-SP) and Yankee Chance Adams (NYY-SP). Closer Raisel Iglesias (Cin-RP) is a great asset to have and needs to be held onto by all means necessary. Finding starters and closer should be SD's highest priority. If SD can obtain MLB pitching production on par with its bats, look out, but that will be a big IF.
Draft: Despite the the cost of 2 draft picks, perhaps the perfect fit for this team would be Japan's Shohei Ohtani (LAA-Util,SP) who will give an immediate influx of top talent to a contending team. The fact that Ohtani is perceived to be more valuable at pitching than hitting works in SD's favor. This should be a no brainer if he is available. If not, Matt Harvey (NYM-SP) with a hope that he is healthy, closer Mike Melancon (SF-RP), or perhaps Hunter Green (Cin-SP), who might move quickly through Cincinnati's system, could be in play here.
Prediction:
RD 1: Shohei Ohtani (LAA-Util,SP) - See Above
RD 2: Nate Jones (ChW-RP) - Slotted to be the White Sox closer for 2018
RD 3: Hyun-Jin Ryu (LAD-SP) - Has been very good when he is healthy and on a good team
RD 4: Shohei Ohtani (LAA-Util,SP) - See Above
RD 5: Triston McKenzie (Cle-SP) - Rule-5 Draftee
RD 6: Bo Bichette (Tor-SS) - Keeper
Prospect Draft:
RD 1: Jorge Guzman (Mia-SP) - Huge power arm capable of anchoring a staff in the future
RD 2: Enyel De Los Santos (Phi-SP) - Another power arm with a little more risk but close upside
RD 3: Aristides Aquino (Cin-OF) - Big time power potential, needs refinement, watch out if he gets there
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