2018 Tenth Man Out Team Preview

Robbie Ray (Ari-SP)

Prediction:
RD 1:  Michael Baez (SD-SP) - Cuban flamethrower could be a nice long-term piece 
RD 2:  Luke Gregorson (Stl-RP) - Adding another closer on a good team isn't a bad thing
RD 3:  Sean Newcomb (Atl-SP) - If the lefty can learn control he'll be special
RD 4:  Miles Mikolas (Stl-SP) - Coming back from Japan with a lot of hype
RD 5:  Josh Hader (Mil-SP) - Rule-5
RD 6:  Taylor Trammell (Cin-OF) - Keeper

Prospect Draft:
RD 1: DJ Peters (LAD-OF) - Toolsy outfielder in a nice organization for growth
RD 2: Quentin Holmes (Cle-OF) - A rare player with legit game changing speed
RD 3: Brusdar Graterol (Min-SP) - Big arm with top of rotation potential

2018 Semper Ubi Sub Ubi Team Preview

Andrew Benintendi (Bos-OF)

Summary:  Semper Ubi Sub Ubi (SUSU) continues to improve after finishing 6th in 2016 and 3rd in 2017.  Based on SUSU's team, there appears to be no evidence of that stopping as the team has a nice core of young players on both sides of the ball. Will this be the year SUSU finishes on top? 

Hitting:  Led by the dynamic AL MVP and World Champion Jose Altuve (Hou-2B), SUSU is already starting most conversations on top.  Add in big bopper J.D. Martinez (Bos-OF), who is on a new team, and fellow BoSox outfielder Andre Benitendi (Bos-OF) and you have potentially the strongest offensive trio in the league.  Add in speedster Billy Hamilton (Cin-OF) to that group and you have the makings of a super hero team.  Veterans Jay Bruce (NYM-1B,OF) had a renaissance season while Evan Longoria (SF-3B) and Logan Morrison (Min-1B) both find themselves on new teams.  The inexperienced Michael Conforto (NYM-OF) had a nice sophomore season while SUSU will be looking for more of the same from Ozzie Albies (Atl-2B) and Clint Frazier (NYY-OF).  Prospects Nick Senzel (Cin-3B), Peter Alonso (NYM-1B) and Austin Riley (Atl-3B) look to hopefully fill valuable voids at needed positions.  The only real knock to this starting lineup appears to be its lack of depth and finding a productive shortstop will be key but that can likely be addressed either in the draft or during the season with sensible pickups. 

Pitching:  Aces Madison Bumgarner (SF-SP) and Chris Archer (TB-SP) led a respectable group of arms with Aaron Nola (Phi-SP) and Charlie Morton (Hou-SP) next up to the rubber.  The consistent inning eaters of Kenta Maeda (LAD-SP), Zack Godley (Ari-SP) and Jake Odorizzi (TB-SP) should prove fruitful with Chris Stratton (SF-SP) looking to fall into that category.  Youthful arms Carson Fulmer (ChW-SP) and Tyler Glasnow (Pit-SP) will hopefully prove to be in the latter group but that remains to be seen.  Ninth inning men Kenley Jansen (LAD-RP), Edwin Diaz (Sea-RP) and Alex Colome (TB-RP) should help SUSU be amongst the league leader in saves.  Prospect Riley Pint (Col-SP) looks like the real deal while Mitch White (LAD-SP) could help soon.  Not a ton of high end depth here other than Bum, Arch and likely Nola but like the offense, these needs can be met. 

Draft:  A proven player will likely be the direction here with a tendency towards the best player available.  Selecting someone like Shane Greene (Det-RP), Rich Hill (LAD-SP) or Rick Porcello (Bos-SP) could all be options here if a prospect like Kyle Lewis (Min-SS) is not selected. 

Prediction:
RD 1: Shane Greene (Det-RP) - See Above
RD 2: Jackie Bradley, Jr. (Bos-OF) - Why not select the other BoSox outfielder, all around talent
RD 3: Ketel Marte (Ari-SS) - Good player in right ballpark with some growth potential
RD 4: Zack Godley (Ari-SP) - Rule-5
RD 5: Peter Alonso (NYM-1B) - Keeper
RD 6: Mitch White (LAD-SP) - Keeper

Prospect Draft:
RD 1: Julio Rodriguez (Sea-SS) - International signee could be very special with a lot of projection
RD 2: Danny Diaz (Bos-SS) - Tooly infielder and can hit if needed to move to 3B

RD 3: Micker Adolfo (ChW-OF) - If he realizes his potential, he could easily be an All-Star

2018 Hair Of The Dog Fred Team Preview

Hector Neris (Phi-RP)

Summary:  Last year, Hair Of The Dog Fred (HOTDF) finished the regular season as the 6th and final seed for the playoffs but came on strong to finish 2nd overall.  HOTDF will look to find some consistency by continuing this growth in the hopes that it gets over the hump with a championship this season.  

Hitting:  While HOTDF doesn't really roster any proven super star talent, it makes do with a lot of good overall players.  The closest thing this team has to a star was the production of Marcell Ozuna (Mia-OF) and Ryan Zimmerman (Was-1B) but both will have to do it again in 2018.  This same case might be made for Rhys Hoskins (Phi-1B,OF) who hit 18 homers in just 170 ABS, Justin Turner (LAD-3B) who finished 3rd overall in NL BA, Avisail Garcia (ChW-OF), who finished 2nd in AL BA after hitting .245 the season before, and Zack Cozart (LAA-SS,3B), who had a career season during a contract year.  HOTDF though has backed up previous years before with MVP candidate David Murphy (Was-2B), who has seemingly peaked at age 32, Didi Gregorious (NYY-SS) who now has back-to-back 20 HR seasons and D.J. LeMahieu (Col-2B), who has hit over .300 each of the last 2 years.  The jury is still out on what Dansby Swanson (Atl-SS), Mitch Haniger (Sea-OF) and Bradley Zimmer (Cle-OF) will produce during a full season but one of the most concerning things is where/if backstop Jonathan Lucroy (FA-C) will sign.  Prospects Lucas Erceg (Mil-3B) and Kyle Lewis (Sea-OF) are potentially potent offensive pieces if they develop fully.  A lot to like here but not a ton to love.  HOTDF's offense looks capable but will have to prove itself in order to likely get where it needs to be. 

Pitching:  Like its offense, HOTDF's pitching staff does not have a proven bonafide superstar arm with Jacob DdeGrom (NYM-SP) and his 200+ strikeouts along with Gio Gonzalez (Was-SP) and his sub .300 ERA likely being the closest.  Starters Jameson Taillon (Pit-SP) and Jake Arrieta (FA-SP) each had close to a K per inning but uncertainty of where/if Arrieta signs remains a doubt.  Closer Hector Neris (Phi-RP) looks like a legit 9th inning man with Zach Britton (Bal-RP) currently injured, Dellin Bettances (NYY-SP) firmly blocked from save, and swingman Mike Minor (Tex-SP) unlikely to see late innings.  Youngsters Mitch Keller (Pit-SP) and Kolby Allard (Atl-SP) look to be strong holds and may soon be called up in the future.  Not a ton of depth here but HOTDF has done more with less. 

Draft:  With its solid offense, it appears pitching will be the way to go here.  Based on HOTDF's strong finish last season, the current upside of Matt Harvey (NYM-SP) might be too hard to pass up if it can win now.  NL Champ Rich Hill (LAD-SP) or former Cy Young winner Rick Porcello (Bos-SP) might also be an option in round one.

Prediction:
RD 1:  Matt Harvey (NYM-SP) - See Above
RD 2:  Matt Moore (Tex-SP) - His tools say he's better than he produced, mechanics issue?
RD 3:  Brad Brach (Bal-RP) - Will close with Britton down, would make sense to draft if possible
RD 4:  Mark Trumbo (Bal-OF) - Big bat continues to produce and would be cheap here
RD 5:  Jimmy Nelson (Mil-SP) - Keeper
RD 6:  Lucas Erceg (Mil-3B) - Keeper

Prospect Draft:
RD 1: Cole Brannen (Bos-OF) - Underrated prospect with a lot of potential
RD 2: Francisco Morales (Phi-SP) - Potential top of rotation talent with some risk

RD 3: Jared Miller (Ari-SP) - Keeper

2018 Wildcard Bluejays Team Preview

Jake Lamb (Ari-3B)

Summary:  Here we have a great example of what patience, accurate drafting and good mid-season pickups will accomplish.  Wildcard Bluejays (WB), a perennial cellar dweller, has finally begun the climb up the latter into contention.  While WB may not be the most talented team in the league it is surely one of the most potent and could beat any team on a given week (ie: dangerous). 

Hitting:  The youth movement for WB's offense has been a successful one.  It has worked hard to jettison aging players to replace them with young players capable of excellence.  Hot corner Kris Bryant (ChC-3B,OF) has already won a MVP award with shortstop Fransisco Lindor (Cle-SS) and Byron Buxton (Min-OF) receiving MVP votes last season.  Mashers Adam Duvall (Cin-OF) and Jake Lamb (Ari-3B) both hit 30 or more homers last season while Khris Davis (Oak-OF) finished with 43 knockers!  Veteran Adrian Beltre (Tex-3B) is as steadfast as they come when healthy while Addison Russell (ChC-SS), Hunter Renfroe (SD-OF) and Yoan Moncada (ChW-2B) all look to be potential stars in the making.  New catcher Jorge Alfaro (Phi-C) is amongst the top backstop prospects in baseball to go along with 2017 1st overall pick Mickey Moniak (Phi-OF), Vladimir Guerrero, Jr. (Tor-3B), stunts like his daddy, and Austin Meadows (Pit-OF), who is due to produce this season.  WB has a nice group here and only looks to be getting stronger as it continues to mature. 

Pitching:  If looking for a weakness, it appears to be the lack of top-of-rotation starters.  Mid-Tier arm Dallas Keuchel (Hou-SP) and Jose Berrios (Min-SP) appear to be the best of the bunch with Marcus Stroman (Tor-SP), Aaron Sanchez (Tor-SP) as well as Carlos Rodon (ChW-SP) all ailing last season.  While the potential is there, it will have to be proven before it is believed.  Youngsters Kyle Freeland (Col-SP) looked good and bad at times though Blake Snell (TB-SP) showed he was somewhat rushed last season while A.J. Puk (Oak-SP), Vladimir Gutierrez (Cin-SP) and Rule-5 pick Mike Soroka (Atl-SP) could be difference makers soon.  Closers Roberto Osuna (Tor-RP) and Felipe Rivero (Pit-RP) look like lockdown closers going forward which will help things.  WB has some questions marks here that hopefully do not hold this team down so adding some nice fixtures will be critical. 

Draft:  Adding an arm with the 8th overall pick will likely be the choice here.  The question will be if WB goes with a prospect or a current MLB starter/closer.  There looks to be an surprising amount of closers on the market and that might be the choice here with someone like Archie Bradley (Ari-RP) or Brandon Morrow (ChC-RP) available.  If WB sides with a prospect then Cuban fireballer Michael Baez (SD-SP) or fellow Padres lefty Adrian Morejon (SD-SP) might be the answer. 

Prediction:
RD 1: Archie Bradley (Ari-RP) - See Above
RD 2: Michael Wacha (Stl-SP) - Good team and established arm capable of good numbers 
RD 3: Kyle Wright (Atl-SP) - Likely the best 2017 draft arm available after Green and MacKenzie
RD 4: Jedd Gyorko (Stl-1B,2B,3B) - Good productive utility bat at a valuable position for insurance
RD 5: Keston Hiura (Mil - 2B) - Quick moving offensive force at a shallow position
RD 6: Mike Soroka (Atl-SP) - Keeper

Prospect Draft:
RD 1: Eduardo Diaz (Ari-OF) - Young projectable outfielder with a nice balance of skills
RD 2: Kelvin Gutierrez (Was-3B) - Good organization with a nice bat to boot

RD 3: Luis Garcia (Phi-SS) - International signee with a lot of skills to like

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

2018 Chevy Chase Coopers Team Preview

Cody Bellinger (LAD-1B,OF)

Summary: After review, many might consider Chevy Chase Copper's (CCC) finish last season a disappointment until you look at the cogs on this improving team.  Offensive pieces seem to be on the upswing and while its pitching is fairly shallow the arms remain fairly valuable in dynasty leagues going forward.  This could be a team that looks to improve in 2018. 

Hitting:  While much of CCC's hitting is fairly young or unproven, most showed a proficiency last season with NL ROY Cody Bellinger (LAD-1B,OF) in addition to the surprising Justin Smoak (Tor-1B) who had a career year at age 31.  Three baggers Miguel Sano (Min-1B,3B) and Rafael Devers (Bos-3B) are both capable of better than 30+ homers with Amed Rosario (NYM-SS) the newly installed captain of the infield.  Outfield boppers Kyle Schwarber (ChC-OF), who lost catching eligibility, Steven Souza, Jr. (Ari-OF), who finds himself on a new team, and Nomar Mazara (Tex-OF) are all three capable of extreme power potential with utility guy Eduardo Núñez (Bos-2B,3B,SS,OF) capable of filling in if needed.  Veterans Brian McCann (Hou-C) and Jacoby Ellsbury (NYY-OF) who are both past their peaks can be valuable at their positions with certain stats.  On top of that, youngsters David Dahl (Col-OF), who finally appears healthy, and Franklin Barreto (Oak-2B,SS), if he can stay in the infield, should be fun to watch.  Prospects Brendan Rodgers (Col-SS), Eloy Jiménez (ChW-OF) and Lewin Diaz (Min-1B) all look like solid future investments with All-Star potential to round off the bats.  This looks like an impressive crew with a lot of growth potential though making strides in batting average would help fix a weakness and potentially moving on from Ellsbury and finding an heir to McCann might make sense. 

Pitching:  As aforementioned, CCC's pitching staff isn't the deepest but it has some impressive talent with José Quintana (ChC-SP) and Trevor Bauer (Cle-SP) looking to eclipse 200Ks in 2018.  This feat and then some could also be accomplished by a healthy Noah Syndergaard (NYM-SP) with a slight production downtick from Drew Pomeranz (Bos-SP), Julio Teheran (Atl-SP) and Sean Manaea (Oak-SP).  What is promising, all of CCC's starters, if healthy, should easily be capable of repeating their 2017 numbers with a high chance of improving in 2018.  Add in high velocity swingman and Rule-5 draftee Lance McCullers, Jr. (Hou-P), relief dynamo Chris Devenski (Hou-RP) as well as closer Sean Doolittle (Was-RP) and there is little chance this squad will fall back.  The jury is still out on prospects Dylan Cease (ChC-SP) and pedigree arm Cal Quantrill (SD-SP) but both should be nice holds in 2018.  Finding at least another free agent closer and continuing to improve by adding high-yield pitching should be the prescription to follow going forward. 

Draft:  With Shohei Ohtani (LAA-SP) likely off the board, CCC would do well to draft the best arm available and should look no further than Hunter Green (Cin-SP).  Green is a dynamite prospect that is already MLB capable so he should move very quickly. 

Prediction:
RD 1: Hunter Green (Cin-SP) - See Above
RD 2: Brenden McKay (TB-1B,SP) - Like Ohtani, top college bat/pitcher without costing 2 picks currently
RD 3: Marco Estrada (Tor-SP) - Would provide a veteran presence on the mound with some upside
RD 4: Yonder Alonso (Cle - 1B) - Could be an offensive force on a better/new team
RD 5: Lance McCullers, Jr. (Hou-P) - Rule-5
RD 6: Lewin Diaz (Min-1B) - Keeper

Prospect Draft:
RD 1: Wander Franco (TB-SS) - Viewed as the top international signee in 2017
RD 2: Kristian Robinson (Ari-OF) - Toolsy outfielder with speed and power potential

RD 3: Ronaldo Hernandez (TB-C) - He could the next best catching prospect in baseball

2018 Slimedog Team Preview

Jonathan Schoop (Bal-2B)

Summary:  After finishing 5th overall in 2016, Slimedog (SD) took a big step back last season due to injuries and regressions in pitching.  While the offense is amongst the league's best with many young and talented bats, the rotation's lack of identity will need to be fixed before it can rise any higher. 

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