Six Thoughts After the Six Division Previews
Oct 22, 2017 8:09:23 GMT -8
David - Cleveland likes this
Post by aaron_commissioner on Oct 22, 2017 8:09:23 GMT -8
Thanks again everyone for your comments and feedback on my division previews. It was a lot of fun for me to get to know your teams a little, and eased some of the boredom of the offseason. As we wind down and get ready for Opening Day, here are six thoughts I have after having looked at all your teams:
1. The National League will be highly competitive... for one playoff spot
Go ahead and pencil in the Giants, Rockies, Cubs, and probably the Mets into the playoffs. That leaves one playoff spot for the rest of the National League to fight over. In general, the addition of the qualifying offer and extra wild card has lessened parity around the league. But in the NL, there are certainly some elite teams that separate themselves.
2. In the American League, it is truly wide open
Similarly, pencil in the Red Sox, Yankees, and Indians (you can probably write that one in pen) for the playoffs. In the American League, there is a lot more unknown, a lot more roster turnover, and a lot more potential for surprises. One team to watch out for: Chicago White Sox. They have revamped their roster and have huge depth to add pieces via trade or the minors. And of course, anything can happen in the AL West.
3. Player Awards? Same story.
While the awards handed out after 2018 were debated, I still think the 2019 awards are up for grabs in the AL and can be penciled in in the NL. For the Cy Young, pencil in Noah Syndergaard if he can come close to replicating his 2018. In the AL, will Madison Bumgarner benefit from the elite defense behind him? Will Chris Sale or an Indians' starter benefit from being on an elite team? As far as MVP, I think it is Bryce Harper's to lose (he's still only 26!). In the AL, can Benintendi defend his award, will Lindor continue his elite play, or will another solid veteran claim it (Donaldson, Trout, Altuve?).
4. Opening Day is a time for unbridled optimism. But many GMs are being set up to be disappointed.
Maybe this is stating the obvious, but only 10 teams will make the playoffs. Last I checked, 26 teams have an outside chance of doing so. With so many teams aspirations at high levels, it's only natural that some squads will fall flat. I do have some ideas as to which teams are at risk, but may refrain from saying them, save one: my own Seattle Mariners, to whom I have given many hours and thoughts, could certainly end up at 4th place as easily as 1st.
5. As such, expect an active trade market this summer, and in particular: watch the prices for SPs
No position is currently more valued in the ABL than quality starters. This is seen in free agency (Gio Gonzalez, Cole Hamels) and in trades (Justin Verlander, Francisco Liriano). If the trend continues, look for some big time prospects to be moved this summer. In addition, expect the impending disappointment of owners who find themselves out of the race to push for trades. While most teams are currently in a "win now" mentality, a majority could find themselves in a "rebuilding" mindset in only a few months.
6. The ABL is truly in a league of its own
I think its important to not forget how well run this league is and (personally) how fun it is. Big thanks to David, who communicates well, understands OOTP, and is reliable. I also think the group of GMs is very respectful and fun to communicate with. Not to get too sentimental, but to me, this is more than a game: it is a community. On difficult days in real life, it is always a highlight.
1. The National League will be highly competitive... for one playoff spot
Go ahead and pencil in the Giants, Rockies, Cubs, and probably the Mets into the playoffs. That leaves one playoff spot for the rest of the National League to fight over. In general, the addition of the qualifying offer and extra wild card has lessened parity around the league. But in the NL, there are certainly some elite teams that separate themselves.
2. In the American League, it is truly wide open
Similarly, pencil in the Red Sox, Yankees, and Indians (you can probably write that one in pen) for the playoffs. In the American League, there is a lot more unknown, a lot more roster turnover, and a lot more potential for surprises. One team to watch out for: Chicago White Sox. They have revamped their roster and have huge depth to add pieces via trade or the minors. And of course, anything can happen in the AL West.
3. Player Awards? Same story.
While the awards handed out after 2018 were debated, I still think the 2019 awards are up for grabs in the AL and can be penciled in in the NL. For the Cy Young, pencil in Noah Syndergaard if he can come close to replicating his 2018. In the AL, will Madison Bumgarner benefit from the elite defense behind him? Will Chris Sale or an Indians' starter benefit from being on an elite team? As far as MVP, I think it is Bryce Harper's to lose (he's still only 26!). In the AL, can Benintendi defend his award, will Lindor continue his elite play, or will another solid veteran claim it (Donaldson, Trout, Altuve?).
4. Opening Day is a time for unbridled optimism. But many GMs are being set up to be disappointed.
Maybe this is stating the obvious, but only 10 teams will make the playoffs. Last I checked, 26 teams have an outside chance of doing so. With so many teams aspirations at high levels, it's only natural that some squads will fall flat. I do have some ideas as to which teams are at risk, but may refrain from saying them, save one: my own Seattle Mariners, to whom I have given many hours and thoughts, could certainly end up at 4th place as easily as 1st.
5. As such, expect an active trade market this summer, and in particular: watch the prices for SPs
No position is currently more valued in the ABL than quality starters. This is seen in free agency (Gio Gonzalez, Cole Hamels) and in trades (Justin Verlander, Francisco Liriano). If the trend continues, look for some big time prospects to be moved this summer. In addition, expect the impending disappointment of owners who find themselves out of the race to push for trades. While most teams are currently in a "win now" mentality, a majority could find themselves in a "rebuilding" mindset in only a few months.
6. The ABL is truly in a league of its own
I think its important to not forget how well run this league is and (personally) how fun it is. Big thanks to David, who communicates well, understands OOTP, and is reliable. I also think the group of GMs is very respectful and fun to communicate with. Not to get too sentimental, but to me, this is more than a game: it is a community. On difficult days in real life, it is always a highlight.