2019 Media Day

[johnw- ATL]

Lets answer a few questions about our teams and the league!

1. Generally speaking, how do you think your offseason went?
2. Who are you most excited about adding?
3. Who are you going to miss the most from last years team?
4. Do you have any prospects ready to make their mark in the show?
5. How do you feel about OOTP18 and injuries?
6. What's the worst contract in the league today?
7. What has to happen to make 2019 a success
8. Will you win a World Series in the next 5 seasons?
9. Any other predictions for around the league?

[jyd98]

1. I think it went okay. I started with a few games left in the season so I just tried to patch any obvious holes that were noticeable. This season will decide how I approach the future.

2. I'm really excited to see how dozier does. His future with the team will depend on how the season starts, but I have high hopes for him. I'm also very excited to see how my new closer (Micah Fox) will do. He came in to the league from an independent league so it's a bit of a risk putting him in the closing role with no previous stats to go off of.

3. No one! Didn't have enough time to get attached to a player yet.

4. Micky Moniak is getting close. He will be getting play time in AAA but will be the first call up if anything happens to Herrera.  RP Rondolfo Martinez will be making the team out of spring training. I acquired him in a trade with the Giants with expectations for him to stay in AAA for a few years. He surprised in spring training with an era of 2.00 and showed the ability to go a couple innings. He also has an absolutely absurd k/9 in the minors which I'm hoping with translate to the majors.   

5. Not really sure . I like having injuries be realistic but I will admit that having season ending injuries happen every second day is a bit much.

6. It has to be Pujols right now.

7. My starters have to be stellar. I don't have high expectations from them but sub 4 era from all of them would be nice.

8. I can't even win one in a single player league so I don't expect to, no.

9. Mets rotation will have a rough season despite being godlike on paper.

[aaron_commissioner]

1. Generally speaking, how do you think your offseason went?

I met a lot of my goals. Shed future payroll, added depth, got younger. I think I had a good offseason, but considering last year's performance (shaky at first), anything can happen this year.

2. Who are you most excited about adding?

There are few players I would break the bank for. To me, a player worth acquiring at any time either is or has the potential to be top-3 at this position around the league. That is why I'm happy to have added J.P. Crawford at a reasonable price. He isn't yet, but could turn out to be elite, in which case he will be in Seattle for a long, long time.

3. Who are you going to miss the most from last years team?

A solid, but not spectacular, starting pitcher. I'm really lacking in depth at that position. I traded him mid-way through last year, but man, what I would give to have Felix Hernandez back.

4. Do you have any prospects ready to make their mark in the show?

Yes! Andrew Moore will be in the rotation full-time. Nick Williams could make his way up this year. Luis Basabe will certainly be up later this year. And Jesus Tinoco will be handled carefully, but may get a shot in the bullpen the second half of the season.

5. How do you feel about OOTP18 and injuries?

Honestly, OOTP18 is all I know (I'm a rookie in terms of experience). I love it and the challenge it gives.

6. What's the worst contract in the league today?

Derek is probably going to say Giancarlo, so I'll say Joey Votto (I would anyway). We're even.

7. What has to happen to make 2019 a success

My team needs to continue their play from the end of 2018. They are better than last year's team on paper. If they can maintain that momentum, we should be in the playoffs.

8. Will you win a World Series in the next 5 seasons?

Absolutely, yes.

9. Any other predictions for around the league?

New injury settings greatly benefit two teams: Giancarlo Stanton (SEA) hits 60 bombs, Jamieson Tallion (NYY) finishes top 3 in Cy Young voting.

[samtigers]

1. Generally speaking, how do you think your offseason went?
Honestly as well as could be expected after the worst record in the AL last year. I improved my SP/RP, and although I spent a lot in prospects most of the players I got back are younger, so in conjunction with more salary dropping off the books in the next few years my future looks pretty decent.
2. Who are you most excited about adding?
Manny Machado. A young superstar at pretty decent contract who should help bring fans to the seats and wins.
3. Who are you going to miss the most from last years team?
Wow... I would have to say probably Ian Kinsler. Good defense and decent hitting at 2B is hard to find.
4. Do you have any prospects ready to make their mark in the show?
Possibly Brady Aiken, depending on how my rotation fares. I also have Cristian Stewart as a 4th OF who may hit his way into the starting lineup.
5. How do you feel about OOTP18 and injuries?
They seem a bit too high, hopefully the adjustment made will even things out.
6. What's the worst contract in the league today?
Gincarlo Stanton. Although I bet Miguel Cabera may give him a run for his money soon...
7. What has to happen to make 2019 a success
Not dead last! Seriously, I hope to at least make a run at a .500 record.
8. Will you win a World Series in the next 5 seasons?
I can't guarantee that... I think it likely that I make at least one wildcard berth though
9. Any other predictions for around the league?
I think the Pirates will make a good shot at repeating last years championship.

[medicistwinsgm]

1. Generally speaking, how do you think your offseason went?
It went OK. Got rid of Phil Hughes contract, added some low profile guys like Jose Iglesias and Trevor Rosenthal. Then made the big trade for Eloy Jimenez who we think can be an absolute superstar. So all in all, not a huge offseason but making the right moves for the future.

2. Who are you most excited about adding?
Eloy Jimenez, we think he is going to be a star in this league.

3. Who are you going to miss the most from last years team?
I miss Miguel Sano who got hurt midway through the year and then had a 12 month setback that knocked him out of this entire season.

4. Do you have any prospects ready to make their mark in the show?
We have lots of prospects that hopefully will be ready next year. This year, I believe the only one that will be up for certain in Jimenez at some point this season.

5. How do you feel about OOTP18 and injuries?
I like the injuries. I feel like it is an added challenge and really makes depth important as well as handling the 40 man roster/waivers. It also takes away the big teams who load up their roster with big money contractsbut don't have the prospects or vets available to help our their team if someone gets hurt.

6. What's the worst contract in the league today?
Stanton - unless he plays like an all-star into his late 30's that contract is rough.

7. What has to happen to make 2019 a success
Young pitchers have to be adequate. Last year our starters were worst in the entire ABL. This year if they can hold their own, we can compete. I doubt that happens as we are about a year away. We have about 5 - 6 pitchers we are grooming for next year. Most of our lineup is young so they will be around for a while.

8. Will you win a World Series in the next 5 seasons?
I think in the next 3 years i can compete for playoff spot. Once in playoffs, anything can happen.

9. Any other predictions for around the league?
AL Central will be competitive this year.

[JF_Expos]

1. Generally speaking, how do you think your offseason went?

Pretty well even tough we thought we'd lose more talent. Daniel Murphy and Micheal Brantley signings filled holes and a couple of trades helped bring some more talent.


2. Who are you most excited about adding?

I think Russell Martin. He can be bad and he still will be a very big upgrade over our catchers last yr.


3. Who are you going to miss the most from last years team?

Probably Donaldson but at his price, I get Brantley AND Murphy...

4. Do you have any prospects ready to make their mark in the show?

1B Bobby Bradley but there's no place for him. He'll play AAA this yr.

5. How do you feel about OOTP18 and injuries?

Lower is better for everyone.

6. What's the worst contract in the league today?

Albert Pujols today. They are a multitudes of candidates for the future but they as sill good players now.

7. What has to happen to make 2019 a success

Win 100 games and if we're lucky the World Series.


8. Will you win a World Series in the next 5 seasons?

We have a team that will be positionned to win the World Series in EACH of the next 5 seasons.


9. Any other predictions for around the league?

Lots of stars will still get injured :-)

[johnw- ATL]

1. Generally speaking, how do you think your offseason went?

Overall, it was pretty quiet, which is fine.  I think we are on the right track, staying the course is the plan.

2. Who are you most excited about adding?

The only major addition was Jurickson Profar, who is a fairly talented player, who fits in to our core age group.  He's versatile, which is becoming a staple of the team.  I gave him alot of money for alot of years, so he needs to be good.

3. Who are you going to miss the most from last years team?

Rio Ruiz, who was traded for Profar, was a really good player.  I liked him alot. Came through in the clutch, hit both lefties and righties.  He fit in well with this group.  In OOTP, I find having the right mix can help players perform better then their ratings.  Ruiz fit in.
 
4. Do you have any prospects ready to make their mark in the show?

Ronald Acuna is ready.  He's a top 10 league wide prospect, whose got the skill right now to play.  He will start in AAA though, for roster management purposes, but will be our first call up, and i expect him to make me start him in the outfield before the end of the season.

5. How do you feel about OOTP18 and injuries?

I feel they are realistic, but hurtful to the fun level of the game.

6. What's the worst contract in the league today?

Zach Greinke looks like he's done.  He's owed 90 million for the next 3 years.

7. What has to happen to make 2019 a success

.500 record would indicate our continued improvement.  Getting two of our prospect pitchers ready for the majors this years would be great.  Albies and Swanson being all-stars would be desert!

8. Will you win a World Series in the next 5 seasons?

No, it's really hard to win a world series.  I just hope to compete and break my heart.

9. Any other predictions for around the league?

Mets win the World Series.  They rematch with the Red Sox(I say rematch like the 86 series was yesterday).  The Yankees respond by adding 16 new players in the offseason, all 4/5 star quality!

[Deleted]

1. Generally speaking, how do you think your offseason went?
We had a great off-season. Addressed our left side of the infield, addressed the overly lefty-hitting outfielders we had last season and went out and signed a veteran for the 5th spot in the rotation. Tick, tick, tick go all of the boxes we set out to address at the outset of the off-season.

2. Who are you most excited about adding?
Kyle Seager. Although he went from a 127 OPS+ season in 2017 to an 80 in 2018, everything points to a bounce-back season for him at Citi Field. In a lineup he won't be expected to be 'The Guy', he can settle in and deliver his 70+ walks, 80+ walks and knock in 80+ runs without the pressure.

3. Who are you going to miss the most from last years team?
No question OF Christian Yelich will be missed. That guy just could not stay healthy and be on the field enough for my liking. I loathe fragile players. So i shipped him out because of OF depth and because he will be due a big payday soon to help us in the future and replenish the 1st round pick Seager cost. Essentially, Seager cost a drop from 19th to 30th in the 1st round for us.

4. Do you have any prospects ready to make their mark in the show?
Fans will have to wait for future shortstop Ahmed Rosario. He is just not fully developed and will stay in Triple A for another season. At 23 years old, he still has time to grow. There is an outside chance SP's Nabil Crismatt or Chance Adams make an appearance for us this year. But that will mean things have gone sideways for us in the rotation. Let's hope it doesn't come to that.

5. How do you feel about OOTP18 and injuries?
I am of the belief OOTP got the day-to-day injuries right. Playing 162 game season in 180 days is a recipe for nagging injuries to occur. I HATE the extensive long term injuries and really believe the move to a lower injury setting will provide a nice balance of long term injuries happening SOMETIMES while managing nagging DTD injuries.

6. What's the worst contract in the league today?
2B Kuan Xie. 7 years, $210M. 30 years old. For a guy who has zero at-bats in the ABL, it's hard to get behind this sort of deal. I hope it works out for the Dodgers though!

7. What has to happen to make 2019 a success?
Like most teams, stay healthy and hope the talent performs on the field to their ability. Getting contributions up and down the lineup and a break-out season by Nimmo would be great!

8. Will you win a World Series in the next 5 seasons?
Yes!

9. Any other predictions for around the league?

• Joey Gallo will hit 60+ home runs
  
• 3 teams in the AL will win 100 games: Boston, NY, Cleveland
• Manny Machado for AL MVP
  
• Josh Bell for NL MVP

[Derek _ Red Sox]

1. Generally speaking, how do you think your offseason went?

I think we accomplished what we wanted to do, did a few things that we needed to do and then did a good job adjusting to some Spring Training injuries by being in position to add a lot of depth to our AAA club with veteran guys who were willing to work on Minor League deals to prove their way back into the Majors.

We went into the off-season with a few plans in front of is:

1. Keep a championship caliber team on the field in 2019
2. Build a nucleus who could help us remain a contender for the next 3-4 seasons as well
3. Be financially responsible AND realistic to what we want and what we can actually do.

I feel coming off back to back division championships and a World Series appearance the next step in our progression is to bring the trophy back to Boston. Winning takes more than skill. It takes a group effort, it takes leadership, it takes players understanding their roles and I think we brought guys in who understand this concept. At the end of the day, the more success a team has, the more success an individual has.

Baseball is a funny game and trying to build a sustainable team for more than 3-4 seasons is a very tough task. We prefer to plan for 3-4 seasons at a time and alter our course of action as we go in order to keep winning and to allow us the flexibility to adapt to what is happening around the league. We only have 3 players in our organization who are tied up longer than 3-seasons (Donaldson, LeMahieu and Votto) so we are in a place we are comfortable with in that regard.

The financial responsibility part is the hardest to stay on track with. The truth is we would of loved to have kept Tanaka, Bogaerts, Pedroia, Bradley Jr. and a few other players but with arbitration (Andrew Benintendi, Mookie Betts) and contract extensions (Chris Sale, Rick Porcello) upon us we need to determine who the players are we want to build around and make sure we can afford to do so.

2. Who are you most excited about adding?

We have made an almost complete roster overhaul so a lot of parts here but the names I am most excited about is first and foremost, Josh Donaldson. I think we needed a bat like his in the lineup for two years now and to finally have it is very exciting. He brings the lineup together. Another is DJ LeMahieu as we think his defensive skills alone will be fun to watch but also to see what he can do in a lineup surrounded by guys like Betts, Benintendi, Donaldson and Crawford.

The disappointing part is Charlie Tilson who is out for 4-months, we were very excited to see what he could bring to the table for us offensively and defensively in place of Jackie Bradley Jr. We had plans to plug Charlie in the leadoff spot with his ability to hit for contact, draw walks and his good eye combined with his speed and base running skills and now we are just hoping he can come back and provide something for us after the All-Star Break.

3. Who are you going to miss the most from last years team?

Xander Bogaerts. Probably one of my favorite Red Sox and a very good shortstop but our ultimate goal is to be competitive for a long time and financially we had to make moves we necessarily wouldn’t have made if money didn’t matter. We feel like we did well in finding a replacement in Brandon Crawford but its not denying he will be missed. Masahiro Tanaka is another who will be missed, he was a veteran presence who pitched very well for us and that is not something that can be replaced easily.

4. Do you have any prospects ready to make their mark in the show?

Most of our young guys have made their mark on the roster already or have been moved to bring in some veterans but the two closest we have are Duane Denning who is in AA and just needs to work on his control a little more and I think he could make the step if necessary and a torn labrum has slowed the path for outfielder Ryan Scott who is out for the season but has showed the skillset to play on the Major League level.


5. How do you feel about OOTP18 and injuries?

I think I voiced my opinion on slack quite strongly. I think OOTP could have done a much better job but as much as I hate the injuries I will say the biggest problem I have is the actual length of the injuries. I think injury brings strategy into the game and allows you to find those hidden unsung heroes but normally those guys step in and fill in for short periods of times and it is one or two players. The way OOTP is setup you need to build depth on top of depth and then find more depth with player options willing to accept a stint in the minors in order to survive a season. 

Give me more 2-5 week injuries and we are going places. 


6. What's the worst contract in the league today?

This is a tough question believe it or not. I will say right NOW though that Albert Pujols has the worst contract for a hittter and Zac Greinke takes the prize for pitchers.  

The worst long-term contracts (5+ years) have to be Giancarlo Stanton, Robinson Cano, Miguel Cabrera and Joey Votto. 

The RISKIEST contract in baseball right now just might be Kuan Xie. The Dodgers have plenty of financial wiggle room to play and take the chance and there is a team option after 3-years but almost $100m guaranteed and a potential total value of $210 million for a guy to never play in the ABL is quite a risk! 

7. What has to happen to make 2019 a success

We need guys to play to their potential. Stealing the mantra from Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots, just "DO YOUR JOB". We are not asking for people to play out of position or do things they are not used to do doing. If we can do our jobs, we can have a successful season. 

8. Will you win a World Series in the next 5 seasons?

Yes, I believe any other answer is unacceptable. We are one of the largest market teams with great payroll flexibility and a lot of talent. We have a lot of tough competition across the league and teams like New York and Cleveland aren’t going anywhere any time soon

9. Any other predictions for around the league?

My predictions for this season:

Division Winners: Boston, Cleveland and Texas in the American League. New York (N), Los Angeles (N) and I don’t like idea of Pirates having new GM so late in the year so I will predict Cincinnati to win the National League divisions.

Andrew Benintendi and Corey Kluber will win the AL MVP and Cy Young again. Jose Berrios for NL Cy Young and Seager and Harper battle in closest MVP vote for NL with Dodgers taking both the MVP and Cy Young.

[David - Cleveland]

1. Generally speaking, how do you think your off-season went?
We were pretty quiet. Being new, I always like to see what I have before leaping into anything that may hurt, instead of help, the squad. There is a mix of veteran and young talent on this team and I think we should be OK or better.

2. Who are you most excited about adding?
Nobody I am really excited about, but interested to see what Andre Eithier can do, coming over from LA. I had a heck of a time trying to secure a catcher. Wilson Ramos was far too expensive and didn't come down far enough before being snapped up, so also hoping Alex Avila appreciates the opportunity in VAN.

3. Who are you going to miss the most from last years team?
Pretty much Ramos. We also lost some pitching and position players, but Ramos gave us a very good bat. Others will have to step up.

4. Do you have any prospects ready to make their mark in the show?
We have a veteran infield, which means any up-and-coming infielder will be bench at best, but that also means sheltered this season. 2B Bill Pujols will hopefully surprise me!

5. How do you feel about OOTP18 and injuries?
Irrelevant now. Injuries have been lowered a setting to LOW. I will be curious to see the result of that.

6. What's the worst contract in the league today?
Albert Pujols. He has dropped off the face of the Earth and has three years left at 28-29-30-Mil. WAIT, Zack Greinke has three higher years? And he plays in Vancouver? Eeek!

7. What has to happen to make 2019 a success?
Veterans need to have career years. Period!

8. Will you win a World Series in the next 5 seasons?
Not sure. Educated guess is no. But we'll see.

9. Any other predictions for around the league?
I predict the Pirates do NOT repeat, but I hope someone else surprises with a Cinderella season, much like the Pirates last year! It's good drama.

Thanks for putting together Media Day John!

[pcaccia]

1. Generally speaking, how do you think your offseason went?
Awesome!  Was sad to leave AZ but super excited to take over as GM for my Cubs!  Disappointed to find Lester was on the DL likely to miss the entire season.  Found we had 3 solid starters in Darvish, Rodon, and Hendricks but needed to find a #4 and 5 starter.  Found Tyson Ross on waivers.  Ross was 11-12 with a 4.53 ERA for the WSox last season.  Not great but with an ERA+ of 100 I thought he was worth a shot as a #4.  Spotted Zach Godley on waivers from my old AZ club and jumped on him.  Again, not a star by any means but he was 10-8 with a 4.16 ERA for a bad AZ team and his ERA+ was over 100 last season.  So I found a couple of serviceable starters on the cheap.

2. Who are you most excited about adding?
The opportunity to grab Christian Yelich presented itself and I grabbed him. A 5-star young hitter like Yelich doesn't come around often. Last season for the Mets, the kid hit .273/12/48 and the year before that .328/19/89. He is a solid all around contributor who is signed for a long time to come. Very excited to have him with the Cubs.

3. Who are you going to miss the most from last years team?
My best prospect, Eloy Jimenez.  Easily.  He is going to be very good, very soon.  Acquiring Yelich made him expendable.  

4. Do you have any prospects ready to make their mark in the show?
SP Duane Underwood (AAA) is close.  Probably will be called up this season at some point.  Cubs have the 18th rated farm system in the ABL so there is some talent here within the organization.  That's exciting! 

5. How do you feel about OOTP18 and injuries?
Not sure.  Maybe a touch high but injuries happen IRL too so I think whatevs. 

6. What's the worst contract in the league today?
The $20 million I am paying Alex Gordon.  Not sure what the previous GM was thinking taking on his big contract.  He was a rule 5 from KC...  I would have sent that guy back or NOT EVEN DRAFTED HIM!!  Anyone wants him he is on waivers.  Please...take him.

7. What has to happen to make 2019 a success
I need my pitching to help me.  Without Lester I am counting on several average Joes to carry me this year.  The offense should be outstanding.  Need the starters to pitch well and the relievers to provide relief.  Cubs made the playoffs last season but got run the first round.  I am planning to go further this season.  FLY THE W!

8. Will you win a World Series in the next 5 seasons?
Hells YES!

9. Any other predictions for around the league?
I expect Kris Bryant to lead the ABL in homers and Carlos Rodon to be among the league leaders in most pitching categories.  He is outstanding!