2020 ABL Division Previews - AL Central
Jan 10, 2018 7:09:52 GMT -8
CardsGM_Sean, johnw- ATL, and 5 more like this
Post by aaron_commissioner on Jan 10, 2018 7:09:52 GMT -8
1. Cleveland Indians (2019: 117-45, 1st AL Central, Eliminated in ALDS)
2019 in review: Cleveland fielded one of the best pitching units in the modern era, and produced a record 117 wins. AL MVP and Cy Young Corey Kluber led the charge with 9.2 WAR, but Marcus Stroman (6.8 WAR) was elite in his out right. FA acquisitions Russell Martin and Daniel Murphy also produced admirably, but in the end the team got cold and was eliminated by a hot Yankees team in the playoffs.
Offseason summary: Cleveland is one of two teams (Pittsburgh) to have added zero names this offseason. They did lose useful starters in Russell Martin and Cody Allen, but granted: they still have an insanely talented roster. It seems like the current plan is to replace more expensive, older starters with youth from the farm.
What’s the best that could happen? 117 wins is nothing to sneeze at. With minimal changes from a team that set the wins record last year, the sky's the limit for this team.
What’s the worst that could happen? Considering the team’s past success, anything short of a championship is going to be considered a disappointment in Cleveland.
Player spotlight:
SP Colin Rea: Acquired from San Diego in a 2019 deadline trade, Rea continued to get even better in Cleveland. After signing a 4 year, $55MM extension this offseason, he could be next in line in an already talent-rich rotation.
CF Keon Broxton: Broxton had an absolutely terrible 2018, but his bat reawoke in 2019. Consistency has never been his calling card, but with more questions in the lineup, it will be essential that his bat continues to produce so that he can stay in the lineup and make use of his incredible defense.
Questions:
1) Daniel Murphy had an “ok” season in 2019, but you also have a power lefty in Bobby Bradley waiting in the wings. How do you intend to deploy Murphy and the 1B position?
2) After going 117-45 in the regular season, your team went 0-3 in the playoffs. How do you expect things to go differently this year?
2. Minnesota Twins (2019: 84-78, 3rd AL Central)
2019 in review: 2019 was the year the Twins made their presence known. They kept pace with the Indians for the first two months of the season, and much of the young talent on the team propelled the Twins to a winning season. Two players in particular, Willie Calhoun and Edwin Rios, both came over from Los Angeles in the Jose Berrios trade, and combined for 73 home runs.
Offseason summary: Like the Indians, the Twins have remained largely quiet this offseason. They gained three and lost three players in the Rule 5 draft. Other than that, it has be minor league depth and lesser players that have departed. It seems they want to build on the talent that boosted their 2019 season into 2020.
What’s the best that could happen? There’s a non-zero chance the Twins could come away with the AL Central division. Don’t get me wrong, the Indians are really good, but considering how the Twins handled injuries in 2019, continued growth of their youth, and an overall scary lineup, Minnesota could surprise… again.
What’s the worst that could happen? The Twins are continuing to look forward, short- and long-term. There isn’t really a single thing that can completely destroy this club’s future. Worst-case scenario is probably a losing record, but the future still looks bright in the Twin Cities.
Player spotlight:
CL Jake Reed: Just in case you weren’t impressed by Reed’s fantastic season as closer in 2019, he enjoyed a velocity jump at the end of the season at age 27. Hard to imagine, but better things seem to be in store for this flamethrower.
DH Willie Calhoun: It takes a pretty good year to post 4.2 WAR. It takes an incredible year to post that much WAR from the DH position. Calhoun is only 25, had a 2019 OPS of .943, and is helping the Twins forget they ever had Jose Berrios.
Questions:
1) You have as much starting pitching depth as any team in the ABL. Considering your team’s position and the value of pitching, how will these play into your 2020 plans? For example, do you envision dangling these specs to acquire major league talent, or do you plan on continuing to develop a home-grown rotation?
2) Your rotation seems to be the weak link on your team. Do you see changes to this unit before the end of the year, or do you want to “play to your strengths”?
3. Houston Astros (2019: 91-71, 2nd AL Central, Eliminated in ALWCS)
2019 in review: In 2018, the Astros were one of the unluckiest teams in terms of run-differential and wins. In 2019, however, the Astros outperformed their expected wins total as much as any other team in the AL. With both their bats and arms, the Astros were balanced and did not have to rely on any single player. Jeremy Hellickson (2.7 WAR) was a free agent acquisition who produced great value.
Offseason summary: Despite a lot of budget room, the Astros have made smaller moves this offseason, but have been busier than most. Houston had SIX(!!!) Rule 5 draft picks, and signed potentially useful veterans in Hellickson, Puig, and Wieters. Jose Altuve if a free agent and has yet to sign, but if he does sign elsewhere, it could be a big loss for this team.
What’s the best that could happen? There are a good number of superstars on this team, especially in their lineup. If all of them avoid injuries and/or performance drops, this team could find itself easily challenging for a playoff spot again.
What’s the worst that could happen? An injury to one of the top three starters could spell doom for the Astros. They are dangerously low on SP depth, and with an injury or two, it is difficult to see how far down this team could go.
Player spotlight:
SP Francis Martes: Martes is the best ABL pitcher you haven’t heard of. Only 24, he possesses four electric pitches. He could be an ace on any team.
RF Jhon Torres: When Houston traded Will Harris to Cleveland, they received quite the haul in return. The 19 year old looks like he has a solid future in the ABL, and currently is one of the best players in Houston’s farm system.
Questions:
1) After Keuchel, Martes, and Quintana, how do you envision your rotation rounding out?
2) Puig is a very divisive player in the ABL. Some love him, many hate him. Explain your thought process behind the signing.
4. Chicago White Sox (2019: 69-93, 4th AL Central)
2019 in review: The White Sox teased even me before the 2019 season; I expected better from them. Ultimately, the pitching faltered and really dragged the team down. In particular, the bullpen was one of the worst in the AL. Former super prospect Yoan Moncada (0.3 WAR) also failed to meet expectations, although there were other positive signs from youngster Cozens (4.2 WAR) and new acquisition Bogaerts (5.0 WAR).
Offseason summary: Edinson Volquez turned out to be a somewhat useful signing last season, but he has moved on after one year with the team. Asdrubal Cabrera is currently the only offseason acquisition for the team, but under new leadership, more moves could be on the way.
What’s the best that could happen? The young bats wake up and help the White Sox create some noise. If Moncada posts 4+ WAR, Cozens and Bogaerts continue to produce, and prospects Beer, Peters, and catcher Collins have better years, this could turn into one of the league’s best lineups.
What’s the worst that could happen? The White Sox needed to address their pitching again this offseason, and they didn’t. It would be difficult to pitch much worse than they did last season, but it looks like their pitching staff could end up being a 2-ton anchor, keeping this team closer to 100 losses than a winning season.
Player spotlight:
SP Carson Fulmer: Fulmer has been one of the few bright spots among a dirty pitching staff. Still only 26, he has developed into a valuable asset for a team that needs him.
LF Dylan Cozens: Most of the attention in the outfield revolves around super prospects Beer and Tucker. However, it was Cozens who was one of the team’s best players in 2019. He still needs to show consistency: he had 0.4 WAR in 2018 and has struck out 428 times the past two years.
Questions: Welcome to the ABL! I know you are still getting situated as GM of your team, but help us get to know you a little better:
1) What is your favorite MLB team? Favorite MLB memory?
2) What are your goals for your team and in general for your ABL career?
5. Kansas City Royals (2019: 58-104, 5th AL Central)
2019 in review: The Royals had a season to forget in 2019, finishing at or near the bottom of the league in almost every major category except defense. They made some moves at the trading deadline, including picking up a few top prospects from Seattle, showing that this team has it’s eyes on the distant future.
Offseason summary: The Royals claimed Connor Greene to serve as rotation depth in 2020, and otherwise may have improved by losing players. All four of Kansas City’s departures posted negative WAR in 2019.
What’s the best that could happen? Some prospects develop well, get a taste of major league action, and the Royals do not finish last in their division in 2020.
What’s the worst that could happen? One of their minor league teams gets into a bus accident. Seriously though, expectations are not high for this KC squad. They just want to see their youngsters progress and develop.
Player spotlight:
SP James Kaprielian: The Royals have an abundance of riches in their minors, and Kaprielian is one of the closest to help a very needy rotation. Given that KC is not ready to compete, his service time may be monitored closely, but at age 25, he looks ready for the big show.
SS Chris Torres: Acquired from Seattle in the Raul Mondesi trade, Torres has the looks to be a spectacular future shortstop. He has flashed incredible defensive skills, running and hitting ability in the minors. The main question will be if it can translate to the major leagues.
Questions:
1) Your major league squad has seen better days, but your minor league system indicates that the future is bright. When do you foresee these prospects being ready and you being able to “go for it”?
2) Which prospects are you most excited to see at the major league level in 2020?
2019 in review: Cleveland fielded one of the best pitching units in the modern era, and produced a record 117 wins. AL MVP and Cy Young Corey Kluber led the charge with 9.2 WAR, but Marcus Stroman (6.8 WAR) was elite in his out right. FA acquisitions Russell Martin and Daniel Murphy also produced admirably, but in the end the team got cold and was eliminated by a hot Yankees team in the playoffs.
Offseason summary: Cleveland is one of two teams (Pittsburgh) to have added zero names this offseason. They did lose useful starters in Russell Martin and Cody Allen, but granted: they still have an insanely talented roster. It seems like the current plan is to replace more expensive, older starters with youth from the farm.
What’s the best that could happen? 117 wins is nothing to sneeze at. With minimal changes from a team that set the wins record last year, the sky's the limit for this team.
What’s the worst that could happen? Considering the team’s past success, anything short of a championship is going to be considered a disappointment in Cleveland.
Player spotlight:
SP Colin Rea: Acquired from San Diego in a 2019 deadline trade, Rea continued to get even better in Cleveland. After signing a 4 year, $55MM extension this offseason, he could be next in line in an already talent-rich rotation.
CF Keon Broxton: Broxton had an absolutely terrible 2018, but his bat reawoke in 2019. Consistency has never been his calling card, but with more questions in the lineup, it will be essential that his bat continues to produce so that he can stay in the lineup and make use of his incredible defense.
Questions:
1) Daniel Murphy had an “ok” season in 2019, but you also have a power lefty in Bobby Bradley waiting in the wings. How do you intend to deploy Murphy and the 1B position?
2) After going 117-45 in the regular season, your team went 0-3 in the playoffs. How do you expect things to go differently this year?
2. Minnesota Twins (2019: 84-78, 3rd AL Central)
2019 in review: 2019 was the year the Twins made their presence known. They kept pace with the Indians for the first two months of the season, and much of the young talent on the team propelled the Twins to a winning season. Two players in particular, Willie Calhoun and Edwin Rios, both came over from Los Angeles in the Jose Berrios trade, and combined for 73 home runs.
Offseason summary: Like the Indians, the Twins have remained largely quiet this offseason. They gained three and lost three players in the Rule 5 draft. Other than that, it has be minor league depth and lesser players that have departed. It seems they want to build on the talent that boosted their 2019 season into 2020.
What’s the best that could happen? There’s a non-zero chance the Twins could come away with the AL Central division. Don’t get me wrong, the Indians are really good, but considering how the Twins handled injuries in 2019, continued growth of their youth, and an overall scary lineup, Minnesota could surprise… again.
What’s the worst that could happen? The Twins are continuing to look forward, short- and long-term. There isn’t really a single thing that can completely destroy this club’s future. Worst-case scenario is probably a losing record, but the future still looks bright in the Twin Cities.
Player spotlight:
CL Jake Reed: Just in case you weren’t impressed by Reed’s fantastic season as closer in 2019, he enjoyed a velocity jump at the end of the season at age 27. Hard to imagine, but better things seem to be in store for this flamethrower.
DH Willie Calhoun: It takes a pretty good year to post 4.2 WAR. It takes an incredible year to post that much WAR from the DH position. Calhoun is only 25, had a 2019 OPS of .943, and is helping the Twins forget they ever had Jose Berrios.
Questions:
1) You have as much starting pitching depth as any team in the ABL. Considering your team’s position and the value of pitching, how will these play into your 2020 plans? For example, do you envision dangling these specs to acquire major league talent, or do you plan on continuing to develop a home-grown rotation?
2) Your rotation seems to be the weak link on your team. Do you see changes to this unit before the end of the year, or do you want to “play to your strengths”?
3. Houston Astros (2019: 91-71, 2nd AL Central, Eliminated in ALWCS)
2019 in review: In 2018, the Astros were one of the unluckiest teams in terms of run-differential and wins. In 2019, however, the Astros outperformed their expected wins total as much as any other team in the AL. With both their bats and arms, the Astros were balanced and did not have to rely on any single player. Jeremy Hellickson (2.7 WAR) was a free agent acquisition who produced great value.
Offseason summary: Despite a lot of budget room, the Astros have made smaller moves this offseason, but have been busier than most. Houston had SIX(!!!) Rule 5 draft picks, and signed potentially useful veterans in Hellickson, Puig, and Wieters. Jose Altuve if a free agent and has yet to sign, but if he does sign elsewhere, it could be a big loss for this team.
What’s the best that could happen? There are a good number of superstars on this team, especially in their lineup. If all of them avoid injuries and/or performance drops, this team could find itself easily challenging for a playoff spot again.
What’s the worst that could happen? An injury to one of the top three starters could spell doom for the Astros. They are dangerously low on SP depth, and with an injury or two, it is difficult to see how far down this team could go.
Player spotlight:
SP Francis Martes: Martes is the best ABL pitcher you haven’t heard of. Only 24, he possesses four electric pitches. He could be an ace on any team.
RF Jhon Torres: When Houston traded Will Harris to Cleveland, they received quite the haul in return. The 19 year old looks like he has a solid future in the ABL, and currently is one of the best players in Houston’s farm system.
Questions:
1) After Keuchel, Martes, and Quintana, how do you envision your rotation rounding out?
2) Puig is a very divisive player in the ABL. Some love him, many hate him. Explain your thought process behind the signing.
4. Chicago White Sox (2019: 69-93, 4th AL Central)
2019 in review: The White Sox teased even me before the 2019 season; I expected better from them. Ultimately, the pitching faltered and really dragged the team down. In particular, the bullpen was one of the worst in the AL. Former super prospect Yoan Moncada (0.3 WAR) also failed to meet expectations, although there were other positive signs from youngster Cozens (4.2 WAR) and new acquisition Bogaerts (5.0 WAR).
Offseason summary: Edinson Volquez turned out to be a somewhat useful signing last season, but he has moved on after one year with the team. Asdrubal Cabrera is currently the only offseason acquisition for the team, but under new leadership, more moves could be on the way.
What’s the best that could happen? The young bats wake up and help the White Sox create some noise. If Moncada posts 4+ WAR, Cozens and Bogaerts continue to produce, and prospects Beer, Peters, and catcher Collins have better years, this could turn into one of the league’s best lineups.
What’s the worst that could happen? The White Sox needed to address their pitching again this offseason, and they didn’t. It would be difficult to pitch much worse than they did last season, but it looks like their pitching staff could end up being a 2-ton anchor, keeping this team closer to 100 losses than a winning season.
Player spotlight:
SP Carson Fulmer: Fulmer has been one of the few bright spots among a dirty pitching staff. Still only 26, he has developed into a valuable asset for a team that needs him.
LF Dylan Cozens: Most of the attention in the outfield revolves around super prospects Beer and Tucker. However, it was Cozens who was one of the team’s best players in 2019. He still needs to show consistency: he had 0.4 WAR in 2018 and has struck out 428 times the past two years.
Questions: Welcome to the ABL! I know you are still getting situated as GM of your team, but help us get to know you a little better:
1) What is your favorite MLB team? Favorite MLB memory?
2) What are your goals for your team and in general for your ABL career?
5. Kansas City Royals (2019: 58-104, 5th AL Central)
2019 in review: The Royals had a season to forget in 2019, finishing at or near the bottom of the league in almost every major category except defense. They made some moves at the trading deadline, including picking up a few top prospects from Seattle, showing that this team has it’s eyes on the distant future.
Offseason summary: The Royals claimed Connor Greene to serve as rotation depth in 2020, and otherwise may have improved by losing players. All four of Kansas City’s departures posted negative WAR in 2019.
What’s the best that could happen? Some prospects develop well, get a taste of major league action, and the Royals do not finish last in their division in 2020.
What’s the worst that could happen? One of their minor league teams gets into a bus accident. Seriously though, expectations are not high for this KC squad. They just want to see their youngsters progress and develop.
Player spotlight:
SP James Kaprielian: The Royals have an abundance of riches in their minors, and Kaprielian is one of the closest to help a very needy rotation. Given that KC is not ready to compete, his service time may be monitored closely, but at age 25, he looks ready for the big show.
SS Chris Torres: Acquired from Seattle in the Raul Mondesi trade, Torres has the looks to be a spectacular future shortstop. He has flashed incredible defensive skills, running and hitting ability in the minors. The main question will be if it can translate to the major leagues.
Questions:
1) Your major league squad has seen better days, but your minor league system indicates that the future is bright. When do you foresee these prospects being ready and you being able to “go for it”?
2) Which prospects are you most excited to see at the major league level in 2020?
