2020 ABL Division Previews - NL West
Jan 10, 2018 18:07:14 GMT -8
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Post by aaron_commissioner on Jan 10, 2018 18:07:14 GMT -8
Los Angeles Dodgers (2019: 117-45, 1st NL West, NL Champions)
2019 in review: The Dodgers made me look completely silly when I projected them to finish 3rd in their division. An absolutely stacked team, LA made 2018 look like an aberration and established themselves as the best team in the NL. Setting a record number of wins, the Dodgers were first in most pitching/defense metrics and 2nd in almost all hitting stats in the NL. Only the red-hot Yankees were able to slow them down in the World Series.
Offseason summary: “The rich get richer” is often an overused phrase, but it definitely seems to describe the Los Angeles Dodgers’ offseason. The Dodgers gained one of the best third basemen in the game in Josh Donaldson. They also used their budget space to acquire a potentially useful 4th outfielder in Jorge Pereda from Seattle at an affordable price. This team does not seem to want to slow down.
What’s the best that could happen? I don’t know, 118 wins and a World Series win?
What’s the worst that could happen? Like Cleveland, anything short of the title will be a disappointment for Los Angeles. There is simply too much talent on this roster.
Player spotlight:
SP Jose Berrios: Los Angeles was ridiculed by some for giving up so much to get Berrios, but he has quietly established himself as an ace behind Clayton Kershaw. The 25-year-old posted a 5+ K/BB last year, and 0.9 HR/9.
2B Kuan Xie: Last year’s 30 year old rookie of the year hardly looked like a newcomer to the league. The only question is how long can he keep it up; he is signed through his age 36 season. Also of note: this guy posted more than 5 WAR as a rookie, and is batting 8th in this lineup. EIGHTH!
Questions:
1) Your acquisition of Josh Donaldson almost makes it seem as if nothing is standing in your way from a World Series ring. Honest question: what challenges do you really anticipate in the next few years that could prevent this from happening?
2) Cleveland won 117 last year, too, but was swept in the postseason. What are you emphasizing as GM to ensure that this doesn’t happen to the Dodgers?
Colorado Rockies (2019: 85-77, 2nd NL West. Elminated in NLWCS)
2019 in review: The Rockies had a huge 2018, but were not able to repeat most of their success in 2019. They continued to score a lot of runs, but the pitching, and the bullpen in particular, allowed a lot of scorers. Although the bullpen improved down the stretch, another early playoff exit to Pittsburgh shows there is still work to be done before a title is in their reach.
Offseason summary: Bullpen was an area of focus for Colorado this offseason. Four of the five newcomers (the 5th guy is Chris Heisey) are relievers. Kinzler and Hughes are both big home run suppression guys, which doesn’t necessarily fit in with the rest of Colorado’s relievers, but may offer some variety to the unit.
What’s the best that could happen? The Rockies had a fantastic team and won the division in 2018. If the cards fall right (and they would have to fall particularly right in 2020), they could find themselves on top again.
What’s the worst that could happen? There were times in 2019 in which Colorado looked very vulnerable. A playoff spot was no sure thing last year. If the bullpen doesn’t improve and injuries rattle the team, a playoff spot may be out of reach in 2020.
Player spotlight:
SP Jeff Hoffman: Between injuries and a broken bullpen, Hoffman may have been one of the most valuable pitcher for the Rockies in 2019. He pitched well as the closer, accumulating 20 saves, and even pitched in four starts of his own. With a beefed-up bullpen in free agency, Hoffman may be able to see a more consistent role in 2020.
RF Chris Heisey: Something is working for Chris “Mile” Heisey (which, by the way, is a way better nickname than “Well-Knownters”). After producing 2 WAR in part-time duty in 2018, Heisey bounced around the league, posting negative WAR and enjoying the waiver wire, before landing back in Colorado and posting an OPS+ over 200.
Questions:
1) From someone who loves movement in his pitchers, I see it does not seem to be an area of emphasis among some of your arms. What goes into your process of developing guys to pitch in the thin air of Coors Field?
2) You have kept a lot of your home grown talent around, opting for continuity rather than tinking for success. Largely, it has worked, but as some players (Charlie Blackmon) start to age and others (Trevor Story) slowing down, how do you intend to keep up your success, long term?
San Francisco Giants (2019: 81-81, 3rd NL West)
2019 in review: My personal pick to win the NL West and possibly represent the NL in the World Series, the Giants greatly disappointed in 2019. After spending much of the first half of the season in last place, the Giants went into rebuild mode, sending Jackie Bradley Jr. back to Boston and sending prospects to shed salary. Ultimately, however, they were able to salvage a .500 season, just barely missing out on the playoffs and proving that the talent is still there.
Offseason summary: The biggest name to move in or out of San Francisco this offseason was Carlos Carrasco. After one year by the Bay, he was moved out for the cheaper Sonny Gray and a mid-level prospect. The Giants seemed to emphasize shedding salary (either this year or in future years) this offseason. 2020 is likely to involve much younger names and have much more of a future-oriented feel.
What’s the best that could happen? The Giants were actually not that bad in 2019. I picked them to win the division. I don’t think they have improved this offseason, but a wild card is not out of the question if this team plays well.
What’s the worst that could happen? The selling strategy might backfire for San Francisco. I do not think they are that far away from competing, but trading away Bradley Jr., Pederson, and Carrasco could put this team in a sort of “in-between” state--not ready to compete, but not equipped to rebuild.
Player spotlight:
SP Michael Pineda: Pineda finally gets a chance to pitch in a pitcher’s park. With his immense talent, the sky's the limit. However, injuries have been a problem in the past for him.
CF Brayan Hernandez: Hernandez was a top prospect in Seattle and has lit up the mid-minors. However, his bat seems to have slowed as he has approached the major leagues. While his defense can still play, 2020 will be a big year towards determining the future value of his bat.
Questions:
1) You seemed to prioritize clearing future salary this offseason. Is a rebuild on the horizon for the Giants?
2) You spent big last offseason but have mostly tinkered via trade this year. What has led to the change in strategy this year?
Arizona Diamondbacks (2019: 66-96, 4th NL West)
2019 in review: Arizona has a huge amount of young talent on their major league roster, but their growth continued to stall in 2019. Shortstop Chisholm and right fielder Aquino were the bright spots in their lineup, but the pitching seemed to regress. The D-backs were last in the NL in runs allowed and other pitching metrics.
Offseason summary: The D-backs made small moves this offseason. They did lose a few (five) players to the Rule 5 draft, and brought in Starlin Castro for infield depth and a veteran bat. Otherwise, the team seems content to continue to let its youngsters develop at the major league level.
What’s the best that could happen? The Diamondbacks are a good bit behind the top three teams in the NL West, but with better development and production from their young hitters and rotation, they could put themselves in the conversation for a playoff spot next year.
What’s the worst that could happen? The rotation in particular is worrisome. It is young and should have developed better. If this stagnant trend continues, the D-backs could have missed out on an “era” of talented rotation arms, and may end up starting from scratch again from their farm.
Player spotlight:
SP Alex Faedo: One of the more talented prospects in Arizona’s system, Faedo has moved quickly through their minors. However, at age 24, some more growth may be desired. Ideally, he should be making his major league debut by 2021, if not sooner.
SS Jasrado Chisholm: Contrary to popular belief, there is no shortage of young, talented shortstops in the ABL. Chisholm is no exception; not only is he excellent with the glove, he hit 21 home runs and double digit steals in his rookie season.
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?
San Diego Padres (2019: 60-102, 5th NL West)
2019 in review: The Padres were able to improve upon their 2018 record with the league’s lowest budget, and still end the season with an impressive $30+MM profit. However, the overall product was still poor by major league standards. The team still has a lot of room for improvement, finishing 14th in runs scored and 12th in runs allowed.
Offseason summary: One of the first big free agent signings was pulled off by San Diego, who signed Rikuo Okada to a 7 year, $103MM contract. Otherwise, the Friars may have found a gem in the Rule 5 draft, selecting Devon Fisher from Boston.
What’s the best that could happen? Considering recent improvements, the Padres looked poised for larger future budgets. Their previous, smaller budgets could become an advantage, as they have no “dead weight” contracts in their organization and could make a splash in future free agent pools.
What’s the worst that could happen? Related to the previous comments, the worst that could probably happen to San Diego would be their biggest signing to date (Rikuo Okada) crashing and burning. Okada does not have a particularly large contract, but with San Diego’s budget, there is no room for error.
Player spotlight:
SP/RP Luis Perdomo: Perdomo is an enigma. Despite pretty good talent, he has never been able to put it together, suffering from BABIP and a bad hip, among other things. With only one option year left, he probably needs to figure things out in 2020 or may risk being non-tendered.
SS Fernando Tatis Jr.: Tatis Jr. was placed on the 40-man roster this offseason in order to be protected from the Rule 5 draft. However, he still has some development to go before he will be ready for major league action. He will begin the season at AA, and now that an option year will be used, he better continue to show improvement.
Questions:
1) With the league’s smallest budget and in a division with the Dodgers, the cards are stacked against you. How do you plan to make some noise in the future in such a talented and rich division?
2) You made a splash early in free agency by signing outfielder Rikuo Okada. What kind of a role do you see him playing on your team in the years to come?
2019 in review: The Dodgers made me look completely silly when I projected them to finish 3rd in their division. An absolutely stacked team, LA made 2018 look like an aberration and established themselves as the best team in the NL. Setting a record number of wins, the Dodgers were first in most pitching/defense metrics and 2nd in almost all hitting stats in the NL. Only the red-hot Yankees were able to slow them down in the World Series.
Offseason summary: “The rich get richer” is often an overused phrase, but it definitely seems to describe the Los Angeles Dodgers’ offseason. The Dodgers gained one of the best third basemen in the game in Josh Donaldson. They also used their budget space to acquire a potentially useful 4th outfielder in Jorge Pereda from Seattle at an affordable price. This team does not seem to want to slow down.
What’s the best that could happen? I don’t know, 118 wins and a World Series win?
What’s the worst that could happen? Like Cleveland, anything short of the title will be a disappointment for Los Angeles. There is simply too much talent on this roster.
Player spotlight:
SP Jose Berrios: Los Angeles was ridiculed by some for giving up so much to get Berrios, but he has quietly established himself as an ace behind Clayton Kershaw. The 25-year-old posted a 5+ K/BB last year, and 0.9 HR/9.
2B Kuan Xie: Last year’s 30 year old rookie of the year hardly looked like a newcomer to the league. The only question is how long can he keep it up; he is signed through his age 36 season. Also of note: this guy posted more than 5 WAR as a rookie, and is batting 8th in this lineup. EIGHTH!
Questions:
1) Your acquisition of Josh Donaldson almost makes it seem as if nothing is standing in your way from a World Series ring. Honest question: what challenges do you really anticipate in the next few years that could prevent this from happening?
2) Cleveland won 117 last year, too, but was swept in the postseason. What are you emphasizing as GM to ensure that this doesn’t happen to the Dodgers?
Colorado Rockies (2019: 85-77, 2nd NL West. Elminated in NLWCS)
2019 in review: The Rockies had a huge 2018, but were not able to repeat most of their success in 2019. They continued to score a lot of runs, but the pitching, and the bullpen in particular, allowed a lot of scorers. Although the bullpen improved down the stretch, another early playoff exit to Pittsburgh shows there is still work to be done before a title is in their reach.
Offseason summary: Bullpen was an area of focus for Colorado this offseason. Four of the five newcomers (the 5th guy is Chris Heisey) are relievers. Kinzler and Hughes are both big home run suppression guys, which doesn’t necessarily fit in with the rest of Colorado’s relievers, but may offer some variety to the unit.
What’s the best that could happen? The Rockies had a fantastic team and won the division in 2018. If the cards fall right (and they would have to fall particularly right in 2020), they could find themselves on top again.
What’s the worst that could happen? There were times in 2019 in which Colorado looked very vulnerable. A playoff spot was no sure thing last year. If the bullpen doesn’t improve and injuries rattle the team, a playoff spot may be out of reach in 2020.
Player spotlight:
SP Jeff Hoffman: Between injuries and a broken bullpen, Hoffman may have been one of the most valuable pitcher for the Rockies in 2019. He pitched well as the closer, accumulating 20 saves, and even pitched in four starts of his own. With a beefed-up bullpen in free agency, Hoffman may be able to see a more consistent role in 2020.
RF Chris Heisey: Something is working for Chris “Mile” Heisey (which, by the way, is a way better nickname than “Well-Knownters”). After producing 2 WAR in part-time duty in 2018, Heisey bounced around the league, posting negative WAR and enjoying the waiver wire, before landing back in Colorado and posting an OPS+ over 200.
Questions:
1) From someone who loves movement in his pitchers, I see it does not seem to be an area of emphasis among some of your arms. What goes into your process of developing guys to pitch in the thin air of Coors Field?
2) You have kept a lot of your home grown talent around, opting for continuity rather than tinking for success. Largely, it has worked, but as some players (Charlie Blackmon) start to age and others (Trevor Story) slowing down, how do you intend to keep up your success, long term?
San Francisco Giants (2019: 81-81, 3rd NL West)
2019 in review: My personal pick to win the NL West and possibly represent the NL in the World Series, the Giants greatly disappointed in 2019. After spending much of the first half of the season in last place, the Giants went into rebuild mode, sending Jackie Bradley Jr. back to Boston and sending prospects to shed salary. Ultimately, however, they were able to salvage a .500 season, just barely missing out on the playoffs and proving that the talent is still there.
Offseason summary: The biggest name to move in or out of San Francisco this offseason was Carlos Carrasco. After one year by the Bay, he was moved out for the cheaper Sonny Gray and a mid-level prospect. The Giants seemed to emphasize shedding salary (either this year or in future years) this offseason. 2020 is likely to involve much younger names and have much more of a future-oriented feel.
What’s the best that could happen? The Giants were actually not that bad in 2019. I picked them to win the division. I don’t think they have improved this offseason, but a wild card is not out of the question if this team plays well.
What’s the worst that could happen? The selling strategy might backfire for San Francisco. I do not think they are that far away from competing, but trading away Bradley Jr., Pederson, and Carrasco could put this team in a sort of “in-between” state--not ready to compete, but not equipped to rebuild.
Player spotlight:
SP Michael Pineda: Pineda finally gets a chance to pitch in a pitcher’s park. With his immense talent, the sky's the limit. However, injuries have been a problem in the past for him.
CF Brayan Hernandez: Hernandez was a top prospect in Seattle and has lit up the mid-minors. However, his bat seems to have slowed as he has approached the major leagues. While his defense can still play, 2020 will be a big year towards determining the future value of his bat.
Questions:
1) You seemed to prioritize clearing future salary this offseason. Is a rebuild on the horizon for the Giants?
2) You spent big last offseason but have mostly tinkered via trade this year. What has led to the change in strategy this year?
Arizona Diamondbacks (2019: 66-96, 4th NL West)
2019 in review: Arizona has a huge amount of young talent on their major league roster, but their growth continued to stall in 2019. Shortstop Chisholm and right fielder Aquino were the bright spots in their lineup, but the pitching seemed to regress. The D-backs were last in the NL in runs allowed and other pitching metrics.
Offseason summary: The D-backs made small moves this offseason. They did lose a few (five) players to the Rule 5 draft, and brought in Starlin Castro for infield depth and a veteran bat. Otherwise, the team seems content to continue to let its youngsters develop at the major league level.
What’s the best that could happen? The Diamondbacks are a good bit behind the top three teams in the NL West, but with better development and production from their young hitters and rotation, they could put themselves in the conversation for a playoff spot next year.
What’s the worst that could happen? The rotation in particular is worrisome. It is young and should have developed better. If this stagnant trend continues, the D-backs could have missed out on an “era” of talented rotation arms, and may end up starting from scratch again from their farm.
Player spotlight:
SP Alex Faedo: One of the more talented prospects in Arizona’s system, Faedo has moved quickly through their minors. However, at age 24, some more growth may be desired. Ideally, he should be making his major league debut by 2021, if not sooner.
SS Jasrado Chisholm: Contrary to popular belief, there is no shortage of young, talented shortstops in the ABL. Chisholm is no exception; not only is he excellent with the glove, he hit 21 home runs and double digit steals in his rookie season.
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?
San Diego Padres (2019: 60-102, 5th NL West)
2019 in review: The Padres were able to improve upon their 2018 record with the league’s lowest budget, and still end the season with an impressive $30+MM profit. However, the overall product was still poor by major league standards. The team still has a lot of room for improvement, finishing 14th in runs scored and 12th in runs allowed.
Offseason summary: One of the first big free agent signings was pulled off by San Diego, who signed Rikuo Okada to a 7 year, $103MM contract. Otherwise, the Friars may have found a gem in the Rule 5 draft, selecting Devon Fisher from Boston.
What’s the best that could happen? Considering recent improvements, the Padres looked poised for larger future budgets. Their previous, smaller budgets could become an advantage, as they have no “dead weight” contracts in their organization and could make a splash in future free agent pools.
What’s the worst that could happen? Related to the previous comments, the worst that could probably happen to San Diego would be their biggest signing to date (Rikuo Okada) crashing and burning. Okada does not have a particularly large contract, but with San Diego’s budget, there is no room for error.
Player spotlight:
SP/RP Luis Perdomo: Perdomo is an enigma. Despite pretty good talent, he has never been able to put it together, suffering from BABIP and a bad hip, among other things. With only one option year left, he probably needs to figure things out in 2020 or may risk being non-tendered.
SS Fernando Tatis Jr.: Tatis Jr. was placed on the 40-man roster this offseason in order to be protected from the Rule 5 draft. However, he still has some development to go before he will be ready for major league action. He will begin the season at AA, and now that an option year will be used, he better continue to show improvement.
Questions:
1) With the league’s smallest budget and in a division with the Dodgers, the cards are stacked against you. How do you plan to make some noise in the future in such a talented and rich division?
2) You made a splash early in free agency by signing outfielder Rikuo Okada. What kind of a role do you see him playing on your team in the years to come?
