Starting Staff:
Shane Bieber (A&C-Z 32 GS 209 IP) is the ace of this staff, following him in the rotation is Jacob de Grom (A-Z 32 GS 184 IP), Justus Sheffield (B-No Z 27 GS 149 IP), Sean Manaea (C-Z 30 GS 146 IP) and Spencer Turnbull (C-No Z 30 GS 153 IP) That’s a far cry from last years star-studded group of four A-Z's and a B-Z. Other eligible starters are the C-No Z’s of Joe Musgrove (22 GS 107 IP) and Kris Bubic (27 GS 135 IP) although they will probably just pitch out of the pen. In the minors are Jack Flaherty (D- No Z 24 GS 109 IP), Luis H.Garcia (B-No Z 3 GS 33 IP) and Jack McClanahan (D*-No Z 0 IP) who has a card even though he did not appear in the regular season but was on a post-season roster.
Division Rank: 6th
Bullpen:
With each draft announcement of a relief pitcher the Memphis skipper would anoint the latest one as the Sound’s closer. It is hard to determine who actually will perform those duties, as there is no standout among them. Keury Mella (A&C*-Z 27 IP) has the highest grade but has the least innings; Trevor Rosenthal (A&C*-No Z 64 IP) has the innings but no “Z” as does Lucas Sims (A*-No Z 69 IP) and Tyler Webb (A*-No Z 59 IP). Edwin Diaz could be in the mix with his (A&C*-W 69 IP) despite his lack of control. Taylor Rogers (C*-Z 54 IP) and Josh Hader (C*-W 51 IP) will also contribute to this lack luster crew.
Division Rank: 7th
Catchers:
Ancient Yadier Molina (C 9 .662 OPS), who the Memphis skipper confuses with his brother Benji, will start behind the plate. His back up is Sam Huff (C 6 1.138 OPS) but only 84 at bats. On the farm they have the number one pick in the 2019 MLB draft in Adley Rutschman, who seems to be on the fast track to the Show and a rejuvenated Buster Posey acquired in a trade with Sherwood during the off season.
Infield:
Ably filling the hot corner is Alex Bregman (3B 5 .801 OPS) who they procured in the Nolan Arenado deal. Jeff McNeil (2B 7 OF 2 3B 3 .837 OPS) will be at the keystone sack. Peter Alonso (1B 3 .816 OPS) is at first base. The shortstop in a down year is Carlos Correa (SS 9 .709 OPS). The reserves include Javier Baez (SS 9 .598 and Gavin Lux (2B 7 .595 OPS) both with ugly <.600 OPS’s. Austin Riley (3B 3 1B 2 OF 1 .716 OPS), although he may see most of his time as the DH, could also be listed with this group. Down in the bushes are un-carded Trey Mancini out all year due to his cancer diagnosis, Nathaniel Lowe (1B 3 .749 OPS) and Josh Rojas (2B 7 .437 OPS).
Outfield:
Nick Castellanos (OF 1 .784 OPS) acquired in a blockbuster trade with Hartford is the best of this lot. Starling Marte (OF 3 .770 OPS) and Luis Robert (OF 3 .738 OPS) round out the starting trio in this unimpressive cast of characters. Joc Pederson (OF 2 .682 OPS) and Victor Robles (OF 3 .608 OPS) don’t offer much relief. In the minors is Dylan Carson (OF 2 .616 OPS), Adolis Garcia (OF 2 .143 OPS) an early season sensation in MLB and un-carded hopefuls Taylor Trammell and Riley Greene.
Division Lineup Rank: 7th
Draft Analysis:
The Sound didn’t pick until the 3rd round and here they took the rookie Adolis Garcia. Kris Bubic was selected in the 4th and Luis H.Garcia in the 5th. A pair of 6th rounders netted them Josh Rojas and Spencer Turnbull. Picks 7 thru 11 they went for relievers, Lucas Sims, Edwin Diaz, Keury Mella, Trevor Rosenthal and Tyler Webb. In round 12 un-carded Riley Greene was taken, perhaps their best pick in the draft and after passing in the 13th they selected Shane McClanahan in the 14th. Overall it was a very disappointing afternoon other than Adolis Garcia and Riley Greene.
Synopsis:
They have the worst OPS in the league and had a rather poor draft but they are the youngest team in the West and have several established stars having rebound years so things are looking up. These factors will not keep them from finishing in the basement in the "holier than thou" division.
The “Nep’s” rotation consists of Tony Gonsolin (A-Z 22 GS 126 IP), Framber Valdez (B-Z 27 GS 191 IP), Blake Snell (B-No Z 30 GS 135 IP), Mike Clevinger (B-No Z 22 GS 113 IP) and Zack Greinke (C-Z 32 GS 181 IP). The swingman is Austin Gomber (A&C-W 38 GP 11 GS 78 IP). Mopping up duties fall to a duo of C-No Z’s in Jose Berrios (32 GS 170 IP) and Dane Dunning (19 GS 92 IP). Down on the farm is Aaron Civale (D-Z 32 GS 200 IP) and the injured no-cards of Luis Severino and Noah Syndergaard.
Division Rank; 4th
Bullpen:
Skipper Groff always said you need two A*-Z’s in the pen to be competitive and he accomplished that with Adam Kolarek (A&B*-Z 51 IP) and Shawn Armstrong (A&C*-Z 41 IP). They kept Roberto Osuna (A*-ZZ 12 IP) on the active roster for situational pitching spots. Highly touted James Karinchak (A*-W 73 IP) is also available and he has pitched very well in nearly everyday duty in MLB so far this season. Aroldis Chapman (B*-No Z 32 IP rounds out the pitching corp.
Division Rank: 6th
Catchers:
After drafting four catchers in 2019 they were on the search again for some backstop help. They ended up with Jacob Stallings (C 8 .702 OPS) and Ryan Jeffers (C 8 .791 OPS) via the draft with holdovers from two years ago, Joey Bart (C 7 .608) and Mitch Garver (C 7 .511 OPS) relegated to minor league chores.
Infield:
As predicted by some of the prescient ZSABL members, Jared Walsh (1B 3 .971 OPS) fell to the Neptunes in the first round. Ryan Mountcastle (1B 2 OF 1 .878 OPS) will have to spell Walsh at times who only has 268 at bats when he is not the designated hitter. Brandon Lowe (2B 8 OF 1 .916 OPS) will be the second baseman and Rafael Devers (3B 3 .793 OPS) at the hot corner. Francisco Lindor (SS 9 .750 OPS) will be at short despite his down year. Garret Cooper (1B 3 .853 OPS) should be penciled in at DH or caddying for whoever they decide to be the part-time “cold corner” semi-regular. The reserves are Ty France (2B 7 3B 3 1B 2 .836 OPS), Christian Walker (1B 4 .792 OPS) and Mauricio Dubon (2B 7 SS 7 OF 2 .726 OPS). The minor league system has Eduardo Escobar (3B 4 .605 OPS) and a trio of un-carded players in Andrew Vaughn, Vidal Brujan and Nolan Gorman.
Outfield:
What a drop-off from last year’s monster outfield as Lourdes Gurriel (OF 2 .882 OPS) is now the leader of the fly chasers with Kyle Lewis (OF 3 .801 OPS) and Christian Yelich (OF-3 .786 OPS) filling out the other pasture posts. Austin Hays (OF 2 .721 OPS) is the only reserve. Down on the farm are Yordan Alvarez (OF 1 .959 OPS) but only 22 at bats and the un-carded Heliot Ramos and Alex Kirilloff (OF 1 .000 OPS) who has a card but did not appear in a regular season game.
Division Lineup Rank: 5th
Draft Analysis:
They thought they had no chance at Jared Walsh since they picked last in the first round but the expert’s thought otherwise and it came to fruition. In the second, a player they talked up a lot in the pre-draft days, Alex Kirilloff became a reality. The 3rd round saw Kyle Lewis still on the board so he became a Neptune. Karinchak in the 4th was a nice "get". Un-Carded Heliot Ramos in the 5th was an unknown commodity to the draft moderator. Forced to address catching needs, they grabbed Stallings in the 6th. Armstrong and Gomber arrived in the 7th and 8th with the latter being traded for Nolan Arenado in MLB must mean he is highly thought of. Ty France in the 9th was a steal as a lot of clubs had talked about him but none pulled the trigger. Dunning was selected in the 10th and another catcher; Ryan Jeffers was taken with their final pick in the 11th.
Synopsis:
There comes a time when any ZSABL team must face the facts and regroup. The Neptunes did that this season. Beset with injuries to key players like Yelich and Alvarez they just did not have the “horses" to compete this season. A slew of young talent added in the draft should infuse the club for next year.
Starting Staff:
Their first pick in the draft was Antonio Senzetela (B-Z 32 GS 198 IP), Brad Keller (A-No Z 24 GS 148 IP) will follow him. Lance Lynn (B-No Z 35 GS 227 IP) and Bret Anderson (C-Z 27 GS 127 IP) will be at the back end of the rotation along with, at least in the early portion of the schedule, Cal Quantrill (A-Z 8 GS 86 IP). Things get a little thin after that with Matt Foster (A-No Z 5 GS 77 IP, Tom Hatch (A-No Z 3 GS 71 IP) and Pete Fairbanks (A-W 5 GS 72 IP) among the possibilities. Caleb Baragar (C-Z 3 GS 60 IP) rounds out the staff. Chris Paddack (D-Z 32 GS 159 IP) almost made the active squad but was a last minute minor league demotion victim. Un-Carded Jason Groome will no doubt share a room with Paddack down in the bushes.
Division Rank: 7th
Bullpen:
If Quantrill weren’t penciled into the early season rotation he would have been a prime candidate to close games for the Naps. Now that responsibility will fall to A.J.Minter (A&B*-No Z 59 IP) and Jeff Wendelken (A&C*-No Z 68 IP). The aforementioned Foster, Fairbanks and Hatch along with Grade A*-No Z’s Jorge Alcala (65 IP) and John Gant (41 IP) will be the set up men. Yency Almonte (B*-Z 75 IP) and Jose Cisnero (B*-No Z 80 IP) will see plenty of action. In the minors are Cam Bedrosian (A*-No Z 40 IP) and Craig Stammen (D*-Z 65 IP). Then there is the unfortunate story of non-carded Tim Mayza who remained on the Cleveland roster because they did not scroll down far enough to see his name and ended up stuck with him on their 40 man roster.
Division Rank: 4th
Catchers:
Catching remains a weak spot on the Naps although Carson Kelly (C 7 .649 OPS) is doing well in the early part of the MLB schedule. His back up is Jason Castro (C 8 .668 OPS). Alex Avila (C 8 .641 OPS) provides depth in the minors.
Infield:
Jose Ramirez (3B 4 .993 OPS) had a nice bounce back year and will man the hot corner. Renato Nunez (1B 3 3B 3 .816 OPS) will either be at the cold corner or do DH honors, pairing with Colin Moran (1B 3 3B 3 .797 OPS) who likewise will be at either position. Harold Castro (OF 2 3B 3 .836 OPS) will also help out at the DH slot. They traded a 3rd round pick for Andrelton Simmons (SS 9 .702 OPS) but apparently he has been supplanted by Jean Segura (SS 8 2B 8 3B 4 .789 OPS) as the everyday shortstop. Simmons will remain as a reserve. Max Muncy (2B 7 1B 3 3B 3 .720 OPS) will be at the keystone spot. In the minors is Miguel Sano (1B 3 .756 OPS) and Freddy Galvis (SS 9 2B 8 .712 OPS). Kevin Newman (SS 7 2B 6 .557) last year’s starting shortstop will also open the year in the bushes. Wander Franco, the consensus # 1 prospect in all of baseball, awaits the call.
Outfield:
Mookie Betts (OF 3 .928 OPS), Michael Conforto (OF 2 .927 OPS) and Alex Verdugo (OF 2 .845 OPS) will start across the outfield. Raimel Tapia (OF 2 .772 OPS) is the main reserve with Harold Castro listed in the infield section also available for some pasture duty. The minor league roster will include Willie Calhoun (OF 1 .491 OPS) and Oscar Mercado (OF 2 .348 OPS) both with preposterous OPS's.
Division Lineup Rank: 4th
Draft Analysis:
They drafted all pitchers except for the 11th round selection of Renato Nunez. Senzetela in the 1st, Quantrill in the 2nd, they had traded their # 3 but in the 4th they went for Matt Foster. The 5th got them Minter, the 6th they selected Almonte and in the 7th they grabbed Hatch. In the 8th and 9th Alcala and Baragar became Naps. Fairbanks in the 10th and the previously mentioned Nunez in the 11th their only non-pitcher and their final pick in the 12th another hurler in Cisnero.
Synopsis:
They have some “oomph” in their lineup and a decent bullpen but a questionable starting staff will not allow them to make any “noise" in the Western Division. 4th place is a possibility but the post season is out of reach. Everyone is patiently waiting for the “wunderkid” Franco to arrive in the Show.
Starting Staff:
The Ace is Dallas Keuchel (A&C-Z 30 GS 171 IP). Next is Zach Davies (A-Z 32 GS 187 IP); followed by Zac Gallen (A-No Z 32 GS 194 IP), Masahiro Tanaka (B-Z 27 GS 130 IP) and Jaime Barria (B-Z 14 GS 87 IP) it is a rock solid rotation. Jesus Luzardo (C-Z 24 G 159 IP) will make an occasional start. In the minors is Anthony Desclafani (D-No Z 19 GS 91 IP).
Division Rank: 1st
Bullpen:
You can’t ask for anymore in a closer than you get with Victor Gonzalez (A&B*-ZZ 41 GP 3 GS 55 IP), Nick Tropeano (A&B*-Z 19 GP 42 IP) will do the set up duties with Jarlin Garcia (A&B*-No Z 51 GP 49 IP) on stand-by. Stefan Crichton (A*-Z 70 IP) adds to the riches. Someone has to pick up the slop innings and that looks like Alex Reyes (B-W 41 GP 3 GS 53 IP). Down on the farm is another (A&B*-ZZ 14 GP 16 IP) in Garrett Crochet and some more lively arms with Alex Colome (A&B*-No Z 60 IP), Brusdar Graterol (B-Z 62 GP 5 GS 63 IP) and the only weak link in the reliever corp, Ranger Suarez (D*W 11 IP). There are two No-Cards also in the system in Emmanuel Clase and Andres Munoz.
Division Rank: 1st
Catchers:
The weakest portion of the Billings roster is here behind the plate where Yan Gomes (C 7 .787 OPS) and Kurt Suzuki (C 8 .745 OPS) will share the chores. In the minors are Francisco Mejia (C 7 .322 OPS) and Tyler Stephenson (C 6 1.047 OPS) but he only has 46 at bats.
Infield:
The exciting Fernando Tatis Jr. SS-9 .937 OPS will start at short. Alec Bohm (3B 3 .881 OPS) coming off a fine rookie year but struggling some what currently; will be at the hot corner. The second sacker will be Donovan Solano (2B 7 .828 OPS) with Eric Hosmer (1B 4 .850) at the cold corner and Josh Fuentes (1B 5 3B 3 .759 OPS) lending a hand at both corner positions. Tony Kemp (2B 8 .664 OPS) provides some infield insurance along with Jonathan Arauz (3B 4 2B 6 SS 7 .664 OPS). The bench will also include Jonathan Villar (2B 7 SS 7 .593 OPS). The power bat of Edwin Rios (1B 3 3B 2 .953 OPS) will see limited action on the field but will predominantly do his work as a DH. The bushes will have Josh Bell (1B 3 .669 OPS and Jorge Polanco (SS 8 .658 OPS).
Outfield:
Marcell Ozuna (OF 1 1.067 OPS) will start at one of the outfield posts but off the field troubles will plague him next year. Eloy Jimenez (OF 2 .891 OPS) and Anthony Santander (OF 3 .890 OPS) complete the starting outfield. Tim Locastro (OF 2 .859 OPS) and Randall Grichuk (OF 2 .793 OPS) provide some depth. Jake Marisnick (OF 3 .959) but only 89 at bats adds some late inning defense and can complement Rios at the DH spot. Un-carded Jarred Kelenic is in the minors.
Division Lineup Rank: 2nd
Draft Analysis:
Anthony Santander answered the Mock Draft questions when Billings selected him at # 4, in the 2nd they got Victor Gonzalez who the experts had going to the Mustang in the first but the astute draft strategists in their “war room” acquired both of them. Crochet arrived in the 3rd with Josh Fuentes coming on board in the 4th. Rios was a nice pick in the 5th and C Tyler Stephenson became a Mustang in the 6th. Tropeano in the 7th and Kemp, who they really liked and considered taking him earlier, was selected in the 8th. Yan Gomes in the 9th and Marisnick in the 10th gave them some depth. Arauz was picked in the 11th and their final pick was Alex Reyes in the 12th.
Synopsis:
Skipper George Zangari has not won a pennant since 2002 although he took a thirteen-year hiatus the following season before assuming the reins of the Mustang in 2016. They have a dominant pitching staff and a thunderous line up. Hartford and San Diego may give them a run for the flag but the post season is definitely in the cards.
Dustin May (A-No Z 27 GS 151 IP) is their highest rated pitcher with innings. Dylan Bundy (B-Z 30 GS 177 IP) is next; following those two will be three (B-No Z’s) in Lucas Giolito (32 GS 195 IP), Luis M.Castillo (32 GS 189 IP) and Pablo Lopez (30 GS 155 IP). Ian Anderson (A&C No-Z 16 GS 87 IP) will be in the mix when they use a six-man rotation. Dakaota Hudson (Grade A No-Z 22 GS 105 IP) will be used out of the pen according to skipper Smith. In the minors are, German Marquez (C No-Z 35 GS 221 IP) and a pair of (D’s No Z’s) in youngsters Casey Mize and Trevor Rogers.
Division Rank: 2nd
Bullpen:
Burch Smith (A-ZZ 16 GS 32 IP) should be the closer supported by Matt Strahm (A*-Z 56 IP) and the aforementioned Dakota Hudson. Shane Greene (A*-No Z 75 IP) and Jonathan Hernandez (B*-Z 84 IP) will help out with Tyler Rogers (C*-Z 76 IP) picking up the garbage innings. Nabil Crismatt (B*-ZZ 16 GP 22 IP) is down on the farm.
Division Rank: 3rd
Catchers:
Yasmani Grandal (C 8 .773 OPS) is the starting catcher backed up by Jose Trevino (C 7 .715). Gary Sanchez (C-6 .618 OPS) is in the minors as his struggles both behind and at the plate continue.
Infield:
Veteran Joey Votto (1B 4 .800 OPS) will be at first with Tommy La Stella (2B 6 1B 3 3B 3 .819 OPS) and Jurickson Profar (2B 7 OF 2 .771 OPS) at the keystone bag. Maikel Franco (3B 4 .778 OPS) will be at the hot corner and joining him on the left side is Adalberto Mondesi (SS 9 .710 OPS). The infield reserves include Jose Altuve (2B 8 .630 OPS), Marcus Semien (SS 8 .679 OPS) and Keston Hiura (2B 7 .707 OPS). Rowdy Tellez (1B 3 .886 OPS) will be the DH. There is not a lot of “pop” among this crew. In the minors are Nico Hoerner (2B 7 3B 4 SS 8 .571 OPS) and Yoan Mancada (3B 4 .705 OPS). Un-carded youngsters Tristan Casas and Marco Luciano will join them.
Outfield:
Wil Myers (OF 2 .959 OPS) had a solid campaign, so did Byron Buxton (OF 3 .844 OPS) when he can stay on the field. The third fly-chaser will either be Max Kepler (OF 2 .760 OPS) or Harrison Bader (OF 3 .779 OPS) although the latter only has 286 at bats. Ramon Laureano (OF 3 .704 OPS) is on the bench. The minors consist of Jo Adell (OF 2 .478 OPS), who proved he was not quite ready for the “Show", Andy Benintendi (OF 2 .442 OPS) who may be over-rated but has shown some definite improvement this year and un-carded Pedro Leon.
Division Lineup Rank: 6th
Draft Analysis:
Their first seven selections were all pitchers; they had two Lottery picks and got two good ones in Pablo Lopez and Ian Anderson. Because our draft was so late with MLB already playing for a couple of weeks, Trevor Roger's stock really rose and he moved up in the draft; the "Cowboys" were forced to take him in the 2nd. Picks three thru six were all relievers, Burch Smith, Matt Strahm, Jonathan Hernandez and Nabil Crismatt will work out of the pen for USMC. Tellez in the 7th is the big bat the “Boy’s” were looking for. Un-carded Casas came in the 8th and then they took a break until the 11th where they grabbed their back up catcher Jose Trevino. Pedro Leon, another un-carded player, was their final pick.
Synopsis:
ZSABL metrics show the Mystic Cowboys with all their pitching are probably the 4th best team in the West but their woeful hitting attack will not let them attain that rank. They have enough to avoid the basement but the post season is out of reach. Scoring runs is going to be tough task this season.
The Hurricanes had to rebuild an entire rotation. They did it by mortgaging the future for as many draft picks as they could muster. Three Lottery selections netted them a pair of (B-Z’s) in Kevin Gausman (27 GS 161 IP) and the venerable Adam Wainwright (27 177 IP) along with Josh Fleming (A-Z 19 GP 14 GS 87 IP) whose role on the staff has still not been determined. After Gausman and Wainwright the # 3 starter is Tyler Mahle (B-No Z 24 GS 129 IP). Matt Wisler (A&B-W 49 GP 11 GS 68 IP) will start the year as the # 4. Tyler Alexander (C-Z 38 GP 5 GS 98 IP) and Tyler Glasnow (C-No Z 30 GS 155 IP) will open the campaign as spot starters. The options are many as 16 of the 17 hurlers on the roster are eligible to start. Tejay Antone (B-No Z 35 GP 11 GS 95 IP) will be in the mix and Fleming will join the rotation a little later in the season providing he is not called on to relieve. In the minors are Garrett Richards (C-No Z 27 GS 139 IP), Randy Dobnak (C-No Z 27 GS 126 IP), Luke Weaver (D-No Z 32 GS 140 IP) and Robbie Ray (D-W 30 GS 140 IP) who seemingly has resolved his career control problems.
Division Rank: 3rd
Bullpen:
They did not draft a traditional reliever. Every hurler on the roster except for hold over Archie Bradley made at least one start. John Curtiss (A&C-Z 46 GP 8 GS 68 IP) looks like the closer, a tandem of (B-Z’s) in Aaron Slegers (30 GS 3 GS 70 IP) and Caleb Ferguson (57 GP 3 GS 50 IP) form a lefty-righty combo. Its all hands on deck for the rest of the bullpen calls. In the minors is Andrew Kittredge (A-Z 22 GP 3 GS 22 IP) and Archie Bradley (B*-Z 49 IP).
Division Rank: 5th
Catchers:
They are pretty well set behind the plate with Travis D’Arnaud (C-7 .919) and Kyle Higashioka (C 8 .771 OPS) backing him up. In the minors is Atlanta Brave hopeful William Contreras (C 6 .900 OPS) with only 27 at bats..
Infield:
Dominic Smith (1B 3 .993 OPS) with his 55-0 starts at first and he will give way to Matt Olson 1B-5 .734 OPS late in the games for defense. Ozzie Albies (2B 8 .772 OPS) and Mike Brosseau (2B 7 .936 OPS); will split second base duties. Jose Iglesias (SS 9 .956 OPS) is at shortstop with Dansby Swanson (SS 9 .809 OPS) caddying for the former with his light at bats. Trea Turner (SS 8 .982 OPS) will be the DH. Sharing third base will be Gio Urshela (3B 5 .858 OPS) and the “monster card" of Ke'Bryan Hayes (3B 4 1.124 OPS), but he only 230 at bats. Last years # 1 pick Luis Arraez (2B 7.766 OPS) failed to make the club and will open the season in the minors.
Outfield:
Ronald Acuna Jr. OF-3 .987 OPS, with an over-inflated APBA card is in center field, Jayson Heyward (OF 3 .848 OPS) an on-base machine, is in left field and a platoon of Giancarlo Stanton (OF 1 .887 OPS) and Austin Slater (OF 2 .968 OPS) will be in right. The reserves are Eddie Rosario (OF 2 .792 OPS) and the ridiculous card of Andrew Stevenson (OF 2 1.179 OPS) and his 111 at bats. Un-carded Drew Waters will be drawing a minor league salary along with Franmil Reyes (OF 1 .794 OPS), Cristian Pache (OF 3 .500 OPS) and Tyler O’Neill (OF 3 .621 OPS), who appears to have finally figured it out at the MLB level.
Division Lineup Rank: 1st
Draft Analysis:
With three first round picks they needed to build a starting staff and they got Kevin Gausman, Adam Wainwright and Josh Fleming. They had a trio of second round picks and got a closer/starter in John Curtiss, the outfielder they needed in Austin Slater and another starting pitcher in Tyler Mahle. In the 3rd they added another starter/reliever in Tejay Antone. Two picks in the 4th netted them Matt Wisler and Mike Brosseau. The 5th saw Aaron Slegers arrive and in the 6th the "Hatchet Card" of Andrew Stevenson was still on the board. The 7th round gave them two catchers in Higashioka and William Contreras and their final pick was another starter/reliever in Caleb Ferguson.
Synopsis:
Hartford can hit although a few of the pieces need some careful allotments of at bats. Pitching, while addressed through the draft, will need more of the same. It’s a lot “moving parts”, they feel they are one bat and one arm short to take home the pennant. Billings, although off to a sluggish start are still the team to beat, hopefully the Hurricanes can hold off San Diego for second place. Yes they have permission to start printing playoff tickets.
Starting Staff:
Corbin Burnes (A-No Z 24 GS 161 IP) the # 1 overall pick of the draft is the anchor of the staff. Elieser Hernandez (B-Z 16 GS 69 IP) is # 2 with a tandem of (B-No Z’s) at the back end in Sonny Gray (30 GS 151 IP) and Aaron Nola (32 GS 193 IP). If they need a fifth starter it will be Zach Eflin (C-Z 27 GS 159 IP). Erick Fedde (C-No Z 22 GP 136 IP) will provide some mop up innings. Ryan Yarbrough (B-Z 24 GS 150 IP) will start in the minors until E.Hernandez uses up all his assets. Some other arms in the minor league system are Kyle Gibson (D-No Z 32 GS 182 IP), Spencer Howard (D No-Z 16 GS 66 IP) and Ryan Weathers (D*W) who appeared only in the MLB post season. Domingo German, a no-card due to a suspension will also be retained on the roster.
Division Rank: 5th
Bullpen:
Cesar Valdez (A&B*-Z) is the closer. A pair of (A*-Z’s) in Richard Rodriguez (63 IP) and Mark Melancon (61 IP) will be the set up men. Kyle Zimmer (A&C–No Z 43 GP 3 GS 62 IP), Tyler Matzek (A*-No Z 78 IP) and Brandon Kintzler (A*-No Z 66 IP) will help to bridge the gap to the high-leverage guys. Ross Detwiler (B*-Z 53 IP) fills out the relief corp.
Division Rank: 2nd
Catchers:
Salvador Perez (C-9 .986 OPS) had a tremendous bounce back year from arm surgery. Sean Murphy (C-8 .821 OPS) is no slouch as his back up. In the minors is Luis Campusano (C 5 1.833 OPS) but just 8 at bats.
Infield:
Jose Abreu (1B 4 .987 OPS) is at first and joining him on the right side of the infield is Mike Moustakas (2B 8 .799 OPS). Covering the left side is Brian W.Anderson (3B 4 .810 OPS) at the hot corner and Miguel Rojas (SS 9 .888 OPS) at short. Tim Anderson (SS-8 .886 OPS) will be the DH. The bench includes Whit Merrifield (2B 7 OF 2 .765 OPS), Didi Gregorius (SS 8 .827 OPS), Cesar Hernandez (2 8 .763 OPS) and Nolan Arenado (3B 6 .737 OPS) who has been relegated to just defensive duties after a sub-par season. Down on the farm are Carlos Santana (1B 3 .699 OPS) and Kolten Wong (2B 9 .676 OPS)
Outfield:
Versatile Chris Taylor (OF 2 SS 8 2B 7 .842 OPS) will see
most of his PT in the outfield. Kyle Tucker (OF 3 .837 OPS) will occupy another
fly-chaser slot with some combo of Kevin Pillar (OF 3 .798 OPS), David Peralta
(OF 3 .772 OPS) and probably from the infield reserves Whit Merrifield to fill
the last spot. In the minors are Hunter Dozier (OF-2 .736 OPS), Mickey Moniak
(OF 1 .503 and Cedric Mullins (OF 3 .773 OPS) who has been a pleasant surprise
in 2021 MLB. Un-carded Jarren Duran waits for a chance. Long time 76er
outfielder Nick Markakis was unceremoniously released during the off-season.
Division Line Up Rank: 3rd
Draft Analysis:
With the # 1 overall pick they took Corbin Burnes. They had no second but in the 3rd they added Richard Rodriguez. Their next pick was in the 5th and here they grabbed Zimmer with Matzek arriving in the 6th. A pair of 7th rounders gave them Mullins and Valdez. Another tandem of picks in the 8th netted them Detwiler and un-carded Duran. Ryan Weathers was their 9th round choice and they ended up taking Campusano with their final; pick.
Synopsis:
The oldest team in the West has the 3rd best line up, a loaded bullpen and a decent enough rotation although a little short on the “Z’s” to make a run at their 8th ZSABL Championship. The outfield lacks some “punch” but a solid infield contingent makes up for it. It looks like a three-horse race with the 76er’s one of the trifecta.
1st Place: Billings: A solid all around squad with an amazing bullpen and lots of power, the only weak spot maybe is at catcher but that is compensated for by the rest of the line up. They could be challenged by Hartford or San Diego but they should be able to hold them off.
2nd Place: Hartford: Its hard not to place the Hurricanes first after all the off season deals to acquire some pitching but despite having the best offense in the division they seem to be just a tad short on the mound and there is a lot of maneuvering that needs to be done with all their part time players.
3rd Place: San Diego: The top two teams should not get complacent because the 76ers are a solid lot. There is a reason they have seven titles and they assembled a contending team for this season. A little light on the “Z’s” and a dearth of power in the outfield are their only weaknesses. That will not keep them from the post-season but a pennant may be beyond their reach.
4th Place: Norfolk: Not like the line up we usually see by the Neptunes as some injuries took their toll. An average rotation and a lack of depth in the pen will keep them from the playoffs. They may be the 4th best in the West, exactly where you do not want to be come draft day.
5th Place: Cleveland: Lots of Grade A pitching in the bullpen but not a lot of control. Some boppers with Ramirez, Betts and Conforto but a terrible catching corp and some weak spots in the infield will hamper any playoff aspirations despite their good start.
6th Place: Union Station: They drafted mostly all pitchers and while they got some good ones they did not address their offense. One of their early opponents mentioned that he never saw so many players with a 22-8. That result number will not play in the ZSABL.
7th Place: Memphis: A team with deGrom and Bieber should not be picked for last place but a lineup that boasts their highest OPS guy as Jeff McNeil at .837 will have to scramble to score some runs. A less than sterling draft day did not do them any favors. They are loaded with picks for next year so the future may be more promising.
The final prediction:
1-Billings
2-Hartford
3-San Diego
4-Norfolk
5-Cleveland
6-Union Station
7-Memphis
Disclaimer: