Post by New York Yankees GM(Tommy) on Apr 15, 2012 1:18:08 GMT -6
Me and Cards talked about doing our rankings so I wanted to let his sink in before giving mine. We have different views on how to look at teams so should be interesting.
16 - Kansas City Royals
Strengths : This team is all about the future. With the best minor league system in the league Royals is building a true dynasty team the right way. This is how the book was written on a dynasty league format and it is being executed perfectly by Royals. This will be a scary team in 2014-15 when Trout, Profar, Lindor, Cole, D'Araud, and Hultzen are all contributing for under $2 each.
Weaknesses: The major league roster is just vacant of competitiveness. With essentially no starting pitching, 1B, or bullpen it will be tough to even stay within range.
GM Advice: I think Royals is doing everything right. He should make a few timely trades this year to speed up the clock to being a threat in 2013. Guys like Ryan Dempster, Ichiro and Swisher can help a contender late in the year for some young blood that is already ready to contribute.
Outlook : The early years of the Tampa Bay Rays. Building an insane farm system will pay off and he will have the last laugh if he sticks with the building process.
15 - Minnesota Twins
Strengths : A great slew of minor league arms and a true superstar in place makes this yet another team to watch in 2 years or so. Having that superstar locked in offensively is huge and with a compliment like Adam Jones he has the foundation of a good offense to build on. Unlike Royals his youngsters should be helping by next year at the latest. Skaggs, Paxton and Bradley are scary in potential. If just one lives up to his upside Twins has a bargain ace for years.
Weaknesses: The bullpen is almost non-existent, taking a chance on Utley was a bad decision for a young team and getting a 3B should be a priority for the future.
GM Advice: Go get a young franchise 3B without giving up Fielder or Jones, and keep building. Spend less on guys like Utley and V-Mart as tempting as they were and stick with the long term plan.
Outlook : I don't have much history to judge where this team is going but he was left with a nightmare. If he makes some key moves to look for the future and rids his team of the old he can be another scary squad in 2-3 years. His clock can really be sped up if he will part with those young arms when they make an impression for 2-3 players back to help.
14 - Tampa Bay Rays
Strengths : It looks like we are on team #3 here that understands how to play dynasty baseball with the build a system mentality. Tampa though gets the nod for trying to also win sooner than 2-3 years. With 2 young catchers, a great bargain at 3B, an outfield that has promise and a good bullpen the future is bright for the Rays. You can't overlook Bauer, Myers, and Wong on the farm either.
Weaknesses: 1B and 2B are weak but this is all about the starting pitching. It seems like it's an overpaid James Shields and then a bunch of #4 starters. Overspending may be the downfall here as Goldschmidt, Shields, Reynolds, Danks, and Burnett are just taking up too much valuable money.
GM Advice: Stop spending so much on mediocore guys and don't stack positions. Having an excellent bullpen and awesome catching is all fine and good but if you hurt those areas just a bit you could make some key moves to improve the other areas.
Outlook : If he can dump some of these contracts the future could turn into 2013 for the Rays, if not and he stays the course he will rely on the young guys to really step it up. I hate relying on young talent but it could pay off huge for this team in a year or two.
13 - Cleveland Indians
Strengths : Storen and Castro are legitimate stars and he is quietly building a very nice collection of young arms on the farm. Big time young power is certainly here and taking a chance on guys like the 3 from the Orioles are always good calculated moves to risk in bulk.
Weaknesses: The offense is just void of anything scary outside of Castro. There are old questions like with Berkman, Rolen , and Bay and young questions in Espinosa, Arencibia, and Smoak. The starting staff is going to give him fits being up and down start to start and the loss of Soria crippled the pen.
GM Advice: Don't rely on upside and hoping rejuvinations come. You have a solid core but the problem fix is obvious. Trade some young arms for ready now bats and deal a top starter like Wainwright or Romero to fix your other problems.
Outlook : Alot of work to be done here but it isn't impossible. Plenty of other owners will shell out big names for the young arms and weak position guys like Espinosa and Arencibia so a quick fix is possible. With 2-3 key trades this team can compete as early as this year. If he stands pat it will be a slow rebuild.
12 - Miami Marlins
Strengths : The key weak positions are locked up and that is more than even most top teams can't say. I'd argue he has the best collection of C-2B-CF (weak positions) in the league. Mauer-Pedroia-Jackson/Stubbs are producers. Very good front line pitching and solid #4's behind them make a nice rotation and the pen shouldn't lose holds even one week.
Weaknesses: The lack of that key power bat and rbi guy will hurt him in the long run and I'm not sure Fister is a true #2 yet. No minor league system to speak of makes his future a little shaky as well.
GM Advice: Trade where you have the bulk of is the same advice I seem to be giving to everyone. Dealing middle relievers is the obvious move here but moving some expiring contracts for minor league help is the necessary move. Michael Young could fetch you much more in a deal than how much he will help this year.
Outlook : I would say a playoff run isn't out of the question in a very weak division but merely making the playoffs shouldn't be a goal here. With a few key trades of the mid level guys while keeping the big names this could set this team up nicely to surprise some teams once he gets to the playoffs.
11 - New York Mets
Strengths : Closers to die for are this teams signature and it's as good as it looks on paper also. The starting OF of Holliday Gardner and Pagan is better than most while Weeks and Gordon make for an outstanding 2B-SS potential. He should never lose saves or steals and winning two categories without breaking a sweat is a big relief.
Weaknesses: This team is almost totally void of any power. Weeks and Holliday may hit 25 but that is about it. The starters are good but very thin and while he may be sacrificing K's and wins for era and whip it doesn't lead to a championship.
GM Advice: This team needs to deal it's considerable wealth in the minor leagues for a power bat and fast. Sure Ryan Howard may come back strong but he won't fix the overall power issues here. Depth at starter shouldn't be tough to get in a few trades as well and a true holds man should be targeted.
Outlook : Just not enough, and too much will be the theme here for the 2012 Indians. They are in a winable division but they just don't have enough power and rbi's, just not enough starters, while they almost have too many saves and steals. Just not enough may be the reason this team misses the playoffs.
10 - Los Angeles Angels
Strengths : Offense to spare is how this Angels team will win weeks. McCann-Pujols-Kendrick-Reyes and Arod could all finish in the top 5 at their positions and that is flat out scary. Having that sort of power and rbi potential makes him a threat to win every offense category on any gien week. This team also has a solid if not spectacular staff with a true #1, and a few #3-4's behind him.
Weaknesses: The bullpen seems like a jumbled mess. With guys like Gregg, Capps, and Fuentes he will get saves but at the expense of era and whip. A true #2 starter is needed as well. The minor league system is decimated and needs a sure fire star or two.
GM Advice: Besides rebuilding the farm system they need to go out and get a #2 starter. The offense is where it has to come from here but it can be spared. Trading a closer makes sense also since saves doesn't seem like an issue.
Outlook : This will be a rollercoaster ride because the team is really deceiving. When the offense gets hot and carries the team he will have weeks where it all looks perfect but there will be plenty of weeks where he looks lost. Relying on just one part of a team is always dangerous and may keep him out of the postseason but in that same winable division the offense may be good enough to carry them there ... once he makes it that's a whole new story.
9 - Boston Red Sox
Strengths : Starting pitching is excellent on the front end with Cain and Gallardo. I mentioned the C-2B-CF key weak positions and the Sox may be the only team better than Miami here with Montero-Phillips-Cargo. The OF is alot better than it looks on paper.
Weaknesses: Just no depth at starter is very alarming. The foundation is there but there isn't anything behind these guys. The relief corpse is in the same mold and needs help. The Chipper-Drew combo is just a Mash unit and that's a big worry as well.
GM Advice: This team is very close in a division it can win but he has to get some pitching and fast. The pieces are there to deal and he can even dip into a deep farm system to makes some deals for a few good 3-4 starters. He doesn't need top quality guys but bodies are needed.
Outlook : If he had more cap room left I'd be more optimistic but with no cap and the desperate need for starters looming this team has to be very strategic and creative in making a deal. That being said this is one of the strongest owners in the league and he can pull it off and be in the playoffs for sure.
8 - Chicago Cubs
Strengths : Miggy is the steal of the league and will be even better when he goes to 3B. Napoli will be a top 5 catcher while Freese and Weeks are solid at their spots and have room to grow. Pence makes a perfect #2 to Miggy. A good starting staff can also be a huge positive led by young starters under contract for 2 years or more.
Weaknesses: The offense is relying upon alot of guys exceeding anything they've ever done here. Relying on guys like Gordon and Freese to keep growing, and guys like Colvin and Span as starters will hurt. The absence of a legit SS is a glaring need.
GM Advice: This one is simple trade one of the many starters you have and go get a bat. First priority is SS then an OF bat that is proven even if boring.
Outlook : Streaming pitchers and relievers can result in just amazing weeks but also can result in terrible ones. Hoping that Santana stays healthy, Hellickson doesn't regress, and Cahill finds his groove again is a recipe for disaster. Cubs will contend for sure and may even finish in 2nd place but the playoffs seem a bat or two away or everything to fall exactly right. Major props for being an off season beast and making a ton of key moves but the Brian Wilson injury news may make this a last place team yet again.
7 - Washington Nationals
Strengths : Pitching, pitching, and more pitching is what this team is all about and they do it as well as anyone. Lincecum-Hamels-Lester-Beckett are the big names but they are also deep and have upside with the lower guys like Leake and Dickey. Holds should'nt be a worry for them either and they will get some homers from the Uggla-Ortiz combo.
Weaknesses: The offense can be really weak. I say can be because we have seen what Uggla can be when he's off, what Morales' injury can be, how old Ortiz is and what Crawford is when struggling. The lack of closers here take away from the thought of sweeping the pitching so this team will need a few hitting wins, something that doesn't look likely right now.
GM Advice: I want to say the obvious here is go get some bats but he has already put his faith in some of these guys and sticking with your team concept to me is huge. Getting backups for Morales, Furcal and upgrading CF would be my first steps but getting a closer is also a big priority. One more dominant starter may seem like overkill but if the theory is pitch everyone to death that makes sense also.
Outlook : Pitching goes a long way in this league but he just doesn't seem deep enough to beat the streaming teams. Quality is certainly there and if a few things fall right he can overtake the Rockies for that division. I just can't say it will happen until it does with hopes relying on injured and old fading bats. I will give a ton of credit for a much improved team.
6 - Montreal Expos
Strengths : Hitting, hitting, and more hitting for the boys from Canada here and wow is it scary. This is probably the best offense in the league and it's deep in spots also. Every starter has ability to hit 25 homers and there is no better offense equipted to win every category on a given week. When your benching Corey Hart, Lucas Duda, and Jason Werth your team is scary. Speaking of good this bullpen deep and a top 3 in the league.
Weaknesses: Pitching is the obvious weakness with only 3 real starters on the squad he is punting wins and k's every week. I ever advise punting categories. As good as the pen is it is still volitile with closers who can lose their job anyday, or worse for his era and whip just get lit up. The minor league system is weak and needs tweaking as well.
GM Advice: I want to say what everyone is thinking here and that is go get some starters but I think this is a planned attack. The problem with no starters and getting whip and era every week is you have to have a can't miss bullpen. I'd say get rid of the semi closers and get studs or do the obvious and deal that embarressment of riches i the OF to get some more pitching.
Outlook : This hitting will make sure he is in the race all season, the problem is the pitching just can't hold up. Expos will be the classic example of a good team that is just in an unwinable division. This team will beat up on the lesser teams but struggle against the playoff calibur teams. With a move here or there all bets are off though and he could be right in the mix.
5- St. Louis Cardinals
Strengths : This team is built on star names. Kemp-Bautista maybe the best best 1-2 combo in the league. Power should never be an issue and I'd be shocked if he didn't finish #1 in homers and very close in RBI. A deep OF and a legitimate shot that every starter hits 20 bombs is ideal. The starting staff is filled with steamable guys that can just have a pitcher or two going every day.
Weaknesses: The staff is pretty weak at the top. Only one starter has seen 15 wins and there is just one season among them that has resulted in 200+ K's. The batting avg will hurt as much as the homers help and with no holds it will be an uphill climb. Having Lawrie play utility not 3B and Bourn be a corner infielder takes away from their value alot but the big issue here is no depth at all. One injury can send this team to last place in a very good division.
GM Advice: This one is obvious as well, he has 4 3B on the team and 2 in the minors, plenty of OF depth, and a lot of #3 quality starters. Deal one or two of these 3B to get that ace this team is in desperate need of, deal a few bottom level starters or OF for depth at the middle slots, and forget the names and build a team that can sustain an injury or bad season.
Outlook : The ceiling here is 2nd place, the floor is last place. This is a team that must make a move more than any other in the league. The problem is the rest of the league knows it and will low ball him. This is the hope and pray approach and I have never seen it work. Hoping that guys like Pablo is healthy and thin, that Santana isn't a 230 hitter, that Lawrie lives up the the hype, same as Kipnis and Asdrubal. Same as the hope that the starting staff does things they have never done in their life. I question why he went after a guy like Bautista with 4 other 3B rather than Agone, Miggy or Pujols but if he learns that names don't win in this game and team setup does he can challenge for first but this offseason made it more likely he will miss the dance yet again.
4 - Philadelphia Phillies
Strengths: Having 3 of the top 15 bats in the league is already impressive but when you also throw in the consistency of Konerko and Aybar this offense rounds into one of the best in the league. It has speed, power, and will be right in every category all year. With no true ace starter Phillies certainly compensates with a slew of #2-3 type guys that have breakout potential. The starters I mentioned are all cheap and have huge upside which makes the future bright for the Phils
Weaknesses: The true ace is a big negative here. With one true top 10 starter this team can really get to the next level and as good as the 2-3's are that stopper is a hole. Bad luck may be his biggest weakness in losing Madson and Farnsy. The farm team needs some big time fixing as well.
GM Advice: CF is a much coveted position and there is an obvious trade to be made. Deal one of the superstar CF's to get that ace I spoke of or a younger cheap starter for an aging borderline #1 to a team that is looking to win in 2013 or beyond makes sense.
Outlook: With that said this team will battle all year for first and should be a top team in the league, he just falls into the bad luck of being in the best division in the league. A key move for an ace and I'd argue he could make a claim for top honors.
3 - Colorado Rockies
Strengths: What has gotten Rockies to two straight championship games? Pitching , and he is doing it once again this year. Halladay-Verlander-Felix are clearly the best 1-2-3 in the league and with guys like Hanson and Zimmerman being 4-5's who should be #2's this staff is not only good but deep. The Rockies have a young and promising OF and just a dynamic infield that should be the best in the league outside of Expos. Oh and by the way look at that farm system !
Weaknesses: Depth is the issues here as I see no quality backups for any of the offense. The staff may be great but it can be vulnerable to streaming. No catcher and an extremely weak bullpen that is punting saves and maybe holds worries me in the long run.
GM Advice: The farm system is stocked and he is just a blip away from attempting a 3 peat so deal some youth for a closer and bullpen help. He won't have to scourge the system either to get the backups needed at those key positions.
Outlook: How can anyone write him off with the track record. Rockies may not have the best on paper team and his division has gotten stronger but I can not knock him off the pedestal until it happens. This savvy GM should make the right moves when needed and certainly has the resources to do it. It looks like another playoff year for the Rockies, maybe back in the big game.
2 - New York Yankees
Strengths: Essentially the same team returns from last year after building the foundation. The offense compliments itself and is well rounded with "you know what you're getting" sort of players. The Yankees do not need any player to explode just play at their norms for a deep playoff run. You could argue that this is the best OF in the league and they should finish top 5 in each category but depth is huge as they go 3 deep at every position. With all that said it's still about the pitching, Top to bottom with the starters and pen the best in the league.
Weaknesses: 2B is a big concern with Roberts needing a season like last year to justify the starting spot and the lack of power can be a worry as well. It's possible that not one player on this team could hit 30 homers. The minor league system is top heavy with 3-4 top 10 prospects followed by young very raw talent that could fall through.
GM Advice: Don't get trigger happy. The goal in year one was to make a 2 year run with this team and it's setup that way, the goal in the offseason was not to make too many moves and this team comes back almost intact so don't make unnecessary moves. Upgrading at 2B should be a goal and fortifying a farm team is tweaking that can help.
Outlook: The Yankees should win their division and be back to championship form yet again. The offense could struggle at times in the power department but the avg runs and steals will keep the O in it weekly. There should be no week all year where the Yankees lose more than one pitching category and that is set up for a great season.
1 - Atlanta Braves
Strengths: The offense is extremely good and two deep at every position. An injury will not hurt this team and he is relying on proven stats are each slot. You can almost jot down what Tex, Walker, Tulo, Zimmerman, Hamilton, and McCutch will give you and that's if they don't explode whic each has the capibility to do. The staff has the makings of the best in the league if Strasburg becomes a true ace. Haren and Price at both solid #2's and then they are littered with good 3-4's. The minor league aren't deep but they are talented. Holds should be a lock up category weekly.
Weaknesses: There are a few hopes and if's on this team. Posey and Heyward are the first names and they have massive potential but both carry enormous risk. The absence of a #1 closer worries me even if he does have some closers on the roster none are a shutdown type. Running out some of his lower starters can hurt his higher level guys and the walks would be a concern as well.
GM Advice: Make a move for a #1 starter and #1 closer without hurting the core of the team. With huge farm system names this can be done at a low cost this year and although it hurts the future can propel them to a championship. Dealing a middle man makes sense also.
Outlook: Even though he didn't win it all last year this team still finished with the best record in the league (barely lol). It's hard to go against that and with the farm system being as good as it is if he is willing to hurt the future he can be almost unstoppable this season. The Braves have to be this good to beat the Phillies in their division but have built a team that can sustain an injury or two which makes me believe they will be in the mix on the final day.
Hope everyone enjoys !
16 - Kansas City Royals
Strengths : This team is all about the future. With the best minor league system in the league Royals is building a true dynasty team the right way. This is how the book was written on a dynasty league format and it is being executed perfectly by Royals. This will be a scary team in 2014-15 when Trout, Profar, Lindor, Cole, D'Araud, and Hultzen are all contributing for under $2 each.
Weaknesses: The major league roster is just vacant of competitiveness. With essentially no starting pitching, 1B, or bullpen it will be tough to even stay within range.
GM Advice: I think Royals is doing everything right. He should make a few timely trades this year to speed up the clock to being a threat in 2013. Guys like Ryan Dempster, Ichiro and Swisher can help a contender late in the year for some young blood that is already ready to contribute.
Outlook : The early years of the Tampa Bay Rays. Building an insane farm system will pay off and he will have the last laugh if he sticks with the building process.
15 - Minnesota Twins
Strengths : A great slew of minor league arms and a true superstar in place makes this yet another team to watch in 2 years or so. Having that superstar locked in offensively is huge and with a compliment like Adam Jones he has the foundation of a good offense to build on. Unlike Royals his youngsters should be helping by next year at the latest. Skaggs, Paxton and Bradley are scary in potential. If just one lives up to his upside Twins has a bargain ace for years.
Weaknesses: The bullpen is almost non-existent, taking a chance on Utley was a bad decision for a young team and getting a 3B should be a priority for the future.
GM Advice: Go get a young franchise 3B without giving up Fielder or Jones, and keep building. Spend less on guys like Utley and V-Mart as tempting as they were and stick with the long term plan.
Outlook : I don't have much history to judge where this team is going but he was left with a nightmare. If he makes some key moves to look for the future and rids his team of the old he can be another scary squad in 2-3 years. His clock can really be sped up if he will part with those young arms when they make an impression for 2-3 players back to help.
14 - Tampa Bay Rays
Strengths : It looks like we are on team #3 here that understands how to play dynasty baseball with the build a system mentality. Tampa though gets the nod for trying to also win sooner than 2-3 years. With 2 young catchers, a great bargain at 3B, an outfield that has promise and a good bullpen the future is bright for the Rays. You can't overlook Bauer, Myers, and Wong on the farm either.
Weaknesses: 1B and 2B are weak but this is all about the starting pitching. It seems like it's an overpaid James Shields and then a bunch of #4 starters. Overspending may be the downfall here as Goldschmidt, Shields, Reynolds, Danks, and Burnett are just taking up too much valuable money.
GM Advice: Stop spending so much on mediocore guys and don't stack positions. Having an excellent bullpen and awesome catching is all fine and good but if you hurt those areas just a bit you could make some key moves to improve the other areas.
Outlook : If he can dump some of these contracts the future could turn into 2013 for the Rays, if not and he stays the course he will rely on the young guys to really step it up. I hate relying on young talent but it could pay off huge for this team in a year or two.
13 - Cleveland Indians
Strengths : Storen and Castro are legitimate stars and he is quietly building a very nice collection of young arms on the farm. Big time young power is certainly here and taking a chance on guys like the 3 from the Orioles are always good calculated moves to risk in bulk.
Weaknesses: The offense is just void of anything scary outside of Castro. There are old questions like with Berkman, Rolen , and Bay and young questions in Espinosa, Arencibia, and Smoak. The starting staff is going to give him fits being up and down start to start and the loss of Soria crippled the pen.
GM Advice: Don't rely on upside and hoping rejuvinations come. You have a solid core but the problem fix is obvious. Trade some young arms for ready now bats and deal a top starter like Wainwright or Romero to fix your other problems.
Outlook : Alot of work to be done here but it isn't impossible. Plenty of other owners will shell out big names for the young arms and weak position guys like Espinosa and Arencibia so a quick fix is possible. With 2-3 key trades this team can compete as early as this year. If he stands pat it will be a slow rebuild.
12 - Miami Marlins
Strengths : The key weak positions are locked up and that is more than even most top teams can't say. I'd argue he has the best collection of C-2B-CF (weak positions) in the league. Mauer-Pedroia-Jackson/Stubbs are producers. Very good front line pitching and solid #4's behind them make a nice rotation and the pen shouldn't lose holds even one week.
Weaknesses: The lack of that key power bat and rbi guy will hurt him in the long run and I'm not sure Fister is a true #2 yet. No minor league system to speak of makes his future a little shaky as well.
GM Advice: Trade where you have the bulk of is the same advice I seem to be giving to everyone. Dealing middle relievers is the obvious move here but moving some expiring contracts for minor league help is the necessary move. Michael Young could fetch you much more in a deal than how much he will help this year.
Outlook : I would say a playoff run isn't out of the question in a very weak division but merely making the playoffs shouldn't be a goal here. With a few key trades of the mid level guys while keeping the big names this could set this team up nicely to surprise some teams once he gets to the playoffs.
11 - New York Mets
Strengths : Closers to die for are this teams signature and it's as good as it looks on paper also. The starting OF of Holliday Gardner and Pagan is better than most while Weeks and Gordon make for an outstanding 2B-SS potential. He should never lose saves or steals and winning two categories without breaking a sweat is a big relief.
Weaknesses: This team is almost totally void of any power. Weeks and Holliday may hit 25 but that is about it. The starters are good but very thin and while he may be sacrificing K's and wins for era and whip it doesn't lead to a championship.
GM Advice: This team needs to deal it's considerable wealth in the minor leagues for a power bat and fast. Sure Ryan Howard may come back strong but he won't fix the overall power issues here. Depth at starter shouldn't be tough to get in a few trades as well and a true holds man should be targeted.
Outlook : Just not enough, and too much will be the theme here for the 2012 Indians. They are in a winable division but they just don't have enough power and rbi's, just not enough starters, while they almost have too many saves and steals. Just not enough may be the reason this team misses the playoffs.
10 - Los Angeles Angels
Strengths : Offense to spare is how this Angels team will win weeks. McCann-Pujols-Kendrick-Reyes and Arod could all finish in the top 5 at their positions and that is flat out scary. Having that sort of power and rbi potential makes him a threat to win every offense category on any gien week. This team also has a solid if not spectacular staff with a true #1, and a few #3-4's behind him.
Weaknesses: The bullpen seems like a jumbled mess. With guys like Gregg, Capps, and Fuentes he will get saves but at the expense of era and whip. A true #2 starter is needed as well. The minor league system is decimated and needs a sure fire star or two.
GM Advice: Besides rebuilding the farm system they need to go out and get a #2 starter. The offense is where it has to come from here but it can be spared. Trading a closer makes sense also since saves doesn't seem like an issue.
Outlook : This will be a rollercoaster ride because the team is really deceiving. When the offense gets hot and carries the team he will have weeks where it all looks perfect but there will be plenty of weeks where he looks lost. Relying on just one part of a team is always dangerous and may keep him out of the postseason but in that same winable division the offense may be good enough to carry them there ... once he makes it that's a whole new story.
9 - Boston Red Sox
Strengths : Starting pitching is excellent on the front end with Cain and Gallardo. I mentioned the C-2B-CF key weak positions and the Sox may be the only team better than Miami here with Montero-Phillips-Cargo. The OF is alot better than it looks on paper.
Weaknesses: Just no depth at starter is very alarming. The foundation is there but there isn't anything behind these guys. The relief corpse is in the same mold and needs help. The Chipper-Drew combo is just a Mash unit and that's a big worry as well.
GM Advice: This team is very close in a division it can win but he has to get some pitching and fast. The pieces are there to deal and he can even dip into a deep farm system to makes some deals for a few good 3-4 starters. He doesn't need top quality guys but bodies are needed.
Outlook : If he had more cap room left I'd be more optimistic but with no cap and the desperate need for starters looming this team has to be very strategic and creative in making a deal. That being said this is one of the strongest owners in the league and he can pull it off and be in the playoffs for sure.
8 - Chicago Cubs
Strengths : Miggy is the steal of the league and will be even better when he goes to 3B. Napoli will be a top 5 catcher while Freese and Weeks are solid at their spots and have room to grow. Pence makes a perfect #2 to Miggy. A good starting staff can also be a huge positive led by young starters under contract for 2 years or more.
Weaknesses: The offense is relying upon alot of guys exceeding anything they've ever done here. Relying on guys like Gordon and Freese to keep growing, and guys like Colvin and Span as starters will hurt. The absence of a legit SS is a glaring need.
GM Advice: This one is simple trade one of the many starters you have and go get a bat. First priority is SS then an OF bat that is proven even if boring.
Outlook : Streaming pitchers and relievers can result in just amazing weeks but also can result in terrible ones. Hoping that Santana stays healthy, Hellickson doesn't regress, and Cahill finds his groove again is a recipe for disaster. Cubs will contend for sure and may even finish in 2nd place but the playoffs seem a bat or two away or everything to fall exactly right. Major props for being an off season beast and making a ton of key moves but the Brian Wilson injury news may make this a last place team yet again.
7 - Washington Nationals
Strengths : Pitching, pitching, and more pitching is what this team is all about and they do it as well as anyone. Lincecum-Hamels-Lester-Beckett are the big names but they are also deep and have upside with the lower guys like Leake and Dickey. Holds should'nt be a worry for them either and they will get some homers from the Uggla-Ortiz combo.
Weaknesses: The offense can be really weak. I say can be because we have seen what Uggla can be when he's off, what Morales' injury can be, how old Ortiz is and what Crawford is when struggling. The lack of closers here take away from the thought of sweeping the pitching so this team will need a few hitting wins, something that doesn't look likely right now.
GM Advice: I want to say the obvious here is go get some bats but he has already put his faith in some of these guys and sticking with your team concept to me is huge. Getting backups for Morales, Furcal and upgrading CF would be my first steps but getting a closer is also a big priority. One more dominant starter may seem like overkill but if the theory is pitch everyone to death that makes sense also.
Outlook : Pitching goes a long way in this league but he just doesn't seem deep enough to beat the streaming teams. Quality is certainly there and if a few things fall right he can overtake the Rockies for that division. I just can't say it will happen until it does with hopes relying on injured and old fading bats. I will give a ton of credit for a much improved team.
6 - Montreal Expos
Strengths : Hitting, hitting, and more hitting for the boys from Canada here and wow is it scary. This is probably the best offense in the league and it's deep in spots also. Every starter has ability to hit 25 homers and there is no better offense equipted to win every category on a given week. When your benching Corey Hart, Lucas Duda, and Jason Werth your team is scary. Speaking of good this bullpen deep and a top 3 in the league.
Weaknesses: Pitching is the obvious weakness with only 3 real starters on the squad he is punting wins and k's every week. I ever advise punting categories. As good as the pen is it is still volitile with closers who can lose their job anyday, or worse for his era and whip just get lit up. The minor league system is weak and needs tweaking as well.
GM Advice: I want to say what everyone is thinking here and that is go get some starters but I think this is a planned attack. The problem with no starters and getting whip and era every week is you have to have a can't miss bullpen. I'd say get rid of the semi closers and get studs or do the obvious and deal that embarressment of riches i the OF to get some more pitching.
Outlook : This hitting will make sure he is in the race all season, the problem is the pitching just can't hold up. Expos will be the classic example of a good team that is just in an unwinable division. This team will beat up on the lesser teams but struggle against the playoff calibur teams. With a move here or there all bets are off though and he could be right in the mix.
5- St. Louis Cardinals
Strengths : This team is built on star names. Kemp-Bautista maybe the best best 1-2 combo in the league. Power should never be an issue and I'd be shocked if he didn't finish #1 in homers and very close in RBI. A deep OF and a legitimate shot that every starter hits 20 bombs is ideal. The starting staff is filled with steamable guys that can just have a pitcher or two going every day.
Weaknesses: The staff is pretty weak at the top. Only one starter has seen 15 wins and there is just one season among them that has resulted in 200+ K's. The batting avg will hurt as much as the homers help and with no holds it will be an uphill climb. Having Lawrie play utility not 3B and Bourn be a corner infielder takes away from their value alot but the big issue here is no depth at all. One injury can send this team to last place in a very good division.
GM Advice: This one is obvious as well, he has 4 3B on the team and 2 in the minors, plenty of OF depth, and a lot of #3 quality starters. Deal one or two of these 3B to get that ace this team is in desperate need of, deal a few bottom level starters or OF for depth at the middle slots, and forget the names and build a team that can sustain an injury or bad season.
Outlook : The ceiling here is 2nd place, the floor is last place. This is a team that must make a move more than any other in the league. The problem is the rest of the league knows it and will low ball him. This is the hope and pray approach and I have never seen it work. Hoping that guys like Pablo is healthy and thin, that Santana isn't a 230 hitter, that Lawrie lives up the the hype, same as Kipnis and Asdrubal. Same as the hope that the starting staff does things they have never done in their life. I question why he went after a guy like Bautista with 4 other 3B rather than Agone, Miggy or Pujols but if he learns that names don't win in this game and team setup does he can challenge for first but this offseason made it more likely he will miss the dance yet again.
4 - Philadelphia Phillies
Strengths: Having 3 of the top 15 bats in the league is already impressive but when you also throw in the consistency of Konerko and Aybar this offense rounds into one of the best in the league. It has speed, power, and will be right in every category all year. With no true ace starter Phillies certainly compensates with a slew of #2-3 type guys that have breakout potential. The starters I mentioned are all cheap and have huge upside which makes the future bright for the Phils
Weaknesses: The true ace is a big negative here. With one true top 10 starter this team can really get to the next level and as good as the 2-3's are that stopper is a hole. Bad luck may be his biggest weakness in losing Madson and Farnsy. The farm team needs some big time fixing as well.
GM Advice: CF is a much coveted position and there is an obvious trade to be made. Deal one of the superstar CF's to get that ace I spoke of or a younger cheap starter for an aging borderline #1 to a team that is looking to win in 2013 or beyond makes sense.
Outlook: With that said this team will battle all year for first and should be a top team in the league, he just falls into the bad luck of being in the best division in the league. A key move for an ace and I'd argue he could make a claim for top honors.
3 - Colorado Rockies
Strengths: What has gotten Rockies to two straight championship games? Pitching , and he is doing it once again this year. Halladay-Verlander-Felix are clearly the best 1-2-3 in the league and with guys like Hanson and Zimmerman being 4-5's who should be #2's this staff is not only good but deep. The Rockies have a young and promising OF and just a dynamic infield that should be the best in the league outside of Expos. Oh and by the way look at that farm system !
Weaknesses: Depth is the issues here as I see no quality backups for any of the offense. The staff may be great but it can be vulnerable to streaming. No catcher and an extremely weak bullpen that is punting saves and maybe holds worries me in the long run.
GM Advice: The farm system is stocked and he is just a blip away from attempting a 3 peat so deal some youth for a closer and bullpen help. He won't have to scourge the system either to get the backups needed at those key positions.
Outlook: How can anyone write him off with the track record. Rockies may not have the best on paper team and his division has gotten stronger but I can not knock him off the pedestal until it happens. This savvy GM should make the right moves when needed and certainly has the resources to do it. It looks like another playoff year for the Rockies, maybe back in the big game.
2 - New York Yankees
Strengths: Essentially the same team returns from last year after building the foundation. The offense compliments itself and is well rounded with "you know what you're getting" sort of players. The Yankees do not need any player to explode just play at their norms for a deep playoff run. You could argue that this is the best OF in the league and they should finish top 5 in each category but depth is huge as they go 3 deep at every position. With all that said it's still about the pitching, Top to bottom with the starters and pen the best in the league.
Weaknesses: 2B is a big concern with Roberts needing a season like last year to justify the starting spot and the lack of power can be a worry as well. It's possible that not one player on this team could hit 30 homers. The minor league system is top heavy with 3-4 top 10 prospects followed by young very raw talent that could fall through.
GM Advice: Don't get trigger happy. The goal in year one was to make a 2 year run with this team and it's setup that way, the goal in the offseason was not to make too many moves and this team comes back almost intact so don't make unnecessary moves. Upgrading at 2B should be a goal and fortifying a farm team is tweaking that can help.
Outlook: The Yankees should win their division and be back to championship form yet again. The offense could struggle at times in the power department but the avg runs and steals will keep the O in it weekly. There should be no week all year where the Yankees lose more than one pitching category and that is set up for a great season.
1 - Atlanta Braves
Strengths: The offense is extremely good and two deep at every position. An injury will not hurt this team and he is relying on proven stats are each slot. You can almost jot down what Tex, Walker, Tulo, Zimmerman, Hamilton, and McCutch will give you and that's if they don't explode whic each has the capibility to do. The staff has the makings of the best in the league if Strasburg becomes a true ace. Haren and Price at both solid #2's and then they are littered with good 3-4's. The minor league aren't deep but they are talented. Holds should be a lock up category weekly.
Weaknesses: There are a few hopes and if's on this team. Posey and Heyward are the first names and they have massive potential but both carry enormous risk. The absence of a #1 closer worries me even if he does have some closers on the roster none are a shutdown type. Running out some of his lower starters can hurt his higher level guys and the walks would be a concern as well.
GM Advice: Make a move for a #1 starter and #1 closer without hurting the core of the team. With huge farm system names this can be done at a low cost this year and although it hurts the future can propel them to a championship. Dealing a middle man makes sense also.
Outlook: Even though he didn't win it all last year this team still finished with the best record in the league (barely lol). It's hard to go against that and with the farm system being as good as it is if he is willing to hurt the future he can be almost unstoppable this season. The Braves have to be this good to beat the Phillies in their division but have built a team that can sustain an injury or two which makes me believe they will be in the mix on the final day.
Hope everyone enjoys !