2018 Yankees preview

               With help from Rookie of the Year winner and MVP runner-up Aaron Judge, the New York Yankees finished 2nd in the AL East with a 91-71 record, which was good enough for the first Wild card spot. After beating the Minnesota Twins in that game and the Cleveland Indians in the ALDS, the Yanks fell to the Houston Astros in the ALCS. Needing to add, the Yanks had a productive offseason. Let's take a look at it.

                 Notable additions: OF Giancarlo Stanton, 3B Brandon Drury, 2B Neil Walker, LHP Wade LeBlanc, INF Jace Pederson, OF Shane Robinson.

                 Notable subtractions: 2B Starlin Castro, DH Matt Holliday, 3B Todd Frazier, LHP Jaime Garcia, 1B Garrett Cooper, RHP Michael Pineda, LHP Caleb Smith, 3B Chase Headley, RHP Bryan Mitchell, OF Mason Williams, 1B Ji-Man Choi.

                What they did well: Giancarlo Stanton

                What they did bad: Frazier should of been re-signed, but traded for Drury instead, but that's okay because Drury is much younger.

                Sneaky Sleeper: One of baseball's best relievers, Chad Green had his first full season in the bullpen in 2017 (he gets credit for one spot start early in the season, but it was only about 2 innings of work for him). Green struck out 103 batters in 2017 in just 69 innings, allowing just 14 runs in that time (1.83 ERA). They considered moving him to the rotation in 2018, but it won't happen for now. Green is really good, and not everyone knows it.

               Incoming outbreak: If I told you to name one player who blossomed with the Yankees after an Arizona stint, you'd name Didi Gregorius. The same thing could happen to Brandon Drury. Featured in a late offseason three team trade, Drury hit 13 homers and had a .267 average in 2017, I'd say about league average. Maybe a change of scenery to a better team could help him.

               Unsuspected slump: This will hurt to say as a Yankee fan, but their fourth best reliever is Dellin Betances. It goes David Robertson, Green, Aroldis Chapman, then Betances. Betancces has had late season troubles in his career, and struggled in the postseason. His stats show a career 2.29 ERA, and a 14.4 K/9. His postseason numbers show a 4.76 ERA, and though he still strikes guys out, his ERA has risen the last two seasons. I think he's just slightly overrated.

               Blue-chip Bopper: Though Stanton led the league in homers and was the NL MVP, Aaron Judge is still the team's best player. Judge hit 52 homers in his rookie season, and still maintained a .422 OBP. Judge is one of the best players out there.

                 Astounding ace: In his big breakout season, Luis Severino rebounded big in 2017, with a 2.98 ERA and 230 strikeouts, and finished third in CY Young voting. One of baseball's youngest aces, Severino still has many years to dominate.

             Here's the Yankees' projected roster, starting with their lineup.

 LF Brett Gardner (L)
 RF Aaron Judge (R)
 DH Giancarlo Stanton (R)
 SS Didi Gregorius (L)
 C Gary Sanchez (R)
 1B Greg Bird (L)
 CF Aaron Hicks (S)
 2B Neil Walker (S)
 3B Brandon Drury (R)

                Here's their projected rotation.

 RHP Luis Severino
 RHP Masahiro Tanaka
 LHP C.C. Sabathia
 RHP Sonny Gray
 LHP Jordan Montgomery

  Aroldis Chapman (L) is their closer, with Chad Green (R), David Robertson (R), Dellin Betances (R), Tommy Kahnle (R), Adam Warren (R), Chasen Shreve (L) and Domingo German (R) are in the bullpen.

 C Austin Romine (R), 2B Tyler Wade (L) and INF Ronald Torreyes (R) are on the bench.

   Finally, for my prediction, I think the Yankees, a rising but very good team, will make the playoffs in 2018.

2018 Boston Red Sox preview

            With one of baseball's best outfields, and a young one at that, the Boston Red Sox finished 1st in the AL East with a 93-69 record. But, they lost to the eventual World Series winning Houston Astros in the ALDS. With their rivals, the New York Yankees, improving, the Red Sox needed to improve too. Let's take a look at their offseason.

            Notable additions: OF J.D. Martinez.

            Notable subtractions: OF Chris Young, INF Josh Rutledge, OF Rajai Davis, LHP Fernando Abad, RHP Blaine Boyer, RHP Addison Reed, RHP Doug Fister.

             What they did well: They needed a power hitter after David Ortiz's retirement after 2016. Martinez is that guy, hitting 45 homers in 2017. As a righty, Fenway Park is a very good place to hit. Also, they re-signed Eduardo Nunez because of Dustin Pedroia's injury, and Mitch Moreland because he's better than Hanley Ramirez.

               What they did bad: They didn't add much pitching depth. But, they have lots of depth already. I find it odd how there wasn't one replacement for Reed, Boyer and Abad.

              Sneaky sleeper: with near Cy Young winner Chris Sale, plus winners David Price and Rick Porcello in the rotation, it's very, very easy to overlook Drew Pomeranz. But, Pomeranz has had a 3.32 ERA in both 2016 and 2017, and struck out 360 batters in 344.1 innings over the two year span. He is quietly their second best starter.

                 Incoming outbreak: After being called up late in 2017, Rafael Devers went supernova, hitting 10 homers, 30 RBIs and had a .284 average in just 240 Plate Appearances. That secured himself the starting third base job. Expect even more from the now 21 year old.

                  Unsuspected setback: Well, there's a couple guys who could suffer setback in 2018. Expected to be injured until May, Dustin Pedroia hasn't showed too many signs of slowing down. But, the now 34 year old is in a fight for his job, as Eduardo Nunez will probably be the opening day second basemen. Pedroia needs to step up after he returns. Just a year removed from a Cy Young win, Rick Porcello had another rough year, and led the league in losses, a year after being the win king. With the rise of Pomeranz, Porcello is now just their third starter. The final guy, Hanley Ramirez, will suffer the most from the Martinez signing. Going in to the offseason, he looked like the opening day 1B. Then, they signed Mitch Moreland, moving him to DH. The Martinez signing moves him to the bench. That can't really help his numbers.

                   Blue-chip bopper: despite the Martinez signing, Mookie Betts is still their best position player. He has over 100 RBIs in the last two seasons, and 55 homers in them combined. His career .351 OBP is something to be proud of. Also, I didn't mention he is an amazing fielder.

                   Astounding ace: This past year's Cy Young runner-up, Chris Sale has finished top 6 in the voting every season since 2012. But, he's somehow never won. He's basically the Buffalo Bills of the 90s. In 2017, he reached 300 strikeouts, and a 2.90 ERA in 214.1 innings. If it wasn't for a rocky finish, he would've won the Cy Young.

                Here is the Red Sox projected roster, first with their lineup (injured players aren't named).

 2B Eduardo Nunez (R)
 RF Mookie Betts (R)
 LF Andrew Benintendi (L)
 DH J.D. Martinez (R)
 1B Mitch Moreland (L)
 SS Xander Bogaerts (R)
 3B Rafael Devers (L)
 CF Jackie Bradley Jr. (L)
 C Christian Vasquez (R)

       Here's their rotation.

 LHP Chris Sale
 LHP Drew Pomeranz
 RHP Rick Porcello
 LHP David Price
 LHP Brian Johnson

 Craig Kimbrel (R) is their closer, with Carson Smith (R), Tyler Thornburg (R), Robby Scott (L), Matt Barnes (R) and Heath Hembree (R) also in the bullpen.

 1B Hanley Ramirez (R), C Sandy Leon (S), U Brock Holt (L) and Deven Marrero (R) are on the bench.

 For my prediction, I think the Red Sox will run away with the 1st wild card spot in the American League, and make the playoffs.

2018 Baltimore Orioles season preview

            In a very disappointing season, the Baltimore Orioles finished in last place in the AL East, with a 75-87 record. Only the Chicago White Sox and Detroit Tigers finished with less wins in the AL (they tied with the A's). With their division top two teams getting more competitive (Red Sox and Yankees). To at least try to make their team better, GM Dan Duquette had his work cut out for him. Let's take a look at his most recent offseason.

            Notable additions: RHP Andrew Cashner, OF Colby Rasmus, OF Jaycob Brugman, C Andrew Susac, OF Alex Presley, RHP Jhan Marinez, LHP Josh Edgin.

            Notable subtractions: C Welington Castillo, OF Seth Smith, SS J.J. Hardy, LHP Wade Miley, RHP Ubaldo Jimenez, RHPs Jeremy Hellickson, Tyler Wilson, INF Ryan Flaherty.

             What they did well: Cashner is a nice addition to a falling bullpen. They are also trying to trust the kids, and didn't add too much.

               What they did bad: They let Castillo walk without a substitution. He's a very good catcher. Unless Chance Sisco is ready to catch full time, their catching situation will look ugly with Caleb Joseph starting.

                Sneaky sleeper: You won't see too many middle relievers on these categories, but for the O's they have one, and a lefty at that. In just two seasons for the O's and Yankees, Richard Bleier has posted a 1.98 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP. But, there is one thing about Bleier that puts him in a different category than other relievers. He doesn't strike guys out. In his 86.1 innings of MLB time, Bleier has just 39 strikeouts, for a pity 4.1 K/9 rate. Luckily, he's been able to get guys out other ways, and get past many people's eyes, including mine.

                   Incoming outbreak: He may or may not get many ABs in 2018, but with Smith's departure, OF Austin Hays could get a chance to be the opening day right fielder. If he can beat out Joey Rickard, plus non-roster invitees Jaycob Brugman and Colby Rasmus for it. Hays was a September call-up in 2017, but struggled in 60 ABs, with a .217 batting average and .238 OBP. Still, I have faith in Hays.

                     Unsuspected slump: With 26 homers in 2017, Chris Davis wasn't very effective, as his power numbers fell. We all know his contract was a bad one. If a guy has hit under .220 in the last two seasons combined, with over 400 strikeouts in that time, you know his numbers can't be too much more positive in one year.

                     Blue-chip Bopper: Once a top three third baseman, a move back to shortstop, his original position, makes Manny Machado now a top three shortstop. We all know he can play the position. His arm and defensive skills will back that up. Also, you know you're doing well when you've hit over 100 homers and had a stable batting average in each of the last three seasons. Even with a career worst .259 mark in 2017, Machado is still a top infielder.

                        Astounding ace: With a really bad pitching staff, plus all-star closer Zach Britton to be injured for about the first half of the season, it's hard to find an ace here. I'll go with Kevin Gausman, right in his prime. Gausman had a setback year in 2017, with a 4.68 ERA and 179 strikeouts in 186.2 innings. But, his stellar 2016 suggest Gausman isn't too far away from leading a pitching staff, like he'll be forced to do in 2018.

       Here is the 2018 projected roster for the Baltimore Orioles, starting with their lineup.

 3B Tim Beckham (R)
 SS Manny Machado (R)
 1B Chris Davis (L)
 2B Jonathan Schoop (R)
 OF Adam Jones (R)
 DH Mark Trumbo (R)
 LF Trey Mancini (R)
 C Chance Sisco (L)
 RF Austin Hays (R)

           Here's their rotation.

 RHP Kevin Gausman
 RHP Dylan Bundy
 RHP Andrew Cashner
 RHP Chris Tillman
 RHP Alec Asher

  Brad Brach (R) is their closer, with Darren O'Day (R), Donnie Hart (L), Richard Bleier (L), Mychal Givens (R), Miguel Castro (R) and Jimmy Yacabonis (R) also in the bullpen.

  OF Joey Rickard (R), C Caleb Joseph (R), OF Colby Rasmus (L) and INF Ruben Tejada (R) are on the bench.

 Finally, for my prediction, I thin the O's a right handed dominant team in a strong division, will not make the playoffs in 2018, and finish 4th in the East.

MLB news: Lucroy, Moustakas finally sign

         The best player at two different positions on the free agent market were crossed off the board earlier today. Mike Moustakas, a third baseman formerly of the Royals, signed back in Kansas City on a one year, $6.5 million deal, with options that can make it a $22 million deal for the single season Royals home run leader. Catcher Jonathan Lucroy, who spent 2017 with the Texas Rangers and Colorado Rockies, signed a one year deal with the Oakland Athletics, with no financial terms announced.

            For Moustakas, this is a horrible deal for him. He could of gotten way more, and a multi-year deal if he signed earlier. For the Royals, they at least were able to return one of their three free agent stars (they were Lorenzo Cain, who signed in Milwaukee, Moustakas and Eric Hosmer, who went to San Diego). It is a cheap deal, and they are lucky that there wasn't a big free agent market.

             Moustakas, 29, hit .272 with 38 home runs and 85 RBIs in 598 Plate Appearances for the Royals in 2017, in his MLB career, all in Kansas City, Moustakas has a batting average of .251, with 119 homers and 379 RBIs in 3318 Plate Appearances.

              For Lucroy, he is coming off a rough 2017, but he still would've gotten more if he signed earlier. I'm surprised there wasn't a big market for him, since most catchers, well, can't hit at all. He won't get too much money, I imagine, but he'll get over a million dollars, at least.

               Lucroy, 31, had a .265 batting average, six homers and 40 RBIs in 481 Plate Appearances for the Rockies and Rangers in 2017. In his MLB career for those two teams, plus the Milwaukee Brewers, Lucroy has hit .281 with 96 homers and 458 RBIs in 3786 Plate Appearances.

2018 Tampa Bay Rays Season Preview

The Tampa Bay Rays look a lot different now then what we thought we would look like at the end of last year coming into the season. Franchise 3rd baseman Evan Longoria, who seemed basically untouchable has been traded to the Giants. Corey Dickerson, gone. Logan Morrison, gone. Jake Odorizzi, gone. This is a whole new team that has a lot to learn with each other before the season starts. This team has basically been split apart completely but in the end I believe it's for the best.

When the Rays traded away these star players we got plenty of good prospects to help out the farm system and some can even play for the Rays in the big leagues this season. The Rays also signed veteran OF Carlos Gomez to a 1 yr contract. This could bring some balance of experience to the young team we have coming in. Overall the team's Outfield is going to be strong with Carlos Gomez, Kevin Keirmaier, and possibly Mallex Smith. The team also brings some really good pitchers in assuming Chris Archer stays healthy. Blake Snell has really shown improvement over the last couple of seasons and even though we lost prospect Brent Honeywell to Tommy John Surgery this could be a pretty stacked rotation which according to Rays Manager Kevin Cash will include 4 pitchers this season.

With the way this team is built I believe the Rays can snatch the final Wild Card spot in the AL and come in 3rd in the AL East. Will be a team to watch for in the upcoming 2018 season.
Alex Mesa

Atlanta Braves season preview

             In one of the worst divisions in baseball, minus the Washington Nationals, the Atlanta Braves finished 72-90, once again disappointing their fans. Even though superstar 1B Freddie Freeman showed MVP potential in the start of the season, an injury kept him out for the middle of the year. With Ronald Acuna and Ozzie Albies expected to get extended playing time, the Braves have a developing year ahead of them. Let's take a look at their offseason.

              Notable additions: RHP Brandon McCarthy, LHP Scott Kazmir, INF Charlie Culberson, RHP Peter Moylan, INF Christian Colon.

               Notable subtractions: OF Matt Kemp, 2B Brandon Phillips, 3B Adonis Garcia, 1B Matt Adams, INF Jace Peterson, U Emilio Bonifacio, RHP R.A. Dickey, LHP Ian Krol.

              What they did well: They unloaded the Kemp contract, but took on Kazmir's and Adrian Gonzalez (who was DFA'd)'s deals. The trade frees up more money for the future, but tighter on them now, when they don't need it as much.

               What they didn't do well: Their outgoing players, Kemp, Phillips and Garcia, weren't replaced by anyone. That means they are leaving it to the young guys, Acuna, Albies and Johan Camargo to get it done. I'm surprised they didn't add a vet like Chase Utley to back up Camargo and Albies, plus a Jarrod Dyson or Rajai Davis to play, since Acuna will probably miss the first six weeks (thus is why he isn't on the projected roster below) so they can keep a year of arbitration on him.

                  Sneaky Sleeper: He may not even be starting on opening day, with a battle between him and Kurt Suzuki going on, but Tyler Flowers quietly had a fine 2017. In just 346 at bats, Flowers hit 14 homers, pretty good for a catcher. If given the starting job, Flowers could challenge twenty homers.

                  Incoming outbreak: There's two 21 year olds I considered putting here, so I'll put them both. As their second baseman, Ozzie Albies was decent as a 20 year old in a short 2017 stint. He hit .286 and stole eight bases in 244 Plate Appearances. One of two young guns expected to make the rotation, Luiz Gohara wasn't as good as Albies in 2017, with a 4.91 ERA in 29.1 innings. More innings, and Gohara will succeed.

                  Unsuspected slump: In his career, Nick Markakis has always been an iron man, playing in 1,839 games in his 11 year career. He played 147 games in his rookie year, and that is still the lowest amount of games he's ever played in. Plus, he's always had a good batting average, with the career mark standing at .288. But, he's lost his power. Most players also lose their ability to keep a high batting average as they age. Markakis might be one of those players this year.

                   Blue-chip Bopper: We all know the answer, I'll say it five times: Freddie Freeman, Freddie Freeman, Freddie Freeman, Freddie Freeman, oh, and Freddie Freeman. Freeman hit 28 homers and had a .307 batting average in just 440 at bats in 2017. He's arguably the second best first baseman in the league, behind Paul Goldschmidt.

                   Astounding ace: Despite a rough 2017 where he had a 4.49 ERA, and was a disappointment to my fantasy team, Julio Teheran is still their best starter by far. He has pitched at least 185 innings in each of the last five seasons. Not many starters can boast of that. He still has a career 3.59 ERA, after an ugly year.

                   Here is the Braves projected roster, starting with their lineup.

 CF Ender Inciarte (L)
 2B Ozzie Albies (S)
 1B Freddie Freeman (L)
 C Tyler Flowers (R)
 RF Nick Markakis (L)
 SS Dansby Swanson (R)
 3B Johan Carmago (S)
 LF Lane Adams (R)
 Pitcher

               Here is their rotation:
 RHP Julio Teheran
 RHP Mike Foltynewicz
 LHP Sean Newcomb
 LHP Luiz Gohara
 RHP Brandon McCarthy

  Arodys Vizcaino (R) is their closer, with Scott Kazmir (L), Peter Moylan (R), Aaron Blair (R) and Sam Freeman (L) also in the pen.

 C Kurt Suzuki (R), U Danny Santana (S), INF Charlie Culberson (R), 3B Rio Ruiz (L) and eventually OF Ronald Acuna (R) are on the bench.

 Finally, for my prediction, I think the Braves, a team on the rise, will not make the playoffs in 2018.

Arizona Diamondbacks Season Preview

By @carterhudblog

          In 2017, the Arizona Diamondbacks finished with a record of 93-69, and they ended up running away with the 1st wild card spot in the National League, with a six game lead over the Colorado Rockies, who the D-Backs beat in that game. But, the Los Angeles Dodgers swept Arizona in the NLDS. With star rental J.D. Martinez heading free agency, like all rentals, GM Mike Hazen had some moves to make. Let's take a look at what the D-backs did last offseason.

             Notable additions: OF Steven Souza, RHP Yoshihisa Hirano, OF Jarrod Dyson, C Alex Avila, RHP Brad Boxberger, LHP Antonio Bastardo, RHPs Neftali Feliz, Michael Blazek, Kris Medlen, Fernando Salas, OF Ramon Flores.

             Notable subtractions: OF J.D. Martinez, INF Brandon Drury, C Chis Iannetta, RHPs Fernando Rodney, J.J. Hoover, RHP David Hernandez, OF Gregor Blanco, INF Adam Rosales, LHP Anthony Banda.

              What they did well in the offseason: They didn't try to replace Martinez with an overpayment of Martinez or someone else. Avila and Souza might hit less homers combined in 2018 than Martinez, but with an already completed outfield, and no DH, it's understandable to let him walk. Also, the Added some relievers looking for redemption to minor league deals. See: Bastardo, Blazek, and especially Feliz and Medlen. Those are guys who could break the opening day roster. Hirano is coming from Japan, and should be a better closer than Rodney was.

              What they did bad: Not much. It would be nice to re-sign Martinez, but spending over $100 million for a guy when you already have your team set isn't worth it. It was a smart pass.

               Sneaky Sleeper: Expected to be the fifth starter with Shelby Miller still recovering with Tommy John surgery, Zack Godley had an underrated 2017, with a 3.37 ERA and 165 strikeouts in 155 innings. If he can get enough innings and stay healthy, Godley can be a good 5th starter for them.

               Unsuspected slump: After a very successful 2016, Yasmany Tomas hit just .241, and a .294 OBP. Entering his prime, I still don't think Tomas will come close to the 31 homers he hit in 2016. Plus, the addition of Souza could limit his playing time.

               Incoming outbreak: Ketel Marte didn't play too much in the first half, but an increase in second half games led him to a still light 255 Plate Appearances. His .345 OBP is something he'll look to keep going. Even though he has a career .265 batting average, he has a very good career .314 BABIP. That is a stat that can be great one year, and be horrible the next, but if Marte can maintain his success there, it'll be a fine year.With the trade of Drury, he'll get more ABs in 2018.

                Blue chip Bopper: Paul Goldschmidt has made the last five all-star teams. He's hit thirty homers three times, and would've hit it four times if not for injuries. He's reached 100 RBIs those three years. He's undoubtedly not just their best player, but the best 1st baseman in the league.

                Astounding ace: A really bad first season in the desert had some questioning the $206.5 million deal the D-Backs signed Donald Greinke to (you may know him by his middle name, Zack). But, Greinke rebounded in 2017, with a 3.20 ERA and 215 strikeouts in 202.1 innings. Even a year worse than 2017 should still leave Greinke as their ace.

               This is probably what you came for, but here is the D-Backs projected roster, starting with their lineup.

 SS Ketel Marte (S)
 CF A.J. Pollock (R)
 1B Paul Goldschmidt (R)
 3B Jake Lamb (L)
 LF David Peralta (L)
 RF Steven Souza (L)
 C Alex Avila (L)
 2B Chris Owings (R)
 Pitcher

             Here is their rotation.

 RHP Zack Greinke
 LHP Robbie Ray
 LHP Patrick Corbin
 RHP Taijaun Walker
 RHP Zack Godley

 Yoshihisa Hirano (R) will be their closer, with Archie Bradley (R) and Brad Boxberger (R) in the set-up roles. Neftali Feliz (R), Antonio Bastardo (L), Michael Blazek (R), Andrew Chafin and Randall Delgado will also be in the pen.

 OFs Yasmany Tomas (R), Jarrod Dyson (L), C Jeff Mathis (R), INF Nick Ahmed (R) and C Chris Hermann (L) are on the bench.

 For my prediction, I think the Diamondbacks will make the playoffs once again, and even be a dark horse World Series contender.