Cubs 2019 season preview

           When the Chicago Cubs first made the playoffs in 2015, they were viewed as the "new kids on the block" and they were the first of what would become of the MLB's young super teams, followed by Houston, Boston and New York. But, entering their fourth season since, the Cubs have suddenly aged, especially in their rotation. That still won't prevent the Cubs from contention in 2019. But, the team lost in game 163, which lost them the division, and the wild card game, which eliminated them. The Cubs are still led by a potent offense and a veteran rotation.

           Offseason additions: UT Daniel Descalso, RHP Brad Brach, RHP Tony Barnette, LHP Xavier Cedeno, RHP Collin Rea, RHP George Kontos, 1B Jim Adduci, INF Cristhian Adames, OF Johnny Field

           Offseason subtractions: 2B Daniel Murphy, RHP Jesse Chavez, INF Tommy La Stella, LHP Justin Wilson, LHP Jorge De La Rosa, LHP Jaime Garcia.

            Rotation
After having his worst career season since 2012 in 2017, Jon Lester rebounded with 32 starts for the fifth straight season, and had a 3.32 ERA. The main concern with him is his strikeout rate, which dropped to 7.4, the worst since that terrible 2012. Kyle Hendricks led the team with 33 starts, and his 3.44 ERA wasn't far off of Lester's. Jose Quintana's ERA in a year and a half with the Cubs is 42 points higher than his ERA with the White Sox, and he wasn't worth Eloy Jimenez and more, but is still a serviceable starter for them. Injuries and overall poor performance ruined Yu Darvish's inaugural season as a Cub. Cole Hamels is back after the team picked up his $20 million option due to a stellar performance after a trade from Texas. Mike Montgomery could make starts as well.

            Bullpen
Closer Brandon Morrow will miss at least the first month of the season due to arthroscopic surgery, which ended his 2018 early after a 1.47 ERA in 30.2 innings. While Morrow is gone, the closer role could go to a committee. That committee could include free agent signee and ex Orioles closer Brad Brach, set-up man Pedro Strop, workhorse reliever Steve Cishek, who played in 80 games in 2018, and Carl Edwards Jr. Strop and Edwards Jr. had 2.26 and 2.60 ERAs, respectively. despite a terrible contract, Tyler Chatwood would need to make the bullpen, but I wouldn't be surprised if he's DFA'd sometime this season if he doesn't make the pen. Brandon Kintzler was terrible after a July trade, but is a bounce-back candidate. Starter/reliever Mike Montgomery is another option.Tony Barnette comes from Texas and is a middle relief pitcher. The final spot will go to Chatwood, or lefties Randy Rosario and Brian Duensing.

           Catching
Willson Contreras' 2016 cameo and his 2017 season made him look like the future's best catcher. But, he took a step back, hitting just 10 home runs, two less than he hit in 2016, in 261 more Plate Appearances. His average also dropped 27 points. He isn't the best defensive catcher, either. Victor Caratini is his backup.

            Infield
The infield has always been a strength for Chicago. They have stars all around the diamond. But, the best of them all, Kris Bryant, was hurt by injuries, and hit just 13 home runs with a .272 average when healthy, both career worsts. He will need to rebound if the Cubs want to go anywhere. First baseman Anthony Rizzo's home run total dropped to 25 after four seasons in the 31-32 range. His OPS also dropped down to .846. Despite Rizzo and Bryant falling, second baseman/shortstop Javier Baez was the NL MVP runner-up, with a .290 average, .881 OPS, 34 home runs, 101 runs and an NL leading 111 RBIs. Baez will play shortstop while Addison Russell is still serving a 40 game suspension. Utility men Ben Zobrist, Daniel Descalso and Ian Happ all can play second base, but I see Zobrist as the starter, with Descalso as the all-around back-up infielder and Happ as the fourth outfielder. David Bote also is a backup infielder, but might be sent down when Russell returns.

             Outfield
The Cubs' outfield isn't a perfect thing, but it is coming along. Jason Heyward had a .270/.335/.395 slash line in 2018, his best as a Cub, but not close to his 2015 that attracted the Cubs enough to sign him. Left fielder Kyle Schwarber is a pure power hitter, but struggles elsewhere. CF Albert Almora Jr. can hit for average, but rarely walks, which badly hurts his OBP, and is better suited for the end of a lineup rather than the front. Happ is the 4th outfielder, and Zobrist is the 5th.

               Bench
The Cubs likely will go with a four man bench, that consists of Caratini, the backup catcher, and three multi-position players, which manager Joe Maddon likes to use. Daniel Descalso's 13 home runs and .789 OPS in 2018 were career highs in Arizona, even better than his stint playing at Coors Field. You might have heard of David Bote from some clutch hitting he did last regular season, but his overall numbers aren't impressive. Ian Happ hasn't developed into the player he was projected as, after dropping off after a good 2017 rookie season. He is blocked in the Cubs organization, unless they get rid of Russell.

                  Lineup
RF Jason Heyward
3B Kris Bryant
1B Anthony Rizzo
SS Javier Baez
LF Kyle Schwarber
C Willson Contreras
2B Ben Zobrist
CF Albert Almora Jr.
Pitcher

                    Rotation
Jon Lester (L)
Kyle Hendricks (R)
Cole Hamels (L)
Yu Darvish (R)
Jose Quintana (L)

                     Bullpen
Pedro Strop (R)
Carl Edwards Jr. (R)
Steve Cishek (R)
Brad Brach (R)
Tony Barnette (R)
Mike Montgomery (L)
Brandon Kintzler (R)
Randy Rosario (L)

                       Bench
C Victor Caratini
INF Daniel Descalso
INF David Bote
2B/OF Ian Happ

                       Additional Information
Ballpark: Wrigley Field
Manager: Joe Maddon
GM: Jed Hoyer, Theo Epstein (President)
World Series Championships: 3
2018 record: 95-68

                       Steal of the Decade
This is the trade you think of when you think of the best MLB trades of the 2010s. The trade was on July 2, 2013. The Cubs sent RHP Scott Feldman and C Steve Clevenger to Baltimore for international bonus pool money, and two RHPs, Jake Arrieta and Pedro Strop. First of all, Feldman pitched in just 15 starts for Baltimore, with a 4.27 ERA, and is already out of the MLB. So is Clevenger, who wasn't very good for Baltimore, but at least they turned him into 47 home run hitter Mark Trumbo. On the other side, Strop is still with the Cubs, and will be their set-up man this season. In six years in the Windy City, Strop has a 2.63 ERA with 19 saves. But the main part of this deal is Arrieta, who was their ace for four seasons, posting a 2.73 ERA with the Cubs. That includes 2015, when he posted a 1.77 ERA in 229 innings, with 236 strikeouts, cruising to a Cy Young victory, before leaving for Philly.

                           Prediction
The Cubs still have a potent offense, led by their infield. On paper, they have one of the best rotations in baseball. But, they also have an old rotation, with four of their five starters recently having bad seasons. Their bullpen isn't anything special. These are all reasons why the Cubs will finish third in the NL Central, missing the postseason for the first time since 2014.

Boston Red Sox 2019 Season Preview

Ryan Brasier. Photo from the LA Times

                Championships aren't easy to win, and the Boston Red Sox have won four in the last 15 years. The fourth came in 2018, when the Sox led the league with 108 wins, then cruised to a victory over the Dodgers in five games. Despite big relief arms hitting free agency, the Sox didn't add to their team. But, they still possibly have the best chance of any team to win the World Series in 2019.

                Offseason additions: RHP Erasmo Ramirez, RHP Zach Putnam, OF Gorkys Hernandez

                Offseason subtractions: RHP Craig Kimbrel, RHP Joe Kelly, LHP Drew Pomeranz, 2B Ian Kinsler, DH Hanley Ramirez

                 Rotation
Along with the outfield, the rotation is the Sox' biggest strength. Injuries have always been Chris Sale's issue, but the ace had a 2.11 ERA in 158 innings in 2018, and will again lead the rotation. David Price finally stayed healthy, and was very good in the ALCS and World Series. Some years, Rick Porcello looks like an absolute ace, others he looks terrible. The 2016 Cy Young winner had an average 2018, but still won 17 games. After acquiring Nathan Eovaldi from the Rays, Eovaldi posted a 3.33 ERA in 11 starts, and got a $67.5 million extension. Eduardo Rodriguez, another injury-plagued starter, was good when healthy in 2018. Knuckleballer Steven Wright can make the rotation, but most likely will be a swingman.

                 Bullpen
Going from their strength to their weakness, Boston didn't re-sign closer Craig Kimbrel or set-up man Joe Kelly. 30 year old rookie Ryan Brasier, who posted a 1.60 ERA in 33.2 innings, is the favorite to close, with Matt Barnes as the set-up man. Hector Velasquez had a 3.18 ERA in 2018. Heath Hembree, Brian Johnson, Wright and Brandon Workman, plus Tyler Thornburg (if ever healthy) are middle relief options.

                 Catching
Another weakness for Boston, their catchers had a league worst .525 OPS in 2018. Sandy Leon is a good defender, and Christian Vazquez isn't bad. Their workload is very similar, and their platoon will keep up in 2018. Catcher and outfielder Blake Swihart will have to make the roster, or be moved.

                 Infield
The Boston infield is good, but it isn't great. That describes first baseman Mitch Moreland pretty well, a guy who'll hit around .250 with 15-20 home run power. Rafael Devers will need to improve defensively, after committing 24 errors in his sophomore season. But, he is still just entering his age 22 season, coming off a 21 home run season. At second, Dustin Pedroia barely played in 2018 due to cartilage restoration surgery, and will hope to stay on the field. If not, pencil in Eduardo Nunez. Xander Bogaerts is their best infielder at shortstop, coming off a .883 OPS season with 103 RBIs, the first 100 RBI Boston shortstop since Nomar Garciaparra.

                  Outfield
Boston has the best outfield in baseball, and it all starts with right fielder and AL MVP Mookie Betts. Betts hit .346 with 32 home runs and 30 stolen bases, plus a 1.078 OPS. Plus, he won a gold glove, along with center fielder Jackie Bradley Jr., though his power has regressed. Andrew Benintendi had a .290 batting average, with with a .830 OPS. The three Bs are defensive wizards at Fenway Park.

                   DH/Bench
The Red Sox' big addition last offseason, JD Martinez, hit .330 with 43 home runs and a 1.031 OPS. Had he played the field, he might have been Betts' MVP runner-up, instead of a 4th place finish. World Series MVP Steve Pearce platoons at first with Moreland, and he has a .501 career slugging percentage against lefties. Utility man Brock Holt can play all seven positions, and delivered the first ever post-season cycle in the ALDS. If Pedroia is healthy, Nunez is also on the bench.

                   Lineup
LF Andrew Benintendi
RF Mookie Betts
DH JD Martinez
SS Xander Bogaerts
1B Mitch Moreland
3B Rafael Devers
2B Dustin Pedroia
CF Jackie Bradley Jr.
C Sandy Leon

                   Rotation
Chris Sale (L)
David Price (L)
Rick Porcello (R)
Eduardo Rodriguez (L)
Nathan Eovaldi (R)

                   Bullpen
Ryan Brasier (R)
Matt Barnes (R)
Hector Velasquez (R)
Heath Hembree (R)
Brian Johnson (L)
Steven Wright (R)
Brandon Workman (R)

                    Bench
1B Steve Pearce
UT Brock Holt
UT Eduardo Nunez
C Christian Vazquez

                     Additional Information
Ballpark: Fenway Park
Manager: Alex Cora
GM: Dave Dombrowski
World Series Championships: 9
2018 record: 108-54

                      Steal of the Decade
The Red Sox haven't had an absolute steal in the 2010s, but the jury is still out on one of them. The Sox acquired LHP Chris Sale from the White Sox on December 7th, 2016, and gave up baseball's top prospect, 2B Yoan Moncada, plus Michael Kopech, Luis Alexander Basabe and Victor Diaz. Moncada hasn't done much yet for Chicago, and led the majors in strikeouts in 2018. Kopech will miss 2019 with Tommy John surgery, and Diaz and Basabe haven't made the majors yet. On the other hand, Sale has a 2.56 ERA in two seasons for Boston, and was the 2017 Cy Young runner-up, and was 4th in 2018. The Red Sox also don't win the 2018 World Series without Sale. They could still give up a lot of talent in Moncada and Kopech, but it still won't matter, they won the World Series.

                      Prediction
The Red Sox have a bad bullpen, which will bring them down a lot, but a potent offense and a great rotation will always keep them in games. But, their bullpen will lose them some, which could have them still make the playoffs, but drop to second place in the AL East.

Baltimore Orioles 2019 Season Preview

Richard Bleier. Photo from Baltimore Sun

           Everything that could have gone wrong for the Baltimore Orioles in 2018 went wrong, and the team ended up in last place in the majors, a whopping 61 games back of the first place Red Sox. Knowing he was on his way out at the season's end, GM Dan Duquette had a fire sale at the trade deadline, dealing the eventual $300 million man Manny Machado, plus Kevin Gausman, Zach Britton, Brad Brach, Darren O'Day and Jonathan Schoop. He was replaced by Mike Elias, who brought in Cubs bench coach Brandon Hyde to replace manager Buck Showalter. And worst of all, they still have a below average farm system. As Elias' tenure begins, days have been brighter in Baltimore.

          Offseason additions: SS Alcides Escobar, INF Rio Ruiz, RHP Nate Karns, INF Hanser Alberto

          Offseason subtractions: INF Tim Beckham, C Caleb Joseph, OF Adam Jones, OF Craig Gentry, 1B Pedro Alvarez, 3B Danny Valencia

           Rotation
No pitcher that made multiple starts for the O's in 2018 had an ERA better than 4.43, which belonged to Kevin Gausman, who thrived after a trade out of town. The next best is David Hess' 4.88, in 12 starts and five more relief appearances. Hess will be a 4th or 5th starter this year for Baltimore. Dylan Bundy had a rough 2018, leading the MLB in home runs allowed (41), and the AL in losses (16), in a career high 172 innings. He is still their "ace". Alex Cobb is back after a 2.56 ERA after the all-star break, with three years left on his contract. Andrew Cashner had a 5.29 ERA in 2018, but is still their third starter. Yefry Ramirez, Josh Rogers and Jimmy Yacabonis are fighting for the 5th spot.

             Bullpen
The biggest bright spot for the O's in 2018 was set-up man Richard Bleier, who for the third straight season had a sub 2.00 ERA, for a career 1.97 mark. Unfortunately, he couldn't stay healthy and lat surgery could have him miss the start of the year. Mychal Givens converted nine save attempts when Britton, Brach and O'Day were traded, and will start the season as closer. Paul Fry and Miguel Castro posted decent numbers, and Mike Wright Jr. and Tanner Scott return.

             Catching
Chance Sisco was one of the league's top catching prospects, and when given a major league chance, he was abysmal, with a .181 average, and two home runs in 63 games. Backup Caleb Joseph was non-tendered, and defensive specialist Austin Wynns enters camp as the catching favorite, after impressing with a .255 average and four homers in 42 games.

              Infield
First baseman Chris Davis, who had one of the league's worst contracts in baseball entering the season, turned in arguably the worst season in major league history, with a .168 average and 192 strikeouts in 470 ABs, stinking up first base. After being acquired for Schoop, Villar stole 21 bases and hit .258 with eight home runs, and enters the season as possibly the team's best player. Renato Nunez, who hit .275 with seven home runs in 60 games with Baltimore, was a bright spot down the stretch and the third base favorite. Rule 5 pick Richie Martin, Breyvic Valera and Steve Wilkerson are competing for the SS job.

              Outfield
Trey Mancini, a natural first baseman, is still stuck in left field because of Davis, and is one of the  team's only 20 home run threat. Cedric Mullins is a really good fielder and base-runner, and even pushed longtime center fielder Adam Jones to right field in September. Former first round pick DJ Stewart and Joey Rickard fight for the RF job, but Rickard is better as a fourth outfielder.

              DH/Bench
The O's are hoping for a bounce-back year for power hitter DH Mark Trumbo, who hit 47 home runs in 2016, so they can flip him at the deadline. On the bench are Sisco, who is likely the backup catcher, Valera or Martin, depending on the SS winner, utility man Steve Wilkerson, and Rickard. Corner infielder Rio Ruiz is also an option.

              Lineup
CF Cedric Mullins
2B Jonathan Villar
LF Trey Mancini
DH Mark Trumbo
3B Renato Nunez
1B Chris Davis
RF DJ Stewart
SS Breyvic Valera
C Austin Wynns

              Rotation
Dylan Bundy (R)
Alex Cobb (R)
Andrew Cashner (R)
David Hess (R)
Yefry Ramirez (R)

              Bullpen
Mychal Givens (R)
Richard Bleier (L)
Miguel Castro (R)
Paul Fry (L)
Tanner Scott (L)
Mike Wright Jr. (R)
Jimmy Yacabonis (R)/Pedro Araujo (R)

              Bench
C Chance Sisco
UT Steve Wilkerson
SS Richie Martin
OF Joey Rickard

              Additional information:
Ballpark: Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Manager: Brandon Hyde
GM: Mike Elias
World Series Championships: 3
2018 record: 47-115

              Steal of the Decade
Mark Trumbo had hit at least 22 home runs four times in his five career seasons, including 22 in 2015, 13 of which came with the Seattle Mariners. But, the team deciding to trade Trumbo and reliever C.J. Riefenhauser to Baltimore for catcher Steve Clevenger prior to the 2016 season. Clevenger would play in 22 games with Seattle in 2016, hitting .221 with one home run, before a couple of racist tweets had him suspended, and out of major league baseball for good. On the other hand, Riefenhauser never pitched for Baltimore, but in Trumbo's first season, he hit an MLB leading 47 home runs. Though he has hit just 40 combined the last two seasons, he is still a good power hitter and way better than Clevenger.

               Prediction
Yes, things in Baltimore will slowly get better. But, the next couple of seasons of the rebuild will be the worst, and the team will struggle. Almost everyone will be surprise if the Orioles don't finish last in the AL East in 2019.

Atlanta Braves 2019 Season Preview

Ozzie Albies. From ESPN

             The Atlanta Braves hoped that their wave of young talent would bring success to the team the same year they opened a new ballpark. It didn't work that way, with the team winning just 72 games in 2017. Luckily for the team, they aspirations were just a year behind. In SunTrust Park's second season of existence, the Braves won the NL East in a commanding fashion, led by Rookie of the Year recipient Ronald Acuna Jr. The Braves didn't dislodge their core, and added to it with former all-stars. The fun has just begun in Atlanta.

               Offseason additions: 3B Josh Donaldson, C Brian McCann, C Raffy Lopez, UT Pedro Florimon, INF Andres Blanco, OF Ryan LaMarre

               Offseason subtractions: RHP Anibal Sanchez, C Kurt Suzuki, RHP Brad Brach, 1B Lucas Duda, RHP Brandon McCarthy, RHP Peter Moylan

                Rotation
Right-handers Mike Foltynewicz and Julio Teheran created quite the one-two punch for the Braves, with a .195 and .196 opponent's batting average, respectively. Those are the lowest two totals for a Braves pitcher in a single season, just edging out Greg Maddux's .197 in 1995. Sean Newcomb had a strong season, and is a good third starter. Kevin Gausman was very good in 10 starts after a trade from Baltimore. The fifth spot is up for grabs, with youngsters Touki Toussaint, Max Fried and Mike Soroka the favorites. The team could still add a starter like Dallas Keuchel as well.

                Bullpen
Aroyds Vizcaino returns as the closer, but he struggled to stay healthy in 2018, but was good in his 39 games. While he was out, set-up man AJ Minter recorded 15 saves. Shane Carle and Jesse Biddle both had strong seasons in middle relief, with ERAs hanging around the 3.00 mark. Darren O'Day never pitched for Atlanta, but was part of the Gausman trade and will be ready for 2019. Dan Winkler, comeback player of the year winner Jonny Venters and Sam Freeman are other options.

                Catching
The platoon of Kurt Suzuki and Tyler Flowers favored Suzuki in 2018, but he left for Washington. The Braves brought back hometown boy and former all-star Brian McCann to complete the other half of the platoon. He still has power. Raffy Lopez was brought in as the third catcher after spending 37 games in San Diego.

                 Infield
Freddie Freeman is by far their best player, and will be until Acuna passes him. In all 162 games last season, Freeman hit .309, with 23 home runs and 98 RBIs, and finished 4th in MVP voting, while picking up his first gold glove at first base. 2015 AL MVP Josh Donaldson played in just 52 games in 2018 due to injuries, but his career power and average had the Braves sold, and they brought him in on a one year deal worth $23 million, thinking he can still play third. 21 year old 2B Ozzie Albies hit 20 home runs before the all-star break, but hit just four more after, but is still a home run/stolen base threat. Former first overall pick Dansby Swanson is still young, and hit a career high 14 home runs in 2018.

                  Outfield
Ronald Acuna Jr. took the league by storm last year, hitting .292 with 26 home runs and 16 stolen bases in 111 games, winning the NL Rookie of the Year award. Ender Inciarte has won a gold glove in all three seasons in Atlanta, and stole a career high 28 bases, while once again hitting double-digit home runs. At age 34, Nick Markakis arguably had his best season since 2007, with a .297 average and a .806 OPS. The team brought him back on a one year deal.

                   Bench
Johan Camargo hit 19 home runs as the starting third baseman in 2018, but with the Donaldson signing, and the team bringing back Markakis, the team views Camargo as a super-utility player, as he can play the infield and outfield. Tyler Flowers fell off in 2018, but he is still the backup catcher and will play against southpaws. Charlie Culberson also can play super-utility. Two time 30 home run hitter Adam Duvall returns after posting ugly numbers after a July trade from Cincy.

                   Lineup
LF Ronald Acuna Jr.
2B Ozzie Albies
1B Freddie Freeman
3B Josh Donaldson
RF Nick Markakis
C Brian McCann
CF Ender Inciarte
SS Dansby Swanson
Pitcher
                   Rotation
Mike Foltynewicz (R)
Julio Teheran (R)
Sean Newcomb (L)
Kevin Gausman (R)
Touki Toussaint (R)

                    Bullpen
Arodys Vicaino (R)
AJ Minter (L)
Jesse Biddle (L)
Shane Carle (R)
Dan Winkler (R)
Darren O'Day (R)
Jonny Venters (L)
Luke Jackson (R)/Sam Freeman (L)

                   Bench
UT Johan Camargo
UT Charlie Culberson
C Tyler Flowers
LF Adam Duvall

                      Additional Information
Ballpark: SunTrust Park
Manager: Brian Snitker
GM: Alex Anthopoulos
World Series Championships: 3*
2018 record: 90-72

                      Steal of the Decade
Coming off a season in where he had a 3.02 ERA and made his first all-star team, the Braves were looking to trade Shelby Miller at his highest value. The dealt him and Gabe Speier to Arizona for SS Dansby Swanson, the recent 1st overall pick, Ender Inciarte and Aaron Blair. Swanson has settled into a role as their starting shortstop, and at 25 he can still get better. Inciarte's power has improved, and he's an elite defender and runner. Blair was a big prospect, but didn't turn out. Meanwhile, Miller pitched in just 139 innings for Arizona, and had a 6.35 ERA in 3 seasons before being non-tendered.

                       Prediction
A young team led by a potent offense and a not experienced rotation, I predict the Braves will finish second in the NL East and make the playoffs in the wild card.


*The Braves have won one championship in Atlanta, but won one in both Boston and Milwaukee
              

Arizona Diamondbacks 2019 Season Preview

Ketel Marte (From SBNation)

              Losing isn't easy, and though the Arizona Diamondbacks had a 2018 record over .500, the offseason brought them with plenty of losing. First, the team didn't re-sign top pitcher Patrick Corbin or center fielder AJ Pollock. But the worst blow for the team was a move that had to happen. Star first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, the only National League player on all of the last six all-star teams, was traded to St. Louis for a pick and three players. But, despite all that, the team is still looking at contention, and it isn't too far away.

              Offseason additions: RHP Greg Holland, RHP Luke Weaver, C Carson Kelly, INF Wilmer Flores, RHP Merrill Kelly, C Caleb Joseph, RHP Ricky Nolasco, LHP Marc Rzepczynski, OF Matt Szczur.

               Offseason subtractions: 1B Paul Goldschmidt, LHP Patrick Corbin, CF AJ Pollock, C Jeff Mathis, INF Daniel Descalso, RHP Clay Buchholz, RHP Brad Boxberger, RHP Brad Ziegler, LHP Jake Diekman, UT Chris Owings, OF Jon Jay.

               Rotation
Lost in all the talk about how bad his contract is, Zack Greinke quietly turned in another really good season, nearly matching his 2017 numbers. He'll likely get the opening day start, and lead the rotation. An oblique injury limited Robbie Ray to just 24 starts in 2018, but he became the first pitcher in MLB history to record 165 strikeouts in 125 innings or less (he did it in 123.2 innings). Zack Godley won 15 games, but had an inflated 4.74 ERA, thanks to a 1.45 WHIP. Joining the rotation to replace Corbin and late season standout Clay Buchholz is Luke Weaver, acquired from the Goldschmidt trade, and Merrill Kelly, who was signed to a two year deal out of Korea. Weaver had a good stint in 2017, but struggled when healthy in 2018.

                Bullpen
The bullpen lost one year closer Brad Boxberger and his Player's Weekend emojis, but the team brought in former all-star Greg Holland, who struggled with St. Louis last year but was virtually unhittable after a midseason trade to Washington. Holland seems to be the favorite for the closer role, but set-up man Archie Bradley and Yoshihisa Hirano are also competitors. The latter had a 2.44 ERA as a 34 year old rookie last year, and each had three saves. Lefty Andrew Chafin pitched in 77 games, and allowed zero home runs, with a 3.10 ERA. Another lefty, T.J. McFarland, had a career season which saw him post a 2.00 ERA in 72 innings. Matt Andriese, Nick Green, Matt Koch and Jimmie Sherfy are vying for bullpen spots.

                Catching
Always a weak point for Arizona, the team thought it found it's future catcher when they acquired Carson Kelly as part of the Goldschmidt trade. Kelly has struggled offensively in the majors stuck behind workhorse Yadier Molina, but has decent AAA numbers. The team often carried three catchers last year, and might do it again, as Alex Avila is still under contract after a horrible 2018 and John Ryan Murphy wasn't bad with nine home runs.

                 Infield
Third baseman Jake Lamb, who rebounded off a combined 59 home runs in 2016-17 with just six in 2018, will slide over to first to replace Goldschmidt. While Lamb was out, the team acquired Eduardo Escobar from the Twins, and he impressed down the stretch, and was rewarded with a three year, $21 million contract. Two shortstops are in the middle of the infield. Nick Ahmed, formerly a great defender with no bat whatsoever, won his first gold glove had had a breakout season with the bat, hitting 16 homers with 70 RBIs and 33 doubles. Ketel Marte hit .260 with 14 home runs, and had a 3.3 WAR.

                 Outfield
Losing Pollock will sting, but David Peralta, a 30 home run hitter, will help ease off the pain. Injuries really hurt slugger Steven Souza, who will need to rebound this year. An oblique injury might not have Jarrod Dyson ready for Opening Day, but the speedster will be the primary center fielder when healthy.

                 Bench
On the bench are the two backup catchers, infielder Wilmer Flores, formerly a Mets fan favorite, and fourth outfielder Socrates Brito. If the D-backs go again with 12 pitchers, then either utility infielder Ildemaro Vargas or first baseman Christian Walker will get the job as the extra man on the bench.

                 Lineup
2B Ketel Marte
3B Eduardo Escobar
LF David Peralta
RF Steven Souza
1B Jake Lamb
SS Nick Ahmed
CF Jarrod Dyson
C Carson Kelly
Pitcher

                 Rotation
Zack Greinke (R)
Robbie Ray (L)
Zack Godley (R)
Luke Weaver (R)
Merill Kelly (R)

                  Bullpen
Greg Holland (R)
Archie Bradley (R)
Yoshihisa Hirano (R)
Andrew Chafin (L)
TJ McFarland (L)
Matt Andriese (R)
Jimmie Sherfy (R)

                 Bench
C Alex Avila
C John Ryan Murphy
INF Wilmer Flores
OF Socrates Brito
1B Christian Walker

                Additional information:

Ballpark: Chase Field
Manager: Torey Lovullo
GM: Mike Hazen
World Series Championships: 1
2018 record: 82-80

                 Steal of the Decade
At the 2010 trade deadline, the D-backs sent starter Dan Haren to the Angels for four players: Joe Saunders, Rafael Rodriguez, Tyler Skaggs, and the Angels' 12th best prospect, Patrick Corbin. While Rodriguez pitched a whopping 2.2 innings for Arizona, Saunders had a 3.96 ERA in 424.2 innings in Arizona, and Skaggs made his way back to the Angels. But the best part of this trade is Corbin. He pitched six years in Arizona, with two all-star appearances, and a 3.91 ERA before leaving Arizona for Washington and $140 million.

                  Prediction:
While the Arizona Diamondbacks certainly aren't a terrible team, they do not have the roster to compete in the NL West after this offseason's subtractions, and I think they will finish 4th in the NL West.

Phillies get Jose Bautista from Mets

        The Philadelphia Phillies have acquired OF Jose Bautista from the New York Mets in exchange for cash or a player to be named later (PTBNL).

              For the Mets, Bautista was signed mid-season after being released by the Braves. So, he has a salary at league minimum. Bautista, a former all-star, wouldn't have a spot on the team, as Brandon Nimmo is returning from the DL. Also, there is no reason to have him on the team, as the team is bad, and he is just taking away time from younger players.

              For the Phillies, they are in the playoff run, and as a national league team, Bautista can be used to pinch hit for the pitcher down the stretch. He's also a good veteran to have on the team. They give up practically nothing for him, and pay him practically nothing, so they can't lose.

             Bautista, 37, has a .196 batting average, 11 homers, 42 RBIs and two steals in 342 Plate Appearances for the Mets and Atlanta Braves this season. In his MLB career for the Mets, Braves, Toronto Blue Jays, Pittsburgh Pirates, Baltimore Orioles, Kansas City Royals, and Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Bautista has a batting average of .247, with 342 homers, 969 RBIs and 56 stolen bases in 7167 Plate Appearances.

Phillies get lefty Luis Avilan

              The Philadelphia Phillies have acquired LHP Luis Avilan from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for RHP Felix Paulino.

               For the Phillies, they get a lefthanded arm that could help them down the stretch as they chase a playoff spot. They need to catch the Braves, and adding a reliever helps.

              Avilan, 29, has a 3.86 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 46 strikeouts in 39.2 innings. In his MLB career for the White Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers and Atlanta Braves, Avilan has a 3.09 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 271 strikeouts in 303 innings.

            For the White Sox, Avilan will be a free agent at the end of the year, and a failing White Sox team won't need him. They get an arm for the minor leagues in Paulino.

            Paulino, 22, has a 3.91 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and 74 strikeouts in 92 innings between High-A and Double-A this season.