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.

Cardinals get Matt Adams again

    

The St. Louis Cardinals have acquired 1B Matt Adams from the Washington Nationals in exchange for cash considerations.

           For the Nats, they are giving up on the season, and are trading Adams since he will be a free agent at the end of the year. They get some cash back, but I think they could have gotten a prospect.

           For the Cardinals, Adams is a power hitting 1B who grew up in the system, and played in parts of six years in St. Louis. As the Cards are going for a playoff spot, Adams can help them get there.

           Adams, 29, will have his 30th birthday next week. He has hit .257 with 18 homers and 48 RBIs in 277 Plate Appearances. In his MLB career for the Nats, Cardinals and Atlanta Braves, Adams has a batting average of .269 with 93 home runs and 323 RBIs.

Cubs acquire Daniel Murphy

  The Chicago Cubs have acquired 2B Dan Murphy from the Washington Nationals in exchange for INF Andruw Monasterio.

            For the Nats, a decline has made them give up on the season. Trading Murphy and Matt Adams shows that. Murphy, a pending free agent, made the all-star team in two of his three season in Washington. Injuries limited him in 2018 from making the team. They get Monasterio, a young infielder in exchange for Murphy.

            Monasterio, 21, has a .263 batting average, three homers, 31 RBIs and 10 stolen bases in 436 Plate Appearances for High-A Myrtle Beach.

            For the Cubs, this improves their team. But it doesn't make much sense. All-star Javier Baez and Ian Happ already play 2B. Star 3B Kris Bryant is at 3B, but is currently on the DL. Until he returns, Baez probably will play third, with Murphy at 2nd. A rental, this trade will definitely make the Cubs better.

             Murphy, 33, has a .300 batting average, six homers and 29 RBIs in 205 Plate Appearances for the Nats this year. In his MLB career for the Nats and New York Mets, Murphy has a batting average of .299, 116 homers, 628 RBIs and 65 stolen bases in 4999 Plate Appearances

Where will Manny Machado go?

  So, as you all should know, there is a very big MLB free agent class coming up. This includes superstars Manny Machado, Bryce Harper, Josh Donaldson, Dallas Keuchel, Craig Kimbrel and Andrew Miller. Chris Sale, Madison Bumgarner and Clayton Kershaw could also be free agents, if they opt out of their contract (Bumgarner's is a team option). Stars like Zach Britton, Brian Dozier, David Robertson, Kelvin Herrera, Cole Hamels, Gio Gonzalez, Nelson Cruz, Andrew McCutchen, Mike Moustakas, AJ Pollock, Adrian Beltre, Daniel Murphy, DJ LeMahieu, Justin Smoak, (opt out) and Wilson Ramos are also free agents. There are so many other potential free agents, just go here for the full list [MLB Trade Rumors]. So, in the following months to come before the free agency that will break records, I'll be doing a series making a case for every team's case to sign these big time players. Since not every team has a legitimate chance to sign these players, teams with a star (*) are the teams that I think have a legitimate chance. To start the series off, we have who I think is the player to get the most money, Dodgers SS/3B Manny Machado.

            Arizona Diamondbacks
 Jake Lamb has had a bad season filled with injuries, and the D-backs could trade him. Ketel Marte could get some interest around the league. Eduardo Escobar may not return, opening another spot.

            Atlanta Braves
 Dansby Swanson hasn't done much to prove he's a starter in the MLB.

            Baltimore Orioles
It's always been Machado's team, and even though they are blowing it up, he might want to go back.

            Boston Red Sox
He's better than Rafael Devers and Xander Bogaerts. Yeah, no shot of him coming here.

            Chicago Cubs*
Addison Russell isn't anything special on offense, and Machado is a much better defender. The Cubs were one of the teams trying to trade for Machado, and will be one of the teams trying to sign him.

            Chicago White Sox*
The White Sox were aggressively pursuing Machado this postseason, and as a team trying to rebuild now, but contend in 2-4 years, Machado on a long term deal could really quicken the process. Tim Anderson could then be traded for a starter.

            Cincinnati Reds
Jose Peraza is no superstar, and could be traded along with Dilson Herrera for pitching. Machado would then be the SS.


           Cleveland Indians
Honesty, Fransisco Lindor and Jose Ramirez are both better than him. Next!

            Colorado Rockies
Once again, he isn't going here. They could trade Trevor Story, but doing that and signing Machado to a big deal isn't worth it. Pursuing one of the big starters is.


            Detroit Tigers
Jose Iglesias could move to 2B, but as a really bad team, Machado wouldn't go to Detroit.


            Houston Astros
He could move to third and the team could trade Alex Bregman, but that's not happening, especially since Bregman is a young all-star.

            Kansas City Royals
Alcides Escobar isn't really that good, and Mike Moustakas was traded. As one of the worst teams in the league, Machado isn't going there.


            Los Angeles Angels(*)
They would get rid of Andrelton Simmons, but they could trade Zack Cozart (or move him to 2B), and put Machado back at third.


            Los Angeles Dodgers
Machado's current team, the Dodgers will get Corey Seager back from injury next year. They could trade Justin Turner, but that isn't happening. If you are questioning why they'd do that, just know that I have to make a case for every team. 

            Miami Marlins
Machado is from Miami. Heck, even his player's weekend name was "Mr. Miami". But, the Marlins are now a joke of an organization, so he wouldn't go there.

            Milwaukee Brewers(*)
Ex Orioles teammate Jonathan Schoop is currently their shortstop, but if Mike Moustakas doesn't return, then they can move Travis Shaw back to third base, and Schoop to his natural position of 2B. That opens up a spot for Machado. Consider them a dark horse team.

            Minnesota Twins
The Twins traded away Brian Dozier and Eduardo Escobar, and Miguel Sano is having a bad year. They could trade Sano, move Jorge Polanco to third, opening up a spot for Machado.

            New York Mets
 Amed Rosario would garner a lot of trade interest, as a 22 year old MLB starting shortstop. They could trade him and sign Machado, but he's been getting hot lately, and the Mets wouldn't want to trade him.


            New York Yankees(*)
According to MLB insider Jon Heyman, a friend of Machado said that Machado's first choice would be the Yankees, and he'd give up shortstop to play for them. Since 1B Greg Bird has never played a full season, and struggling in his first full one, and the team might lose J.A. Happ, C.C. Sabathia and Lance Lynn, the team could trade Bird for a starter, move 3B and AL rookie of the year favorite Miguel Andujar to 1st base, and sign Machado, putting him at 3rd.

            Oakland A's (*)
The A's are having a surprising season, and are fighting for a wild card spot. Also, they could only go up. Their current SS, Marcus Semien, could be traded for more pitching, and Machado could fit in well. Another dark horse team.

            Philadelphia Phillies (*)
 Asdrubal Cabrera might leave, creating an opening at shortstop. Enter Machado to an already young, rising team, and you got a division winner.

            Pittsburgh Pirates
Prospect Kevin Newman was just called up. They could trade him and sign Machado, But it won't happen.


            San Diego Padres 
The team signed Eric Hosmer to try and compete in a tough division. Why not Machado?


            San Fransisco Giants
In case they want to abandon all-star Brandon Crawford. Next!


            Seattle Mariners
 Same as the Giants but with Jean Segura. Next!


            St Louis Cardinals(*)
There was such a thing as a half star, that's what they'd be. They re probably going after Josh Donaldson to fill their hole at 3B. If Machado would switch to third, perfect fit. If not... Next!

           Tampa Bay Rays
 One of their top prospects Willy Adames is there, and the team is bad. He won't go here.

            Texas Rangers
Elvis Andrus could be a free agent if he opts out, so that would open up a spot.

           Toronto Blue Jays
If Machado wants to go to another country, eh.

           Washington Nationals
They have Trea Turner, and are going to be focused on signing Bryce Harper.