CarterHud

         In another season filled with injuries, the Seattle Mariners tied for third in the AL West with a 78-84 record, missing the playoffs. With ace James Paxton finally breaking out, the Ms had some moves to make. Let\’s take a look at what they did.

        Notable additions: CF (?) Dee Gordon, 1B Ryon Healy, OF Ichiro Suzuki, RHP Juan Nicasio, RHP Nick Rumbelow, RHP Chasen Bradford, LHP Dario Alvarez, RHP Mike Morin, OF Kirk Nieuwenhuis.

        Notable subtractions: 1B Danny Valencia, CF Jarrod Dyson, C Carlos Ruiz, RHP Sam Gaviglo, RHP Yovani Gallardo, RHP Emilio Pagan, 1B Yonder Alonso.

       What they did well: Despite a horrible farm system, the M\’s were able to get good deals on both Gordon and Healy, with Pagan being the only roster player going out.

       Sneaky sleeper: Injuries limited Mitch Haniger to just 96 games in 2017, but he was solid in them, with 16 homers and a .352 OBP. If Haniger can stay healthy all year in 2018, watch out for him.

       Incoming outbreak: He will probably start the season on the DL, but watch out for Ben Gamel when he returns. Gamel hit .275 with 11 homers in his surprise rookie season, and also can leadoff with his speed. This could be Gamel\’s year.

      Unsuspected slump: It\’s not a secret anymore. King Felix, aka Felix Hernandez isn\’t very good. Felix had a 4.36 ERA last season, below league average. He is still treated like an ace, but isn\’t.

      Blue-chip Bopper: Either Nelson Cruz, who hit 39 homers and drove in 119 runs while batting .288, or Robinson Cano, who drove in 97 and hit .280. I\’ll go with Cruz, who has been dominant in the last couple of seasons.

     Astounding ace: Injuries limited James Paxton as well in 2017, but he was amazing in his 136 innings, striking out 156 batters with his 2.98 ERA. The Maple Leaf has a great chance to show everybody his potential this season.

     Here\’s their projected roster, starting with their lineup.

 CF Dee Gordon (L)
 SS Jean Segura (R)
 2B Robinson Cano (L)
 DH Nelson Cruz (R)
 3B Kyle Seager (L)
 C Mike Zunino (R)
 1B Ryon Healy (R)
 RF Mitch Haniger (R)
 LF Guillermo Heredia (R)

        Here\’s their rotation.

 RHP Felix Hernandez
 LHP James Paxton
 LHP Ariel Miranda
 RHP Mike Leake
 RHP Erasmo Ramirez

  Edwin Diaz (R) is their closer, with Nick Vincent (R), Mark Rzepczynski (L), Juan Nicasio (R), James Pazos (L) and Dan Altavilla (R) in the bullpen.

 1B Dan Vogelbach (L), C Tuffy Gosewisch (R), OF Ichiro Suzuki (L) and INF Taylor Motter (R) are on the bench.

 Finally, for my prediction, I think the Mariners, a really good team, will just barely miss the playoffs due to pitching in 2018.

       In a disappointing season plagued by injuries, the San Fransisco Giants finished last in the NL, last in the NL West and second to last in the MLB with a 64-98 record. But, the Giants still felt like contenders, but had to do some retooling. So, let\’s take a look at what the Giants did this offseason.

       Notable additions: OF Andrew McCutchen, 3B Evan Longoria, OF Austin Jackson, LHP Tony Watson, LHP Derek Holland, SS Andres Blanco, 2B Josh Rutledge, OF Gregor Blanco, INF Chase d\’Arnaud, INF Alen Hansen.

       Notable subtractions: CF Denard Span, 3B Christian Arroyo, LHP Matt Moore, RHP Matt Cain, RHP Kyle Crick.

       What they did well: The McCutchen trade was an absolute steal.

        What they did bad: The Longoria trade wasn\’t.

        Sneaky sleeper: You won\’t normally see someone with no MLB experience here, but Steve Duggar is their biggest sleeper. Duggar has a serious shot at the Giants CF spot, assuming McCutchen plays LF. At 24, the Giants really like Duggar, and I think he can be a late round fantasy bargain.

          Incoming outbreak: The stats show that Ty Blach had a bad year. He had a 4.78 ERA in 163.2 innings. But, his 1.35 WHIP wasn\’t horrible. I believe that Blach can have a better year.

          Unsuspected slump: For years, Evan Longoria was a star on a lowly Rays team. But, he\’s now on a Giants team that has many players better than him. I think Longoria will take a step back this season.

          Blue-chip Bopper: Gary Sanchez is making a run for his best catcher spot, but Buster Posey is still a star. He had a .400 OBP, leading the team by far. Posey is very good, and I think most people forget that.

          Astounding ace: Though him and Jeff Samardzija will both be missing from the projected roster due to injuries, Madison Bumgarner is their ace by far. Bumgarner had a 3.32 ERA in just 111 innings, showing everybody he\’s still good. \”Mad Bum\” will be sidelined for about two months once again, but he\’ll come back hungry.

          Here\’s their projected roster, starting with their lineup.

 CF Steve Duggar (L)
 LF Andrew McCutchen (R)
 1B Brandon Belt (L)
 C Buster Posey (R)
 3B Evan Longoria (R)
 2B Joe Panik (L)
 RF Hunter Pence (R)
 SS Brandon Crawford (L)
 Pitcher

           Here\’s their rotation.

 RHP Johnny Cueto
 LHP Ty Blach
 RHP Chris Stratton
 LHP Derek Holland
 Trade for a 5th starter?

  Mark Melancon (R) is their closer, with Sam Dyson (R), Tony Watson (L), Hunter Strickland (R), John Osich (L) and Cory Gearrin (R) in the bullpen.

 C Nick Hundley (R), OF Gorkys Hernandez (R), OF Austin Jackson (R) and 2B Kelby Tomlinson (R) are on the bench.

 Finally, for my prediction, I think the Giants, a contending team, will miss the playoffs in 2018 due to pitching.

           In what was supposed to be another rebuilding year, the San Diego Padres had what was well… a rebuilding season. The finished 4th in the NL West with a 71-91 record, missing the playoffs. With GM A.J. Preller aggressive towards ending the rebuild, the Padres were a surprising team this offseason. Let\’s take a look at what they did this offseason.

           Notable additions: 1B Eric Hosmer, SS Freddy Galvis, RHP Bryan Mitchell, 3B Chase Headley, RHP Jordan Lyles, RHP Tyson Ross, RHP Chris Young, RHP Tom Wilhelmsen, C A.J. Ellis, OF Allen Craig.

            Notable subtractions: SS Erick Aybar, 2B Yangervis Solarte, 3B Ryan Schimpf, RHP Jhoulys Chacin, LHP Travis Wood, OF Jabari Blash, RHP Jered Weaver.

            What they did well: As rebuilders, it was a huge surprise they were able to land Hosmer over teams like the Red Sox, Royals and other contenders.

             What they did bad: Hosmer was overpaid.

              Sneaky sleeper: As a Yankee fan, it\’s hard to say, but Jose Pirela was sneaky good in 2017. He had a .288 batting average and hit 10 bombs in just 83 games. As he fights for a starting spot, Pirela can surprise some in 2018. Trust me, he already surprised me.

             Incoming outbreak: Despite his low .231 batting average, Hunter Renfroe still bashed 26 balls out of the park in just 445 ABs. Renfroe survived trade rumors in the offseason, and is probably going to be the starting RF this year. If he can avoid injuries, he might hit 30 bombs.

             Unsuspected slump: I still strongly believe that the Padres missed their window to trade Brad Hand. Hand\’s 2.16 ERA and 104 strikeouts in 79.1 innings in 2017 surprised many, but they should\’ve traded him at the trade deadline. I don\’t think that his success will last that much.

             Blue-chip Bopper: Though this spot should go to Hosmer, I don\’t like picking new additions in these categories, so I\’ll go with Wil Myers. Myers was part pf the triple double club, stealing 20 bags and hitting 30 bombs. The best part for San Diego? He\’s only 27.

              Astounding ace: Though it\’s really Hand, I\’ll go with their best starter, Clayton Richard. His 4.79 ERA in 197.1 innings doesn\’t seem too positive, Richard is much better than the stats show, and the Friars know it.

               Here\’s their projected roster, starting with their lineup.

 CF Manuel Margot (R)
 2B Cory Spangenberg (L)
 LF Wil Myers (R)
 1B Eric Hosmer (L)
 RF Hunter Renfroe (R)
 C Austin Hedges (R)
 SS Freddy Galvis (S)
 3B Carlos Asuaje (L)
 Pitcher

                 Here\’s their rotation.

 LHP Clayton Richard
 RHP Dinelson Lamet
 RHP Luis Perdomo
 RHP Bryan Mitchell
 RHP Jordan Lyles

   Brad Hand (L) is their closer, with Carter Capps (R), Tyson Ross (R), Phil Maton (R), Matt Strahm (L) and Craig Stammen (R) in the bullpen.

   C A.J. Ellis (R), 3B Chase Headley (S), U Jose Pirela (R) and OF Travis Jankowski (L) are on the bench.

  Finally, for my prediction, I think the Padres, a still rebuilding team, will miss the playoffs in 2018.

             Coming off a disappointing season by both the team and star Andrew McCutchen, the Pittsburgh Pirates attempted a big turn-around in 2017. But, they failed drastically. The Pirates finished 4th in the NL Central with a 75-87 record, missing the playoffs. With trade rumors surrounding most of their players, the Pirates had some moves to make. Let\’s take a look at what they did in the offseason.

             Notable additions: OF Corey Dickerson, RHP Joe Musgrove, 3B Colin Moran, RHP Michael Feliz, OF Bryce Brentz, LHP Josh Smoker, LHP Kevin Siegrist, OF Daniel Nava, C Ryan Lavarnway.

              Notable subtractions: CF Andrew McCutchen, RHP Gerrit Cole, RHP Dan Hudson, LHP Wade LeBlanc, RF John Jaso, C Chris Stewart, INF Gift Ngoepe.

              What they did well: The addition of Dickerson, an all-star last season, for just Hudson and a prospect was a steal of a trade.

               What they did bad: They didn\’t get enough for McCutchen and Cole, their best two players.

               Sneaky sleeper: Since the Pirates decided to hold on to Josh Harrison, it will be hard for Adam Frazier to get too much playing time. Frazier can play second base, right field and other positions, as he showed last year. he stole nine bases and hit .276 in his short time. If Frazier can get a starting role after an injury or trade, watch out for him.

               Incoming outbreak: The most intriguing player in the Cole trade to me, the fight for a rotation spot got a lot easier for Joe Musgrove after his trade to Pittsburgh. Musgrove failed to do too much in Houston, with a 4.52 ERA in 171.1 innings. But, he\’s still just 25, and can surprise many in this upcoming season.

               Unsuspected slump: Once looked at as a future star, Gregory Polanco isn\’t that anymore after hitting .251 with 11 homers, just 35 RBIs, and more importantly, only eight stolen bases in 2017. This season is a make-or-break year for him.

              Blue-chip Bopper: A suspension due to steroids cut his season short, but Starling Marte still swiped 21 bags in 339 Plate Appearances, and drove in just four batters less than Polanco (31). A full season can bring Marte back to his 2016 dominance.

              Astounding ace: With Cole out of the picture, I guess closer Felipe Rivero, fresh off a new extension, will be their guy. Rivero had a 1.67 ERA and struck out 88 batters in 75.1 innings, showing everybody that he is their closer. It looks like the Pirates have come close to winning the Mark Melancon deal with this gem.

            Here\’s their projected roster, starting with their lineup.

 2B Josh Harrison (R)
 RF Gregory Polanco (L)
 CF Starling Marte (R)
 LF Corey Dickerson (L)
 1B Josh Bell (L)
 3B David Freese (R)
 SS Jordy Mercer (R)
 C Fransisco Cervelli (R)

              Here\’s their rotation.

 RHP Ivan Nova
 RHP Chad Kuhl
 RHP Jameson Taillon
 RHP Trevor Williams
 RHP Joe Musgrove
 RHP Tyler Glasnow

   Felipe Rivero (L) is their closer, with George Kontos (R), Michael Feliz (R), Josh Smoker (L), A.J. Schugel (R) and Edgar Santana (R) in the bullpen.

  3B Colin Moran (L), U Adam Frazier (R), C Elias Diaz (R), INF Jose Osuna (R) and U Sean Rodriguez (R) are on the bench.

 Finally, for my prediction, I think the Pirates, a rebuilding team, will miss the playoffs in 2018.

               In a developing season, the Philadelphia Phillies finished last in the NL East with a 66-96 record, obviously missing the playoffs. The Phillies had a big year of free agency ahead of them, with the team trying to break out of their rebuild. Let\’s take a look at what they did this offseason.

               Notable additions: RHP Jake Arrieta, 1B Carlos Santana, RHP Pat Neshek, RHP Tommy Hunter, LHP Fernando Abad, RHP Fransisco Rodriguez, RHP Drew Hutchison, INF Adam Rosales, OF Collin Cowgill, 3B Will Middlebrooks, INF Ryan Flaherty.

               Notable subtractions: SS Freddy Galvis, 1B Tommy Joseph, OF Hyun-Soo Kim, RHP Joaquin Benoit, INF Andres Blanco.

              What they did well: They got Arrieta on a very cheap deal. Santana was a pretty good signing as well.

                What they did bad: Not much. Signing Santana earlier makes the signing look bad, but it isn\’t.

                Sneaky sleeper: Both the sneaky sleeper and incoming outbreaks are really just both incoming outbreaks, but I couldn\’t find another sneaky sleeper better than Nick Williams. Williams, one of their better prospects, along with the incoming outbreak, J.P. Crawford, Scott Kingery and Rhys Hoskins, who will all get a large amount of time this season (maybe not Kingery). Williams was called-up in 2017, and played well, despite being overshadowed by Hoskins\’ dominance. Williams hit .288 with 12 homers in just 343 Plate Appearances. This year\’s potentially starting right fielder, Williams will need to be taken seriously.

                  Incoming outbreak: In that list of upcoming prospects is the likely starting catcher, Jorge Alfaro. Alfaro was also called up last season, and hit .318 in 29 games. There isn\’t many good catching prospects out there, but keep an eye out for Alfaro and the Indians\’ Fransisco Mejia.

                 Unsuspected slump: In a big year for him, Jerad Eickhoff kind of flopped, with a 4.71 ERA in 128 innings. If Eickhoff had a lower ERA, he might have a chance at the number two spot. Not as much anymore.

                  Blue-chip Bopper: He may of had a bad season, but the correct answer is still Maikel Franco. Franco hit just .230, with 24 homers in a year he was predicted to become a star. This could be Franco\’s year.

                   Astounding ace: Well, Eickhoff and Franco both failed to take off in 2017, but Aaron Nola didn\’t. He showed everyone that he was the ace of the staff (even though they went out and got Arrieta) with his 3.54 ERA and 9.9 K/9. He also led the team in innings pitched. Nola was truly an ace.

                   Here\’s their projected roster, starting with their lineup.

 2B Cesar Hernandez (S)
 CF Odubel Herrera (L)
 3B Maikel Franco (R)
 1B Carlos Santana (S)
 LF Rhys Hoskins (R)
 RF Aaron Altherr (R)
 SS J.P. Crawford (L)
 C Jorge Alfaro (R)
 Pitcher

                Here\’s their rotation.

 RHP Aaron Nola
 RHP Jake Arrieta
 RHP Jerad Eickhoff
 RHP Nick Pivetta
 RHP Vince Velasquez
 RHP Ben Lively

   Hector Neris (R) is their closer, with Pat Neshek (R), Tommy Hunter (R), Luis Garcia (R), Jake Thompson (R),  Edubray Ramos (R) and Adam Morgan (L) in the bullpen.

   C Cameron Rupp (R), OF Nick Williams (L) and OF Roman Quinn (S) are on the bench.

   Finally, for my prediction, I think the Phillies, a rising team, will not make the playoffs in 2018.