Here's a breakdown of the two available teams:
NL North:
Former
Minnesota Franchise (91-71, 2nd place)
A solid nine year playoff run was followed by a seven year absence until last years team finally got back into the run for the championship trophy. The offense wasn't bad however a complete lack of speed made this a station to station team that waited for the long fly to score runs. Their were nearly 200 balls dropped over the wall yet without the speed to manufacture any runs this team could either use some rabbits added to the roster or even bigger bats to add to the dinger parade. Five of the top bats, including BC Latos (30, 97, .262), had averages under .270 so the addition of a couple of more consistent hitters should be on the next owners to-do-list. If these additions also had speed, it would be an even wiser move.
On the bump, Shane Bellhorn (11-4, 2.46), Gerald Cora (14-5, 2.80) are inning eaters while the bullpen is lead by Jhoulys Olmedo (21/26, 2.84) are plenty to build around. An additional starter and more bullpen depth would go a long way to helping this team stay in the playoffs and better able to bring home the first WS Trophy in team history.
This would be a good project for a vet. Established teams like this are a challenge to improve with their budgetary constraints before the window of opportunity closes.
AL East:
Former
Pawtucket Panthers (89-73, 1st Place)
This has been a very stable franchise with 3 owners running the team for all but 2 seasons. Timothy Steinbach (53, 164, .289) & Michael Henn (16, 108, .277) are big run producer and found time to score 100 runs each. Offense really wasn't an issue however more power would make this team even more potent.
Yeico Miranda (34/37, 2.29) is an elite closer. Not many teams can boast two 20 game winners, Adrian Simon (21-7, 3.16) & Thomas Hutchison (20-7, 3.41), yet this team can. There is a big fall off in the rotation after that so an improvement to the #3 & #4 starters would take this team to a higher level. With only 10 blown saves the bullpen seems loaded.
This team could be handled by a newbie, however a vet should be able to make the necessary changes to improve it to the a solid championship contender.
With just two teams open, we'll be ready to roll soon. Now is your last chance to join this competitive world for the new season. Contact alogman1 with your interest and which of these great opportunities you'd like to take on.
7/25/2017 12:25 AM (edited)