2 teams left and here's a review of those teams:
AL East:
Former Norfolk Franchise (82-80, 2nd)
This has been a pretty stable organization up until the last 2 years. Last season's team failed to win the division for the 1st time in 5 seasons and missed the playoffs. The offense was pretty middle of the pack with a .261 average. However with Ken DuBose (31, 110, .264) & Michael Henn (22, 89, .292) in the middle of the lineup another big bat and a couple of table setters would change this teams fortunes quickly.
On the bump the pitching staff had 4 double digit winners unfortunately all 4 also had double digit loses as did the #5 starter. The bullpen on the other hand was solid while being lead by closer Yeico Miranda (5-1, 34/37 sv, 1.83). The starters will need to be upgraded for this team to make a deep run in the playoffs but with a solid bullpen they won't be asked to go deep in games.
Good team for a vet to jump into. Needs an influx of offense and pitching or run the danger of spending several seasons hovering around .500. Could also be a decent team for a newbie if he remains patient and doesn't try to do too much until he gets a feel for the game.
NL East
Former Dover Franchise (76-86, 4th) - CLAIMED
A team with 4 WS trophy's and only 3 owners during it's existence deserves better than the last 4 seasons which included sub .500 finishes. The offense was pretty anemic as it posted a .257 average. A major bright spot was Dizzy Hawkins (45, 128, .273) who was a one man wrecking crew. Eli Calixte scored 98 runs while smacking 23 HRs yet only drove in 66 runs. Another masher is desperately needed as are a few other upgrades to get more runners on base for Hawkins to torment pitchers even more.
The hurlers fared better while compiling a 4.12 ERA. Douglas, Fisher, Nunez, Vega & Saarloos are inning eaters and Jude Evans (20/24 sv, 3.63) was a solid closer. Upgrades to the bullpen would raise this staff to the next level.
While the pitching staff could use some tweaking, the offense needs some major moves if this team wants to get back into the playoff hunt. A vet would find this an interesting challenge yet has the framework of a team that could compete quickly. For a newbie this team would allow him to be competitive out of the gate as he learned without the pressure of continuing a playoff tradition.
Pick a team, any team, last chance to join a quality world for the upcoming season. Hit up alogman1 with your selection and get in today.
12/10/2017 3:10 PM (edited)