4 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.
NL South:
Former Richmond Franchise (73-89, 4th) - CLAIMED
It's been 17 seasons since this franchise saw the playoffs as anything other than a spectator. The bats proved some power, there was also some speed yet a .254 batting average had this team's offense languishing nearer to the bottom of the league. Byron Price (21, 84, .317) & Pepper Gonzalez (106 runs, 26, 87, .259) were the leaders but Hipolito Lopez (85 runs, 21, 104) was productive despite his .232 batting average. Upgrading the OBP & OPS should be a priority.
The pitching staff has a decent closer in Andre Harper (42/51 sv) and a couple of inning eaters in Alfonso Osuna & Juan Noesi. Much like the offense additions are necessary to reduce the runs allowed so that the offense has time to grow.
A great team for a newb or vet. It may take 2-3 seasons to make enough moves to change this teams fortunes so a patient hand is desperately needed to right this ship.
NL West
Former Boise Franchise (59-103, 3rd) - CLAIMED
Seven post season appearances have been followed by three very disappointing campaigns. Consecutive 100 lose seasons have this team further away from a trophy than any point in it's history. The offense had no one scoring more than 73 runs, hitting more than 21 HRs, driving in more than 70 runs, or stealing more than 25 bases show a lot of work must be done.
On the mound Orval Pfeffer (14-13, 3.99) could be counted on with little help from his friends. Major additions to both the rotation and relievers are necessary as is a reliable closer.
This is a team that needs to be rebuilt from the top to the bottom. A perfect opportunity for a vet looking for a challenge or a newbie looking for a chance to learn the game without having to worry about messing things up. Almost any move would be a good move with this team.
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)