2021 Boston Red Sox Team Preview (30 Clubs in 30 Days)

The 2020 Red Sox may have sealed their fate when they traded one of the best players in baseball to the Dodgers for a few nice prospects and some salary relief.  They didn’t address a lot of holes throughout the roster and ended the season with a 24-36 record.  This is a team that won 108 regular season games and the World Series in 2018 but O How the Might Have Fallen.  There were other issues as well, however, despite the salary dump and loss of Betts.  Chris Sale and Eduardo Rodriguez both missed the 2020 season while Alex Cora was temporarily fired for his role in the sign stealing scandal in Houston.  Cora has been re-hired and will try to get this team back on track in 2021, but the question – will there be enough talent to compete in an enormously powerful American League East?  Maybe not, but they are in a small transition period where they are creating a window of opportunity very soon 

Arrivals

• SP Matt Andriese (FA/Angels)

• 2B Kike Hernandez (FA/Dodgers)

• RP Adam Ottavino (Trade/Yankees)

• RP Garrett Whitlock (Rule 5/Yankees)

• OF Hunter Renfroe (FA/Rays)

• 3B Marwin Gonzalez (FA/Twins)

• OF Franchy Cordero (Trade/Royals)

• RP John Schreiber (Waivers/Tigers)

• C Ronaldo Hernandez (Trade/Rays)

• RP Hirokazu Sawamura (FA/Japan)

• RP Joel Payamps (Waivers/Diamondbacks)

• SP Garrett Richards (FA/Padres)

• SP Martin Perez (Re-Signed)

Marwin Gonzalez

The Red Sox added a lot of decent names in the offseason but no real superstars.  Kike Hernandez is a super-utility guy with power who has made a name for himself in Los Angeles over the past six years.  Adam Ottavino could be huge for that bullpen.  He had some bad luck in 2020 and one horrific appearance that led to an inflated ERA, but he still has the strikeout stuff and as long as he doesn’t hang too many sliders, he’ll be much closer to his 2019 when he had a 1.9 ERA in 73 appearances.  Matt Andriese is a nice back of the rotation option they picked up in a trade with the Angels and Garrett Richards was a free agent signing who could be a nice rotation piece.

The Red Sox also signed Hunter Renfroe, who was DFA’d at one point by the Rays after hitting .156 in 2020.  He has a strong arm, patience and power but he’ll have to be more productive than that to stay in a big league lineup.  Marwin Gonzalez is a switch-hitter who hit just .211 with a .286 on base last year and will be 32 on Opening Day.  He hasn’t been that great since 2017, but he is versatile with the ability to play multiple positions including the outfield.  As far as a depth piece, it’s not a bad move.  They also tapped into the Japanese market with Hirokazu Sawamura to help out in the pen.  He’s got a career 2.82 ERA in 10 seasons in Japan.

Lineup

1.       Alex Verdugo CF

2.       Xander Bogaerts SS

3.       Rafael Devers 3B

4.       J.D. Martinez DH

5.       Christian Vazquez C

6.       Renfroe/Cordero LF

7.       Cordero/Munoz RF

8.       Dalbec/Gonzalez 1B

9.       Chavis/Hernandez/Arroyo 2B

Alex Verdugo

Here’s some of the expected names to be in the Red Sox lineup.  Alex Verdugo is a good all-around player with pop and above average defense.  He’s got great hand-eye coordination, uses the whole field and can hit 20+ homers.  He’s not Mookie Betts but he was some one who had to be a part of that trade for the Red Sox to justify moving their best talent.  Xander Bogaerts is in there for his bat and as long as he continues to rake, he’ll be in that lineup.  He crushed 33 bombs in 2019 and has hit at least .300 for the past two seasons.  Unfortunately, he ranks among the worst defensive shortstops in the league.

Rafael Devers has a similar issue, leading the league in errors in 2020.  At the plate, he heated up after a rough start and ended up hitting .263 with 11 home runs.  He’s only 24 and should be in line for a huge 2021, much closer to his 2019 production when he smashed 32 homers and 119 RBI.  J.D. Martinez left his bat at home in 2020, hitting just .213 with 7 home runs.  Reports from Spring Training say he did bring it with him this year, so we’ll see.  He’s obviously a massive threat in that lineup with 40+ home run power.  Vazquez has improved his offensive production over the years and is now a legit threat at the plate.  He hit 23 homers in 2019 and still has great defense behind the plate.

Hunter Renfroe has power and can crush lefties but he’s a bit of a hacker, resulting in a terrible batting average and lots of strikeouts.  He’ll have to hit at least .200 to stay in the lineup unless his home run pace is ridiculous.  The Red Sox might want to platoon him with someone like Yairo Munoz, who is tearing it up in Spring Training and trying to get back onto the Red Sox 40-Man Roster after getting outrighted in December.  Franchy Cordero is a guy with big power potential and can smash the ball, but too often he beats it into the ground.  The outfield overall isn’t solidified yet and very shaky after the loss of Jackie Bradley Jr. and Andrew Benintendi. 

At first base, Bobby Dalbec is another power bat who hits home runs like there’s no tomorrow but also strikes out a lot.  If he can keep the home runs up, the Red Sox will deal with the whiffs.  Obviously Marwin Gonzalez will spend some time at first base and other positions as well.  There’s also Michael Chavis, who has a similar profile – hits big or misses big.  He will probably start the season at second base, keeping the position warm for Jeter Downs later in the season.  Kike Hernandez and former Giant prospect Christian Arroyo are also available.

Overall, the lineup is about average but a lot rides of how J.D. Martinez will bounce back.  His superstar bat needs to come alive in 2021.  Other than that, there’s a lot of defensive weaknesses and some question marks in the outfield.  There is a lack of solid two-way players, Christian Vazquez and Alex Verdugo being a couple of exceptions.  Overall, I’m going to give this lineup a C.

Rotation

1.       Nathan Eovaldi

2.       Eduardo Rodriguez

3.       Garrett Richards

4.       Martin Perez

5.       Nick Pivetta

6.       Tanner Houck

Matt Andriese

Chris Sale

Tanner Houck

The rotation will have Eovaldi and Rodriguez at the top.  Eovaldi improved his control and used his offspeed stuff more in 2020 to compliment his high 90’s heat.  He turned in a solid season and will look to do the same this year.  Every one was eager to see how Eduardo Rodriguez would follow up his 19 win season in 2019.  Instead, he missed the entire year after some Covid-related heart issues.  Thankfully, he seems fine and is back pitching in Spring Training.  His presence in the rotation will make a huge difference for the 2021 Red Sox.  After that, there’s veteran pitcher Garrett Richards, who was solid last year and is another year removed from Tommy John.  He’ll turn 33 in May and hopefully will stay healthy and effective for the BoSox. 

Eduardo Rodriguez

Martin Perez is another veteran who will eat up some innings, but won’t typically dominate anyone.  His control is not the best and he doesn’t strike out a ton of guys.  Nick Pivetta has great raw stuff but so far  is a back-end guy at best who wore out his welcome in Philadelphia and got shipped to Boston in the Brandon Workman trade.  He did show some improvement with the Red Sox, but will have to do it over a full season.  Tanner Houck is a big wild card in the rotation after wowing every one in the first 3 starts of his big league career, earning a sparkling .53 ERA with 21 strikeouts in 17 innings.  He was a first round pick and could be the real deal.  Matt Andriese hasn’t been a regular started since 2017 but is also in talks to be a part of the rotation.  Chris Sale won’t be back until midseason and who knows how he’ll do when he’s ready.

Overall, this is a rotation in transition.  Fireballing prospect Byran Mata could get called up later on but for now, this is about what the Red Sox will go with.  There are veterans who will just eat up innings and try to keep the game close, a couple really solid arms, and some youngsters who haven’t proven themselves but have the stuff.  Overall, it’s certainly not a championship roster just yet.  I’m going to give it a C- because of Eovaldi and Rodriguez at the top and the potential of Houck.

Bullpen

• Matt Barnes

• Ryan Brasier

• Adam Ottavino

• Darwinzon Hernandez

• Josh Taylor

• Hirokazu Sawamura

• Phillips Valdez

• Colten Brewer

• Austin Brice

• Garrett Whitlock

• Matt Andriese

Matt Barnes

Matt Barnes is penciled in as the closer going into 2021, but his walk rate has been subpar the last couple of years.  His ERA jumped to 4.3 in 2020, but he did save 9 games after Workman was traded and he still has great strikeout stuff with high 90’s heat.  Adam Ottavino is also a key addition as mentioned earlier and he could get a chance to close out games if Barnes struggles.  Darwinson Hernandez has overpowering stuff but didn’t get much of a sample in 2020 due to getting Covid-19.  He struck out 13 in 8 1/3rd innings but also walked 8.  Ryan Brasier should be a primary setup man with good hard stuff as well while Josh Taylor and Phillips Valdez also showed great stuff last year.  It will also be interesting to see how Sawamura pitches out of the bullpen in his first year in MLB.  Garrett Whitlock is a Rule 5 guy from the Yankees who has some great stuff but just recovering from Tommy John.  Finally, Matt Andriese can provide some nice long relief and spot starts if needed as well.  I actually like the potential ceiling of this bullpen.  There may not be an obvious lights-out closer at the moment but some one could earn the job if it’s not Barnes.  I’m giving this pen a B.

So, there you have it for the Boston Red Sox, a team that is in a little transition period but could be ready to win again very soon.  As of now, I don’t see enough here to seriously compete in 2021, but, in a best case scenario, it is possible, especially if Chris Sale pitches well when he comes back.  Overall, I’m giving the 2021 Boston Red Sox a C+.

2021 Tampa Bay Rays Team Preview (30 Clubs in 30 Days) The 3-Headed Monster of Tampa Bay

The Tampa Bay Rays, with one of the lowest payrolls in baseball, finished first in the AL East in 2020 then took out the Yankees and Astros in the playoffs, won the American League Championship and took the Dodgers to Game 6 of the World Series.  This a team with a knack for identifying young potential superstar talent and grabbing them in trades – Randy Arozarena being a perfect example.   Sometimes in order to really be successful at getting the best young talent available, the Rays do have to trade their assets while they’re still elite instead of waiting for their value to drop.  This is what they did when trading their ace pitcher Blake Snell to San Diego for four prospects, one of which, Luis Patino, is already impressing in Spring Training. 

The way the Rays run the franchise could be considered somewhat unfriendly to fans, who get attached to players just to see them shipped off in the prime of their careers, but with a payroll ranked 28th in Major League Baseball, the Rays must do what they have to in order to stay competitive. As long as they can keep making the playoffs and threating to win the World Series, fans should be satisfied.  It’s a lot better than being a Pirates fan.

Arrivals

• C Francisco Mejia (trade/Padres)

• SP Luis Patino (trade/Padres)

• SP Rich Hill (FA/Twins)

• SP Chris Mazza (Trade/Red Sox)

• SP Michael Wacha (FA/Mets)

• SP Chris Archer (FA/Pirates)

• SP Collin McHugh (FA/Red Sox)

• RP Jeffrey Springs (Trade/Red Sox)

• RP Chaz Roe (Re-Signed)

• RP Oliver Drake (Re-Signed)

• RP Brian Moran (Minors)

Chaz Roe

Here are a few of the additions to this Rays team and they did well to re-sign two of their important bullpen pieces, Chaz Roe and Oliver Drake.  Luis Patino could be a top of the rotation arm with a little more development.  They also picked up an array of other pitchers who can start or relieve depending on the need.  The Rays are obviously very experimental and will be trying to limit starters innings in an attempt not only keep them healthier but prevent them from facing the same hitters too many times. Rich Hill is a solid veteran who pitched great with Minnesota last season and adds more quality depth to a great pitching staff.   

 Chris Mazza and Jeffrey Springs were picked up in a deal with the Red Sox.  Mazza can start or long-relieve and will likely do both throughout 2021.  Amazingly, the Rays have Chris Archer back after trading him for Tyler Glasnow and Austin Meadows in a complete heist.  He was mostly ineffective for the Pirates but will get another tour in Tampa Bay to see if he can get his stuff back.  They signed veteran starter and former All Star Michal Wacha as well.  Other than these main pickups, the Rays also, as usually, fortified their farm system so there will be a lot more names on the way from the 2020-21 offseason.

Lineup

1.       Austin Meadows DH

2.       Brandon Lowe 2B

3.       Randy Arozarena LF

4.       Ji-Man Choi/Brosseau 1B

5.       Manuel Margot RF

6.       Diaz/Wendle 3B

7.       Willy Adames SS

8.       Kevin Kiermaier CF

9.       Mike Zunino C

Randy Arozarena

Here is one potential lineup for the Rays and it looks the same as last season’s lineup.  Austin Meadows is back after suffering some late season injuries last year, hampering him in the playoffs.  He smashed 33 homers with a .291 average in 2019 and should be closer to that in ’21 with good health and a full Spring Training.  Brandon Lowe was hot for most of 2020 until slowing down towards the end of the year and into the playoffs.  He hit 14 homers in less than 200 at bats and led all MLB second basemen in homers and RBI.  Randy Arozarena looks like an absolute machine out there, looking like a five-tool superstar talent during the playoffs.  30 home runs should be easily within reach but I’m optimistic that he can hit 40+ while getting on base and playing solid defense. 

Ji-Man Choi has one of the smoothest gloves I’ve seen at first base, vacuuming up anything within reach.  He hits righties well and is definitely fun to watch.  Against lefties, Mike Brosseau should get some starts and he can play other positions as well.  He has shown some impressive power lately with 5 homers in just 86 at bats last year then 2 already in Spring Training. Manuel Margot stole 12 bases last season, can bunt for a hit and has elite defense.  He had a .327 on-base percentage and just 25 strikeouts in 145 at bats.  At third Yandy Diaz is productive when healthy, hitting over .300 last season with a super-impressive .428 on-base-percentage but lacked extra base power.  Platooning with him should be Joey Wendle, who brings elite defense to third and can play other infield positions as well with a solid bat. 

Kevin Kiermaier is one of the best defensive centerfielders in baseball.  He’s going to steal 20 bases and turn singles into doubles and doubles into triples at the plate, although he doesn’t hit well for average or power.  Still, as long as he brings that defense to the outfield, the Rays will live with his offensive struggles.  The question is can they live with Mike Zunino’s offense problems?  He’s great defensively and has some pop but hits basically like a good-hitting pitcher.  Francisco Mejia was also terrible in 2020 but has a higher ceiling and raked in the minor leagues.  He’ll get plenty of starts as well.

Overall, the lineup hasn’t changed much except now there are more options in their system that are getting closer to the big-leagues.  As for what we see now, with Arozarena a potential star in the middle of that lineup, Mejia as a young catching option with a high ceiling and all the solid contributors from 2020 back, I have to give this lineup a solid grade of a B+.

Rotation

1.       Tyler Glasnow

2.       Ryan Yarbrough

3.       Chris Archer

4.       Rich Hill

5.       Michael Wacha

Luis Patino

Collin McHugh

Josh Fleming

Shane McClanahan

Brent Honeywell Jr.

Brendan McKay

Trevor Richards

Andrew Kittredge

Rich HIll

Obviously, it’s hard to judge a rotation for the Tampa Bay Rays because they don’t just send out five horses to eat up as many innings as possible.  The Rays are a team that will start a ton of different guys as you can see from this list.  However, just focusing on some of the main options, this should still be a strength for Tampa Bay.  Tyler Glasnow has high 90’s heat with a nasty curveball, helping him have one of the best strikeout rats in baseball last year.  He does a tendency to get wild at times, leading him to league the lead in wild pitches, but overall, he will be more than solid. 

Ryan Yarbrough is another solid option with good control and an ability to avoid hard contact.  Chris Archer is getting a second opportunity with the Rays, where he made two All Star teams and struck out more than 230 batters three different times. He has fallen from grace with the Pirates but could still bring something to the Rays with better coaching and strategy.  They’ll also try to fix Michael Wacha, who had a 6.62 ERA with the Mets last year.  Rich Hill was a big signing as a veteran who has stayed consistent, coming off a solid year with the Twins with an ERA just over 3. 

After that, there are several solid young arms like Patino and Shane McClanahan who should get some starts later in the year.  Josh Fleming is another prospect who has a good slider and sinker combo. Brent Honeywell Jr. is an exciting prospect with a rare secret weapon known as the screwball.  He should get some starts along and the rest of the names are options as starters or “openers” throughout the 2021 season.  Overall, this rotation likely won’t be as good without Blake Snell and Charlie Morton, but how much worse depends a lot on Patino’s development and some of the other youngsters.  For now, this rotation has a lot of parts and pieces with amazing depth and knowing the Rays, it will be good enough even if Archer and Wacha don’t shape up.  I’m going to give it a B.

Bullpen

• Nick Anderson

• Diego Castillo

• Pete Fairbanks

• Chaz Roe

• Collin McHugh

• Ryan Thompson

• Cody Reed

• Ryan Sherriff

• Trevor Richards

• Jeffrey Springs

• Chris Mazza

• Drew Strotman

• Andrew Kittredge

• Colin Poche (IL)

The bullpen needs to continue to be a strength for this team to make it back to the playoffs, much less the World Series, in 2021.  Nick Anderson is back and when he’s on, which was basically the entirety of the 2020 regular season, he is basically unhittable.  He has a career 15 strikeout per 9 ratio and the way the Rays work the bullpen, he could show up at any time, not just the 9th.  Diego Castillo can hit 96 with his fastball and held hitters to a .116 average last year.  Pete Fairbanks is another beast with high 90’s heat and a strikeout ratio of 13.2 in 2020.  He has slight control issues, but still would be a closer for many teams.  After that, the Rays have a lot more solid arms like Ryan Thompson, whose funky delivery makes him hard to hit.  Chaz Roe and his nasty slider will be back and there are several other solid options here as well including some up and comers.  There are also starters and openers who could help out of the pen as well.  The Rays bullpen will continue to be solid in 2021 and I’m giving it an A.

So, that does it for the Tampa Bay Rays, a team that still looks great going into 2021 and will have a chance to repeat as AL East champions if the Yankees or Blue Jays don’t say otherwise.  Even if they don’t repeat, a Wild Card should be well in their reach.  Overall, I’m giving the Tampa Bay Rays a B+.

2021 Houston Astros Team Preview (30 Clubs in 30 Days) ASTROS SIGN JAKE ODORIZZI

The Houston Astros finished the last full 162 game season with a record of a 107-55, finishing a 3rd straight season over 100 wins.  This included a World Series trophy and two American League Championships but then of course everything came crashing down with one report from The Athletic detailing the sign-stealing setup they used during the 2017 season and this of course led to the firing of manager AJ Hinch and GM Jeff Luhnow, a $5 million fine and the forfeiture of their first two choices in the 2020 and 2021 MLB Drafts. How 2020 was going to develop for the Astros was going to be one of the most interesting storylines in baseball, but instead Covid-19 hit and the season was halted and then it turned into a 60-game season with no fans. 

The Astros finished a disappointing 29-31 after Justin Verlander was lost for the season after one start and 2019 Rookie of the Year Yordan Alvarez played in just two games.  The entire infield for Houston struggled at the plate during the season as well.  However, once the playoffs started, the Astros returned to their championship form, taking out the Twins and A’s and then giving the Rays everything they wanted in the ALCS. Now, with a full 162 game season, Dusty Baker at the helm for his second season, a lot of strong talent still on this team, and a division that isn’t the strongest, even if you hate them, you probably shouldn’t write off the Astros.

Arrivals

• SP Jake Odorizzi

• OF Michael Brantley (Re-Signed)

• C Jason Castro (FA/Padres)

• RP Pedro Baez (FA/Dodgers)

• RP Ryne Stanek (FA/Marlins)

• RP Steve Cishek (Minors)

• OF Steven Souza Jr. (Minors)

• OF Jose Siri (Minors)

Jake Odorizzi

Other than Jake Odorizzi, who was just signed as I’m writing this article, the biggest Free Agent signing for the Astros has to be bringing back Michael Brantley. Most didn’t think it was possible, especially after reports that a deal was basically done and he was heading to Toronto.  Those reports were inaccurate and only a few hours later, Brantley was coming back to Houston.  He is a powerful lefty who has hit at least .300 in 3 consecutive seasons and made the last three All Star Teams.  It was a massive accomplishment to bring Brantley back.  Jason Castro was signed to return to team that drafted him in this first round and where he played for six seasons going back to when the Astros were in the National League.  He is great defensively but not the best hitter although he can work a walk and has some pop.  As a lefty, he’s a nice platoon partner with Martin Maldonado.

Pedro Baez, one of the most consistent arms out of the Dodgers bullpen for the past seven years, was also signed to improve a bullpen that had its share of struggles in 2020.  Ryne Stanek is another solid bullpen piece with big strikeout numbers although he had an inflated ERA the past couple seasons as he dealt with injuries and Covid-19.  More bullpen help was signed as well with Steve Cishek and he’ll have a good shot to make the team out of Spring Training.  Jose Siri was supposedly a 5-tool top prospect in the Reds system who never panned out and ended up the Giants organization, but never got to the big leagues there either.  He’ll probably start out in Sugar Land to see what he can do there, but he’s got a huge ceiling if he can put it all together.  Steven Souza Jr. was also signed to a minor league deal and the last time he played in a full season, he hit 30 home runs for the Rays in 2017.  He has struggled since then, especially with his batting average which dipped to .148 in limited time in 2020.

As for Odorizzi, this is a massive signing to help replace the loss of the recently injured Framber Valdez.  Odorizzi will bring experience and quality to a rotation that was looking very shaky, especially after Valdez went down.

Lineup

1.       Jose Altuve 2B

2.       Alex Bregman 3B

3.       Michael Brantley LF

4.       Carlos Correa SS

5.       Yordan Alvarez DH

6.       Yuli Gurriel 1B

7.       Kyle Tucker RF

8.       Maldonado/Castro C

9.       Straw/McCormick CF

Myles Straw

Looking at a potential 2021 Astros lineup, you have Jose Altuve at the top, one of the biggest stars in the game and a career .315 hitter who hit only .219 last year.  Obviously, a lot of people will have their theories as to why and we know what those theories will be connected to, but there’s also the possibility that he’s selling out for power more than ever before, especially after crushing 5 home runs in eleven 2019 postseason games.  Whatever the reason, a lot of star hitters suddenly forgot how to hit in 2020 including Christian Yelich, Kris Bryant and Cody Bellinger.  I expect them all to better in 2021; I just don’t know how much better. 

Alex Bregman also had a down-year, but his .801 OPS was still better than the average big-league hitter.  He had some hamstring problems that also contributed to his struggles.  Reports are that he is 100% and ready to go for 2021.  Brantley is back as mentioned, a huge re-signing for Houston.  Carlos Correa is next and I was shocked when looking at his career stats, he’s only played over 110 games once in his career.  He is constantly dealing with injury issues and also underperformed in 2020, with the lowest OPS of his career.  Still, the talent is there and he’s only 26 years old.  2021 is a big year for Correa, especially if he wants a big extension or payday in free agency. 

Yordan Alvarez is coming off knee surgery, but once he’s fully recovered, he’s a beast who can absolutely crush the ball.  He hit 27 home runs in just 313 at bats.  Don’t expect that same home run pace after surgery, a missed season and a de-juiced baseball, but he’ll still hit his share of bombs.  Yuli Gurriel also dealt with injury in 2020, but when healthy he hit well.  He doesn’t strike out much, can go deep and plays solid defense.  Then there’s Kyle Tucker, who tore it up down the stretch with a powerful left handed swing.  He also hit .306 in the playoffs with a home run in 49 at bats.  Look for him to have a breakout season in 2021, hitting close to 30 home runs and 100 RBI while stealing 25 bases. 

Behind the plate, there’s not a ton of offense but Martin Maldonado has some good pop and is a gold glove defender behind the plate.  Castro is also great defensively, can frame pitches and as a left-handed hitter, is a nice compliment to Maldonado.  Obviously, the ‘Stros will miss George Springer in centerfield, but Myles Straw is a speedester who had an on-base percentage around .400 in the Minor Leagues.  He showed something similar in 2019 but, as the story usually goes, he struggled in 2020.  He’ll get an opportunity this year as will Chas McCormick, who made a case for himself with a solid Minor League Career after getting drafted in the 21st round.  Other guys to keep an eye on for centerfield include Steven Souza Jr. and Pedro Leon, an absolute machine out of Cuba, who has extreme power and very high ceiling. 

This lineup has a lot of the same names as we’ve seen in recent seasons.  The talent is there, but they need to stay healthy and more productive than 2020 in order to make a playoff push in ’21 without expanded playoffs.  With Brantley back and a potentially big season for Tucker, this lineup should be strong although obviously it will miss Springer.  In the back of my mind though, I see a possibility of Leon being the starting centerfielder by the end of the year and absolutely mashing Juan Soto-style.  Overall, I’m giving this lineup a B+.

Rotation

1.       Zack Greinke

2.       Jake Odorizzi

3.       Lance McCullers Jr.

4.       Jose Urquidy

5.       Cristian Javier

Luis Garcia

Brandon Bielak

Forrest Whitley

Cristian Javier

The rotation will miss Verlander for most if not all of 2021, which was already known, but now it looks like they’ll also be missing Framber Valdez for a while with a fractured ring finger on his pitching hand.  This will really hurt the rotation and with some payroll limitations, I was doubtful that the ‘Stros could sign Odorizzi, but they did it.  Jake Odorizzi makes this rotation instantly better and was a mandatory signing to stay favorites in the West.  However, there are still some other nice names like Zack Greinke.  Greinke’s velocity has fallen, but he’s a smart pitcher who knows how to locate and get outs.  In his last 22 starts, he’s walked just 18 batters.  Despite a higher ERA in 2020, a deeper inspection into some advanced stats will show he was still pitching about as well as he was in 2019 when he went 8-1 with a 3.02 ERA.  Of course, in his late thirties, you never know. 

McCullers Jr. dominated at Minute Maid Park with a 1.42 ERA in 5 starts in 2020, but struggled on the road.  He’s another year removed from Tommy John and should have some more sharpness on that curve in ’21.  Jose Urquidy is a mentally tough guy with good stuff, impressing the world with 5 shutout innings in Game 4 of the 2019 World Series.  In 2020, his strikeout rate was down but he pitched well enough to have a sub-3 ERA and showed 97-MPH heat in the playoffs.  With all the injuries, his importance has been bumped up.  Cristian Javier is one of the rising stars for Houston and his importance in 2021 can’t be overstated.  He has a slow, sweeping slider that righties have trouble touching.  In 2020, he finished 3rd in the Rookie of the Year voting and despite not having great velocity, his slider gives him the potential to strike out 200 batters. 

Luis Garcia was one of the frontrunners for the 5th spot before the Odorizzi signing.  He looked great in 2020 in a tiny sample size but hasn’t pitched above Single A.  Brandon Bielak is another solid option, but did not pitch as well in his Major League 2020 sample but has great stuff.  Finally, there’s Forrest Whitley, one of the Astros top prospects.  The fact that he got roughed up in Triple A in 2019 shows he might need more seasoning before his big-league debut, but the Astros liked what they saw from him at the alternate camp in 2020. 

The rotation was not looking like a strength for the Astros, but they have made it much better with Odorizzi as if he stays healthy and productive, this rotation should be decent.  They certainly can’t afford anymore injuries though.  I’m going to give this rotation a B-.

Bullpen

• Ryan Pressly

• Brooks Raley

• Enoli Paredes

• Blake Taylor

• Andre Scrubb

• Ryne Stanek

• Austin Pruitt

• Josh James

• Nivaldo Rodriguez

• Pedro Baez

• Steve Cishek

Brooks Raley

The bullpen for the Astros was inconsistent at best in 2020 and some improvements have been made.  One guy who will be back is Ryan Pressly, who earned the closer job in 2020, finishing with 12 saves – a good amount of of saves for a 60-game season.  He has a nice 3-pitch mix with a good slider and mid 90’s fastball.  Their young core of relievers that include Andrew Scrubb and Enolie Paredes did well to limit runs but struggled with command.  Paredes is nasty and with a year under his belt, he could be in line for a huge 2021.  To help the youngsters out, the Astros signed Baez, Stanek and Cishek who will all bring some much-needed experience and success to the pen.  Sidewinder Joe Smith should be back as well to add more experience.  Another key guy is Brooks Raley, who impressed in 2022, racking up 21 strikeouts in 16 innings with a sick cutter/slider combo.  Overall, this bullpen should be more than solid in 2021 as long as the rotation doesn’t completely wear them out.  I’m going to give it a B+.

So there you have it for the 2021 Houston Astros, a team that still has a ton of talent and if that rotation can just keep it together, this team should compete for at least a Wild Card and possibly for a division title in 2021.  Overall, I’m going to give the Astros a B+. 

2021 Pittsburgh Pirates Team Preview (30 Clubs in 30 Days)

Ever since The Pittsburgh Pirates finished 98-64 in 2015, they have slowly been creeping down the standings until hitting rock bottom in 2019 and again in 2020.  There might be a light at the end of this dark tunnel though, as the Pirates hired a new front office to try to get this team back on track.  They have a few legit talents like Ke’Bryan Hayes and a ton of solid young prospects on the way, many of which they acquired by trading away some big names like Josh Bell, Joe Musgrove and Jameson Taillon this offseason.  But this process is just beginning, and the Pirates are probably not going to be ready to seriously compete for a few years.  They need to keep rebuilding, keep growing their system and not start trading away their best prospects just because they go on a 5-game winning streak in June. 

Arrivals

• SP Luis Oviedo (Trade/Mets)

• RP Jose Soriano (Rule 5)

• SP Tyler Anderson (FA/Giants)

• RP David Bednar (Trade/Padres)

• SP Ashton Goudeau (Waivers/Rockies)

• C Michael Perez (Waivers/Tampa Bay)

• SP Wil Crowe (Trade/Nationals)

• RP Chasen Shreve (Minors)

• 3B Todd Frazier (Minors)

• OF Brian Goodwin (Minors)

• C Tony Wolters (Minors)

• 2B Wilmer Difo (Minors)

• RP Chase De Jong (Minors)

Jose Soriano

As for the new arrivals that might be impact names in 2021, the Pirates traded for a Rule 5 guy from the Mets in Luis Oviedo, who is only 21 years old.  He started pitching in the Indians organization at 17 in 2016 and was considered a top 10 prospect for Cleveland until some injury issues started hampering his development.  He has a fastball that can hit 98 along with a mix of other pitches including a slider, which could be developed into a strikeout pitch.  Pitcher Jose Soriano, who in 2019 had a 10.1 strikeout ratio and 2.51 ERA in 18 starts in Single A, was acquired as the first overall pick in the Rule 5 Draft, but he’ll start the season on the IL after undoing Tommy John last year.  This will give the Pirates more roster flexibility until he is ready.

Tyler Anderson impressed last year with the Giants, keeping contact soft for the most part, finishing the year with a 4.37 ERA.  David Bednar was the big Major League-ready acquisition from San Diego in the Musgrove deal.  This is some one who lit up the minor leagues and hasn’t really had a big Major League sample yet.  In 4 Minor League seasons, his ERA was never over 3 and he had an insane strikeout rate every season including 13.3 in 2019.  He has only pitched 17 big-league innings and struck out 19 while walking 7.  His ERA is inflated at 6.75 because he’s given up 4 home runs, but over a full sample this guy could be a killer in that bullpen.

Ashton Goudeau is another impressive arm that dominated Double-A in 2019, but had little success in the Major Leagues in a tiny sample of 8 innings.  The Rockies designated him for assignment and the Pirates snagged him up.  Michael Perez is a great defensive catcher they picked up on waivers as well.  Wil Crowe was a key acquisition in the Josh Bell deal to help keep the rotation reasonably stable during this rebuilding period.  He’s got good stuff but doesn’t blow any one away and usually had an ERA around 4 during his Minor League Career.  At 26, he may or may not be a big part of the Pirates future.  If he pitches well in 2021, he could get shipped off for younger prospects.

Those moves alone make this for a soild offseason for the Bucs, but when you also consider these familiar big league names that they landed in Minor League deals, it looks even better.  Chasen Shreve is a lefty who was solid with the Mets last year out of the pen and they even signed the Toddfather, the former All Star who needs no introduction.  He had to settle for a Minor League Deal after a rough 2020, but if he’s got something left in the tank, this could be a very nice move for Pittsburgh and bring on board a former star name for fans to watch at PNC Park in 2021. 

Lineup

1.       Adam Frazier 2B

2.       Ke’Bryan Hayes 3B

3.       Moran/Evans/Frazier 1B

4.       Bryan Reynolds LF

5.       Gregory Polanco RF

6.       Alford/Tucker CF

7.       Jacob Stallings C

8.       Newman/Gonzalez SS

Ke’Bryan Hayes

Here’s a look at the projected regulars for the 2021 Pirates and it’s not as bad as you might think.  Adam Frazier at second base is a solid defender and makes great contact, with just 35 strikeouts in 230 plate appearances last year.  Over a full season, he’ll hit around .275 with 10+ home runs.  Ke’Bryan Hayes burst onto the scene in 2020, posting a .376/.442/.682 slash line with 5 home runs in just 24 games.  He looks like a potential superstar in the making and, by the way, he’s already 4 for 8 with 2 doubles and a triple in Spring Training.  Colin Moran also showed big pop last season, with 10 bombs in just 178 at bats.  The Pirates hope this is a sign of some newfound power and not a freak 2020 thing.  Phillip Evans is reportedly in line to platoon with him even though he played just one game at first base last year.  Evans tore up 2020 in a small sample, going 14 for 39 with a home run.  Keep an eye on Todd Frazier too, who could get some starts at first if he makes the team.

Bryan Reynolds had a tough season, but past history including his minor league career and a terrible 2020 BABIP indicate a bounce-back year in 2021.  Normally, he’s more than solid and should hit close to if not over .300 with a .350 on-base this season.  Polanco has been a concern for a while, striking out more every season as he struggles to get back to the solid player he was around 2015.  His trade value isn’t much at this point, so he’ll probably hit the Free Agent market after the season as the Pirates likely won’t pick up his options they granted him with a big extension 5 years ago.  The centerfield spot isn’t fully guaranteed yet.  Anthony Alford can fly but has just a .169 career average.  He has raw power and was a top prospect with the Jays but hasn’t shown much at the big-league level.  First round pick Cole Tucker is another candidate, and he hasn’t really shown much either.  He has speed but only one career stolen base and a .215 average with 3 home runs in 256 at bats. 

Jacob Stallings is a great defensive catcher and pitch framer and that’s where his main value lies.  At he plate, he is patient and can work a walk but otherwise very average with little power.  Still, a great defensive catcher who can work with pitchers well, frame pitches and call a good game is vital.  Kevin Newman is a high contact hitter who can also back up some of the other infield positions while Erik Gonzalez should also get plenty of starts at short.  Gonzalez had a 44% hard-hit rate in 2020, but hit too many groundballs leading to a .227 average.  However, he has gold-glove potential in the field.

Overall, this lineup has more to offer than one might think, but lacks power, especially in the outfield.  Polanco, Alford and Tucker have all failed to contribute as much as expected and the same can be said for Reynolds last year, although I expect him to bounce back in ’21.  There is a lack of two-way players as well – some of the guys who can field can’t hit and vice-versa.  The Pirates are rebuilding, however, and considering that, this lineup should do okay scoring runs and keeping games interesting when the pitching does okay.  Overall, I’m giving it a C-.

Rotation

1.       Mitch Keller

2.       Chad Kuhl

3.       Steven Brault

4.       Tyler Anderson

5.       JT Brubaker

6.       Wil Crowe

Cody Ponce

Miguel Yajure

Cody Bolton

Mitch Keller

This rotation wasn’t going to be too great before the Pirates traded their top two starters.  Now, it’s just going to be a construction of the best 5 in Spring Training out of a huge list of names. Mitch Keller was the Pirates #1 prospect in 2020 but couldn’t find his command.  He walked 18 while striking out 16, still keeping his ERA under 3 somehow.  Over a longer sample, his control problems won’t allow for an ERA that low and he will give up a ton of runs unless he hits his spots with more consistency.  Chad Kuhl is back to 100% after Tommy John and should be okay for the Bucs, but even at his best he’ll have an ERA around 4.5   Tyler Anderson, like I said, was nice for the Giants last year but he’ll have some good starts and some bad ones, ending up with an ERA over 4.

 JT Brubaker looked good with 2020 with a solid sinker and has the stuff of a solid long reliever.  He is perfect for almost any bullpen in baseball.  However, because of the Pirates rotation issues, he could be a starter in ’21.  Wil Crowe has a good shot to make the back end of the rotation to at least get some immediate value from the Josh Bell trade.  Other than that, there are some younger options that could make the rotation if they impress enough in Spring Training.  The reality is this rotation is going to get roughed up often unless 2 or 3 of those youngsters have stunning breakout years, which seems unlikely because the best looking prospects aren’t big league ready yet.  The trades this offseason were necessary, but this rotation really took a hit because of them.  I’m going to give it a D-.

Bullpen

• Richard Rodriguez

• David Bednar

• Chasen Shreve

• Chris Stratton

• Kyle Crick

• Michael Feliz

• Clay Holmes

• Edgar Santana

• Geoff Hartlieb

• Austin Davis

• Blake Cederlind

• Nick Mears

• Tyler Bashlor

• Carson Fulmer

• Sean Poppen

• Luis Oviedo

• Jose Soriano

Chris Stratton

The bullpen will also be constructed through Spring Training competition, but one guy who should definitely be a key arm out of this pen is Richard Rodriguez.  He was one of MLB’s best relivers last year, with 34 strikeouts in 23 innings.  He has an elite spin rate on a low to mid-90’s fast ball, making it hard to touch.  His slider is also nasty.  Chris Stratton and Kyle Crick are two former Giants who have become very solid bullpen arms for Pittbsurgh.  Michael Feliz had injury issues last year but has shown great stuff in the past with the Astros.  David Bednar I mentioned has a high ceiling and there are a few other flamethrowers in there like Blake Cederlind and Nick Mears, who should get a more extended opportunity in 2021.  There’s a lot of potential in this pen and there should be some good long relief options from the guys who don’t end up in the rotation.  If some of the younger arms end up being legit, this pen could be a strength.  Until they prove themselves, I can’t go too crazy, so for now I’m going to give it a C.

So, that’s it for the Pittsburgh Pirates, who unfortunately, despite an okay lineup and bullpen, will likely struggle to win games without better rotation arms.  Overall, I’m giving them a D+ for the current roster, but this team seems to be on the right track now, building the farm system and not rushing the rebuild. 

2021 Los Angeles Angels Team Preview (30 Clubs in 30 Days)

Today’s preview for the 30 Clubs in 30 Days Series is on the Los Angeles Angels, who are coming off another disappointing season thanks to a subpar pitching staff that gave up too many walks and home runs.  Nevertheless, Joe Maddon will be back as manager to try again in 2021, the Angels did make some changes to the front office, hiring Perry Minasian as General Manager.  Can the pitching be better this season so that star offensive talents like Mike Trout, Anthony Rendon and future Hall of Famer Albert Pujols can help get this team into the playoffs?  Let’s take a look at this team so we can form an opinion on that.

Arrivals

• SP Alex Cobb (Trade/Orioles)

• SP Jose Quintana (FA/Cubs)

• RP Alex Claudio (FA/Brewers)

• RP Raisel Iglesias (Trade/Reds)

• RP Aaron Slegers (Trade/Tampa Bay)

• SP/RP Jose Alberto Rivera (Rule 5/Astros)

• RP Junior Guerra (Minors)

• SS Jose Iglesias (Trade/Orioles)

• OF Dexter Fowler (Trade/Cardinals)

• C Kurt Suzuki (FA/Nationals)

• OF Scott Schebler (Minors)

• OF Jon Jay (Minors)

Jose Alberto Rivera

Well, they obviously have added pitching this offseason.  Alex Cobb and Jose Quintana were both signed as potential rotation pieces.  Cobb hasn’t been good for quite a while and Quintana, a very solid arm, will be reuniting with Joe Maddon.  They also addressed some bullpen weakness by trading for Raisel Iglesias, who has filthy stuff and led the Reds in saves for the past 4 seasons.  Alex Claudio is another solid groundball pitcher who they also signed for help fortify the pen.  Aaron Slegers was acquired from Tampa Bay and he looked fantastic last season including a 1.8 ERA in the playoffs.  They even grabbed a young arm in the Rule 5 Draft from Houston in Jose Alberto Rivera, who can start and relieve.  He has great strikeout stuff but he has to improve his control to be effective in the big-leagues.  Veteran Junior Guerra was a nice under-the-radar signing as well. 

As far as position players, the Angels traded for Jose Iglesias, who tore it up in 2020, hitting .373 in 142 at bats.  Other familiar names with big league experience that were signed include Kurt Suzuki, Dexter Flowler, Scott Schebler and Jon Jay. 

Lineup

1.       David Fletcher 2B

2.       Walsh/Pujols 1B

3.       Mike Trout CF

4.       Anthony Rendon 3B

5.       Justin Upton LF

6.       Ohtani/Pujols DH

7.       Dexter Fowler RF

8.       Jose Iglesias SS

9.       Stassi/Bemboom C

Jared Walsh

Jumping into the lineup, the Angels were in the top 10 in the MLB in runs scored, home runs, and on-base-percentage.  Most of the big contributors are back including David Fletcher, who hit .319 and struck out just 25 times in 230 plate appearances.  He has the best contact rate in all of baseball.  At first base will usually be Jared Walsh, who has massive power potential after crushing 36 home runs in the 382 at bats with the Salt Lake Bees in 2019.  He started to tap into that power last season with the Angels, hitting a home run every 11 at bats.  Look for a breakout year in 2021. 

Albert Pujols will also play some first and DH as well in the final year of his mega-deal.  Depending on how many games he gets in, he should be good for 20 home runs and is still knows how to hit with just 25 strikeouts in 152 at bats.  Then there’s Mike Trout, perhaps the best player in all of baseball.  He can still fly although he doesn’t steal as many bases as he used to, but his exit velocity is still just as elite as ever.  Expect big things from Trout in 2021 while Anthony Rendon completes one of the best offensive duos in baseball.  He had a higher WAR than trout in 2020 and both finished in the top 10 for the AL MVP.  Justin Upton is probably good for 20-25 home runs, but with injuries and age, he doesn’t offer a lot more these days.  However, he’s not too old at 33 and could have a resurgence.

Reports are that Shoehi Ohtani is healthy and ready to pitch and hit at an elite level for the Halos this season.  He struggled at the plate last year but will most likely return to form or at least closer to the .286 and 18 home run performance he put on in 2019.  Dexter Fowler is a bit past his prime but still offers patience and intelligence at the plate with some pop as well.  Iglesias, as I mentioned, had an amazing 2020 with a more aggressive style leading to nearly a 1.000 OPS.  The gaudy numbers he managed in 2020 probably won’t last through 162 games, but that’s still a bat you want in the lineup.  Finally, Max Stassi had his best season last year hitting .278 with 7 homers and should be the frontrunner to start.  Suzuki will be his backup and if either falter or get hurt, prospect and left-handed hitter Anthony Bemboom will also see some time behind the dish.

Dexter Fowler

This lineup has a lot to like with 2 of the best players in the game right in the middle, pure hitters who don’t strike out like Fletcher and Pujols, a superstar talent in a healthy Ohtani and even a potential weak spot in the lineup like Justin Upton might hit 25 home runs.  This is clearly the strength of this team and I’m going to give this lineup an A-.

Rotation

1.       Dylan Bundy

2.       Andrew Heaney

3.       Jose Quintana

4.       Griffin Canning

5.       Alex Cobb

6.       Shohei Ohtani

The rotation for the Angels has been a problem area for some time.  They do usually make some signings, but rarely is it for a top MLB pitcher.  With Ohtani healthy and pitching, the Angels usually use a 6-man rotation.  Dylan Bundy had his best season in 2020 after 2 terrible years in Baltimore.  He was 6-3 with a 3.29 ERA and a 9.9 strikeout rate.  The Halos need him to do it again in 2021.  Andrew Heaney can eat up innings and strike guys out but he will give up more than just the occasional bomb with an ERA around 4.5.  Singing Jose Quintana was the least the Angels needed to do for this season.  He is a solid pitcher with an 83-77 career record and 3.73 ERA but has been injury prone recently. 

Griffin Canning also had some issues last year with injuries but looked strong down the stretch, finishing with a 3.99 ERA and he won a Gold Glove.  Newcomer Alex Cobb was fantastic in the early 2010s for the Rays and will also be reuniting with Joe Maddon this year.   Unfortunately, his performance has declined since then and he has had multiple injuries and Tommy John.  Every one is talking him up right now in Spring Training and saying he looks amazing, so we’ll see, but it’s certainly far from a guarantee that he will be effective in 2021.  Shohei Ohtani should finally be fully healthy and able to let it fly on the mound.  With his elite splitter and plus heat, he could be by far the best starter in this rotation.

Jaime Barria will also get some starts and he has a nice slider and promising stuff, showing a big improvement in 2020 after a horrific 2019 season.  Although there are some solid names here and the Angels did make some moves to bolster this rotation, I’m not convinced that it will be good enough.  Jake Odorizzi is still out there and if one team could really use his help, it’s the Angels.  For this rotation as is to work out, Bundy will have to prove 2020 wasn’t a fluke and the rest of the injury-plagued rotation will have to stay healthy and effective.  It doesn’t seem too likely to be honest.  I’m going to give this rotation a C- only because they have Ohtani healthy and Bundy did pitch well last year. 

Bullpen

• Raisel Iglesias

• Ty Buttrey

• Alex Claudio

• Mike Mayers

• Felix Pena

• Jose Alberto Rivera

• Jaime Barria

• Junior Guerra

• Patrick Sandoval

• Aaron Slegers

Mike Mayers

The Angels basically tore down and rebuilt the bullpen after 2020.  Raisel Iglesias is the biggest upgrade and will pound the zone with mid-to-high 90’s heat and a sick slider and changeup.  He saved 34 games in 2019 then 8 more last year with a 2.74 ERA.  Two guys who will be back are Mike Mayers and Felix Pena.  Mayers learned new cutter last year and became a beast, striking out 43 in 30 with a 2.1 ERA.  Hopefully that was no fluke.  Pena is another solid arm and former starter who showed big improvements last season out of the pen.  Hopefully the same will happen for Patrick Sandoval, who has good stuff but has struggled as a starter.  Ty Buttrey has a nice slider but struggled in 2020 when they tried him out as a closer.  I think he’ll be fine as more of a mid-innings reliever with an ERA around 4.  After that, Junior Guerra is a solid veteran who will be nice to have if he makes the team.  Alex Claudio and Aaron Slegers are solid pickups as well.  Overall, I think this pen will be a lot better and it will need to be if the rotation struggles with quality starts.  I’m going to give this pen a B-.

So, that does it for the Angels, a team that has a great looking lineup, a much improved bullpen in my opnion, but still a lot of question marks with the starting rotation.  The majority of the rotation can be considered injury-prone.  However, if everything falls in place and Ohtani shuts teams down while the rest of the rotation stays healthy and at least serviceable, this team is in the right division to make a run and compete for a wild card or even division title.  Overall, I’m giving the Los Angeles Angels a B-.

2021 Chicago White Sox Team Preview (30 Clubs in 30 Days) Best Team in The A.L. - Ready To Win It All

The Chicago White Sox were a team that finished 35-25 in 2020 with one of the most loaded lineups in baseball.  There is a combination of super studs in their prime like MVP Jose Abreu and Tim Anderson along super-prospects who like Luis Robert and Nick Madrigal.  The Sox hit more home runs than any one else in the American League and this season, will have an even stronger pitching staff after the acquisition of Lance Lynn from Texas and one of the best closers in baseball, Liam Hendriks.  The White Sox are in a strong position to go for the trophy in 2021 and have hired Hall of Fame manager Tony LaRussa to help get it done.  Will he be able to connect with the young players and get the best out of them?  It remains to be seen, but I absolutely love this roster and their chances in 2021.

Arrivals

• OF Yoelqui Cespedes (FA/Cuba)

• OF Adam Eaton (FA/Nationals)

• SP Lance Lynn (Trade/Rangers)

• RP Liam Hendriks (FA/Athletics)

Yoelqui Cespedes

The White Sox didn’t make a ton of major moves this offseason – because the didn’t need to.  This team was already strong and ready to compete.  Just to strengthen their chances even more, the White Sox went out and filled any possible holes they had.  Lance Lynn is a workhorse with a hard high-spin fastball that misses bats often.   He will join Dallas Keuchel and Lucas Giolito.  To understand that starting pitching is not a weakness for this team, just know that all three of these guys were in the Top 7 in last year’s Cy Young voting.  And they’ll all be starting games for a team that is known for a strong offense more than a strong rotation.    

Liam Hendriks is absolutely filthy and borderline unhittable at times.  He actually topped his 2019 ERA of 1.8 with a 1.78 ERA in 2020.  He also had an insane 13.1 strikeout ratio in both seasons.  In 25 innings last season, he had 14 saves, 37 strikeouts and gave up just one home run.  Adam Eaton was signed to return to the White Sox as a much needed left-handed option.  He brings a strong on-base ability with good speed and a career .282 average.  In his three seasons with the White Sox, he hit an amazing 29 triples.  They also signed 23-year old Yoelqui Cespedes, who defected from Cuba in 2019.  He is a five-tool talent and will probably start the year in the Minors.  If he handles professional pitching well in the minors, will get an opportunity to be an impact player as well for the Sox.

Lineup

1.       Tim Anderson SS

2.       Adam Eaton RF

3.       Yasmani Grandal C

4.       Jose Abreu 1B

5.       Eloy Jimenez DH

6.       Yoan Moncada 3B

7.       Luis Robert CF

8.       Adam Engel LF

9.       Nick Madrigal 2B

Adam Engel

Here is one potential starting lineup for the White Sox and, as I said, it is absolutely stacked.  Tim Anderson had a 1,509 OPS against lefties last season and can simply rake.  The 2019 batting champion seemingly hits everything hard and when one gets in the air with the right angle, it’s probably going over the fence.  He finished 7th in the MVP voting in 2020.  He’s got all the tools and will continue to be a force in that lineup.  Adam Eaton returns after a down-year in 2020, which was probably due to the small sample size, because his hard contact rate and other advanced stats look normal or even improved.  If does struggle or get injured, there’s a decent chance Cespedes will be ready to jump in at some point.

Yasmani Grandal has more home runs than any other MLB catcher since 2015.  Defensively, he is elite at throwing out baserunners and framing pitches.  He’s got patience, power, defense and is simply one of the best catchers in baseball.  Jose Abreu was only the MVP in 2020, which is all I need to say about him.  I’ll say a little more anyway – in 2020 he was on a pace for 162 RBI over a regular length season.  He is an absolute beast with a rookie of the year, MVP, 3 Silver Sluggers and 3 All Star Selections in his 7-year big league career.  Eloy Jimenez showed big improvements in 2020 after hitting 31 bombs in 2019.  He bumped his average up to .296 and hit the ball harder more often.  He has 40-home run potential in 2021. 

Yoan Moncada had a tough 2020 after recovering from Covid-19.  He hit .315 in 2019 with 25 home runs and will likely get close to those numbers in 2021 after hitting just .225 last year.  Luis Robert bring super speed, amazing defensive abilities and power to centerfield.  He has some work to do as a hitter, chasing and striking out too much, but he’s only 23 and should show improvement there.  He has 30+ home run power and finished second the Rookie of the Year voting while winning a Gold Glove.  Adam Engel is another great athlete who has gold-glove caliber defense, can run like the wind and showed big improvements at the plate over his career.  He doesn’t hit a lot of home runs but the rest of the lineup should be able to handle that quite well. 

Finally, Nick Madrigal hit .340 in a small sample last season showing a Tony Gwynn-like ability to put the bat on the ball.  He struck out 7 times in 103 at bats.  Unfortunately, he had shoulder surgery in October so might not be ready for Opening Day but Leury Garcia and Danny Mendick are both fine to fill in until he’s ready.  Overall, this lineup is pretty ridiculous and I haven’t even mentioned other potential prospects who could help like Andrew Vaughn.  There is insane power, MVP-type talents, great on-base skills, solid veterans, super-prospects and everything you’d want in a lineup.  It gets an A+.

Rotation

1.       Lucas Giolito

2.       Dallas Keuchel

3.       Lance Lynn

4.       Dylan Cease

5.       Carlos Rodon

Reynaldo Lopez

Michael Kopech

Dylan Cease

Looking at the rotation, the top 3 can be interchanged – as I said, they were all in the Top 7 for the 2020 Cy Young voting.  Lucas Giolito had a career high 12.1 strikeout rate in 2020, throwing a no-hitter and continuing to be consistently good for the Sox.  In over 72 innings, he gave up just 47 hits.  Then there’s 2020 signing Dallas Keuchel, who consistently jammed hitters and created garbage contact.  In 11 starts and 63 innings, he gave up just 2 home runs.  He’s a former Cy Young Award winner and one of the best pitchers at fielding his position as well.  Then the newcomer, Lance Lynn, who has a sick fastball/slider combo.  His fastball has actually been getting faster into his 30’s and his fastball and changeup are an elite 13 mph apart in velocity. 

After all that is Dylan Cease and Carlos Rodon.  So after the three top-7 Cy Young candidates, you’re looking at high 90’s heat, which they both possess.  Cease also has an elite slider and if he can improve his control, which is possible as he is only 25 and hasn’t pitched a full big league season, he can also win a lot of games.  Rodon was re-signed by the White Sox, who obviously still believe in him although he has been hampered by injuries most of his young career.  He can hit triple digits and will hopefully get some help from new pitching coach Ethan Katz, who was with the Giants last year and was credited by Giolito for helping turn his career around.  If he struggles, there’s still Reynaldo Lopez and former first round pick Michael Kopech, who is slated to start the season in the bullpen. 

With the first 3 starters, all they need are some one halfway serviceable and the offense will take care of the rest.  I believe Dylan Cease will show big improvements in 2021 and the only question mark is the fifth spot in the rotation, for which they have options including not only Kopech but possibly Garrett Crochet as well.  Barring injury, this rotation should be absolutely dominant in 2021 to go along with an A+ lineup.  Look out for the White Sox in 2021.  I’m going to give this rotation an A only because I’m not sure what the 5th spot will look like.

Bullpen

• Liam Hendriks

• Aaron Bummer

• Evan Marshall

• Codi Heuer

• Matt Foster

• Garrett Crochet

• Jace Fry

• Jimmy Cordero

• Jose Ruiz

• Michael Kopech

• Reynaldo Lopez

Liam Hendriks

The bullpen kicks off with Liam Hendriks, who is simply one of if not the most desired closer in baseball.  The White Sox proved they were all in to win it with this signing, making this team undeniably complete.  If they hadn’t signed him, Aaron Bummer would have likely been the closer.  He has a good hard sinker that induces a ton of ground balls.  He is a lefty along with strikeout machine Jace Fry and super prospect Garrett Crochet.  Right-handers other than Hendriks include Evan Marshall, who has a sick moving changeup and plus curve, along with Codi Heuer, who can touch 98 with the fastball.  Both were lights out in 2020.  Jimmy Cordero is another flamethrower who struggled in 2020 but had a 2.75 ERA in 2019.  Matt Foster is another youngster with great stuff who was phenomenal in his rookie year in 2020.  This pen will also start the season with Michael Kopech and Garrett Crochet, who throws 100+ MPH heat with regularity. This is a bullpen that didn’t need the best closer in baseball.  Now that they have him, it’s one of the best bullpens in baseball.  This pen gets an A+.

So there you have it for the White Sox, a team that has to be considered heavy favorites to win the Central in my opinion and, although the playoffs in baseball are unpredictable, especially in March, if this team stays healthy, they should be major players well into October.  As on overall team, I give the White Sox an A+.

2021 Kansas City Royals Team Preview (30 Clubs in 30 Days)

Today, 30 Clubs in 30 Days continues with the Kansas City Royals, the 2014 American League Champions and the 2015 World Series Champs.  They are coming off of several disappointing seasons and General Manager Dayton Moore has said that the team intends to compete this season.  Is this a possibility?  Well, the Royals are now multiple years into their rebuild and with plenty of good young talent, they went out and signed more help to try to be relevant in 2021. 

Additions

• SP Mike Minor (FA/Athletics)

• 1B Carlos Santana (FA/Indians)

• OF Michael A. Taylor (FA/Nationals)

• OF Andrew Benintendi (Trade/Red Sox)

• RP Greg Holland (Re-Signed)

• RP Wade Davis (Minors)

• RP Brad Brach (Minors)

• SP/RP Ervin Santana (Minors)

• 2B Hanser Alberto (Minors)

• OF Bubba Starling (Minors)

One of the biggest moves for the Royals this offseason was picking up Andrew Benintendi from the Red Sox in a 3-team trade involving the Mets as well.  Benintendi has struggled through injuries the last couple of seasons but he brings a great arm, speed and excellent on-base abilities with some pop to the Royals lineup.  If he can stay healthy, he will be a huge addition for Kansas City in 2021.  Carlos Santana was also signed and the good news is he stayed healthy for all 60 games in 2020.  He led the league in walks and had an on-base-percentage of .349 despite an average of .199.  After hitting .281 with 34 home runs in 2019, it can be expected that he will hit much better than .199 over a full season with tremendous power. 

Mike Minor was also signed to return to Kansas City after a fantastic 2019 and a solid ending to the 2020 season with the A’s after a rough start with Texas. Greg Holland will be back in the bullpen after regaining some velocity and, like Trevor Rosenthal, having a career resurgence in 2020.  Finally, Michael A. Taylor, one of the Nationals playoff heroes from 2019, was also signed to bring speed and some more potential pop to the lineup.  There were also some interesting minor league deals including bringing back Wade Davis, one of the flamethrowers from the 2014 and 2015 Royals pen.  Who knows – maybe he becomes the Rosenthal/Holland of 2021.

Lineup

1.       Whit Merrifield RF

2.       Andrew Benintendi LF

3.       Carlos Santana 1B

4.       Jorge Soler DH

5.       Salvador Perez C

6.       Hunter Dozier 3B

7.       Adalberto Mondesi SS

8.       Nicky Lopez 2B

9.       Michael Taylor CF

Salvador Perez

The lineup kicks off with Whit Merrifield, who is amazingly entering his age-32 season.  It took him a full six years of riding buses in the Minors before getting an opportunity so he is older than it might seem after only 5 years of big-league experience.  Still, he is an extremely versatile iron man who can play every day and let the league in hits as recently as 2019.  Benintendi and Santana will be huge additions to this lineup, providing more power and on-base skills to the 2 and 3 slots.  Cleaning up could be Jorge Soler, who has shown improvements in his discipline and hard hit rate over the past 2 seasons.  He strikes out a lot but smashed 48 home runs with 117 RBI as recently as 2019.  Salvador Perez is a all-time Royal and continued to rake in 2020, hitting .333 with 11 home runs, finishing 17th in the MVP voting.  He will be another year recovered from Tommy John and hopefully has another big season in him for ’21.  His backup will be Cam Gallagher, also a skilled defensive catcher and solid hitter.

Hunter Dozier is a bit news topic today as he and the Royals just agreed on a 4-year $25 million extension with a $10 million 5th year option.  He had his breakthrough season in 2019 season when he crushed 26 bombs while leading the league with 10 triples.  The deal contains lots of incentives and bonuses should Dozier perform as well as the Royals hope.  2020 was unfortunately a down-year, but Dozier is 29 years old and a former first round pick, so hopefully the 2019 season was not an anomaly and he will come back strong in 2021 and years to come.

Next is Adalberto Mondesi, one of the more exciting players on the team.  His defense sparkles and he has amazing speed and intelligence on the basepaths.  When he makes contact, he absolutely crushes the ball but he doesn’t have the best plate discipline and doesn’t walk much.  His ceiling is super-high and with some of the tape-measure shots he’s hit, I wouldn’t be surprised if he can hit at least 20 home runs.  Nicky Lopez is another defensive specialist but hit just .201 in 2021.  He did improve some of his advanced offensive stats in 2020 and should be better over a full season.  Finally, Michael A. Taylor, similar to Mondesi, brings a lot of energy but struggles offensively, hitting just .196 last season.  He does have some power, hitting 19 bombs back in 2017.  Also look for Edward Olivarez to get some starts in the outfield.  He has great on-base skills and hit 18 home runs in Double-A back in 2019. 

Overall, this lineup is vastly improved with Santana and Benintendi while the reliable long-time Royals like Merrifield, Soler, Dozier and Perez remain threats throughout.  It’s not exactly the Dodgers lineup with superstars all over, but it’s definitely not an obvious bottom-feeder type lineup either.  I expect this team to score plenty of runs and, if the pitching can hold up, win a lot of games as well.  I’m going to gives this lineup a B.

Rotation

1.       Brad Keller

2.       Danny Duffy

3.       Brady Singer

4.       Mike Minor

5.       Kris Bubic

Ervin Santana (Minors)

Kris Bubic

Looking at the rotation, Brad Keller has an elite slider and other solid pitches to keep contact pathetic throughout the season.  He doesn’t have big strikeout numbers but doesn’t give up many hits and in more than 54 innings in 2020 gave up just 2 home runs.  Left-hander Danny Duffy is another World Series Royal still in this rotation and had a decent but not great 2020 with a 4-4 record and 9.1 strikeout rate.  He still has a solid slider and should be looking to give it his all in 2021 as he will be a free agent after the season.  Brady Singer is a first-round pick who has a fantastic sinker that produces a lot of groundballs. He’ll be looking for his breakout year in 2021 after starting 12 games in 2020 with a respectable 4.06 ERA. 

Then there’s Mike Minor, who if nothing else, should be able to eat up around 200 innings for the Royals and keep them in plenty of games.  He was an All Star in 2019 and had a 2.55 ERA for Kansas City in 2017.  This is a solid signing for the Royals as a middle of the rotation guy.  Finally, Kris Bubic has some nice stuff with a slow breaking curve, mid-90’s fastball that has increased in velocity since his professional career begun and some killer slow stuff keeping hitters off-balance.  His control is a problem with 22 walks last season in 50 innings, but he was much better in the minors before that and should find more of a comfort zone in 2021 with another year facing big league competition. 

Overall, this rotation if it stays healthy, could be serviceable but probably not too great.  Duffy and Minor, despite some good stuff, are veterans who could get hurt or get lit up at any moment.  Bubic needs to show improvement in his control which is certainly possible but it’s not guaranteed.  Also, other guys I haven’t mentioned like Jake Junis should be able to provide some decent starts, but most of the best looking arms like Asa Lacy and Daniel Lynch are still in the Minors and likely won’t be ready until 2022.  Ervin Santana will also be in camp trying to earn a spot in the rotation or bullpen, but at 38 and not having a good season since 2017, he feels like a long shot.  All that said, I’m going to give this rotation a C-.

Bullpen

• Greg Holland

• Josh Staumont

• Jesse Hahn

• Kyle Zimmer

• Tyler Zuber

• Scott Barlow

• Jake Newberry

• Scott Blewett

• Jake Junis

• Wade Davis

• Richard Lovelady

Here’s a few names we’ll see in the Royals bullpen in 2021.  Greg Holland had a great comeback season in 2020, pounding the zone with a nasty slider and a hard fastball, albeit not as hard as it was in his heyday.  I wouldn’t be surprised if he continues to pitch well in ’21 but at 35 after several so-so seasons, it wouldn’t be a huge shock to see a decline either.  Josh Staumont is a possible set up man or closer if Holland struggles.  He’s got a fastball that creeps close to triple digits along with a plus curve.  Hahn and Barlow are solid veterans out of the pen while guys like Zimmer and Newberry are solid middle relievers.  Zimmer was finally injury free last year and had a 1.57 ERA.  Lovelady hasn’t gotten a full shot to show what he can do yet, but he wowed in the minors.  Overall, the Royals are a team that was known for their amazing bullpen during their playoff runs in 14 and 15 and then in 2020 they were 19-for-20 in Save Opportunities.   Their coaches seem to get the best out of the bullpen and with even more great young arms like Tyler Zuber in there, I expect this to continue.  This bullpen gets a B-.

Overall, I really like the lineup and bullpen for this Royals team going in 2021.  The rotation is the most shaky part of the team.  With a ton of competition in the central – The White Sox and Twins looking amazing with the Indians still solid and Tigers up and coming quick – the Royals won’t be heavily favored to be a playoff team in 2021.  However, with the latest upgrades to the lineup, I do think they will score a lot of runs and win more games than people think.  Overall, this team gets a C+.

2021 Washington Nationals Team Preview (30 Clubs in 30 Days)

Today it’s time to preview the 2021 Washington Nationals.  The Nats were supposed to relish as World Champions in 2020 but instead played in front of zero fans.  Their ring ceremony was virtual.  And they played poor baseball.  Washington finished 26-34, but with Stephen Strasburg returning in 2021, is there hope for a return to form?  The Nats still have Juan Soto, one of baseball’s best along with Trea Turner and other very talented players.  There are also some newcomers to help the team compete in 2021…

Additions

• 1B Josh Bell (Trade/Pirates)

• C Alex Avila (FA/Twins)

• SP Jon Lester (FA/Cubs)

• RP Brad Hand (FA/Indians)

• OF Kyle Schwarber (FA/Cubs)

• RP Jeremy Jeffress (Minors)

• RP T.J. McFarland (Minors)

• 2B Hernan Perez (Minors)

• 1B Ryan Zimmerman (Re-Signed)

• RP Luis Avilan (Minors)

• RP Jefry Rodriguez (Minors)

Alex Avila

Josh Bell was the first major acquisition this offseason and this is a guy who crushed 37 home runs for Pittsburgh as recently as 2019. Unfortunately, he has struggled since the second half of that season.  He has been pounding the ball into the ground and striking out way too much.  The Nats will look for Bell to return to the beast he was during the first half of 2019.  Alex Avila was signed to back up Yan Gomes.  15 year veteran Jon Lester was signed to see if he has another big year left in his arm after showing some decline the last couple years.  An even bigger signing was closer Brad Hand, who is coming off of a fantastic season with Cleveland. 

Kyle Schwarber will be patrolling the outfield after hitting 38 home runs in 2019 but then struggling in 2020 with a .188 average and 11 bombs.  Other than that, Ryan Zimmerman was also re-signed to a one year deal to compete for time at first base with Bell.  He opted out of the 2020 season but will be back for a 16th MLB season, all with the Nationals.  They also picked up a few guys on Minor League Deals including old Nats prospect Jefry Rodriguez, who returns to the system after getting shipped to Cleveland for the 2020 season.

Lineup

1.       Trea Turner SS

2.       Kyle Schwarber LF

3.       Juan Soto RF

4.       Josh Bell 1B

5.       Starlin Castro 2B

6.       Yan Gomes C

7.       Victor Robles CF

8.       Carter Kieboom 3B

Starlin Castro

The speedy and insanely talented Trea Turner will lead things off.  He is an elite basestealer, fantastic hitter with power and plays solid defense.  He had a .982 OPS in 2020 and will be huge for the Nats in ’21.  Kyle Schwarber has 30+ home run power and even with the low .188 average in 2020, he still had an on-base percentage over .300. He knows how to work the walk and will also be an extremely important piece in that lineup.  Juan Soto led all of baseball in multiple offensive categories and is an absolute superstar.  He looks like a modern day Barry Bonds, taking walks when he doesn’t get his pitch and absolutely demolishing the baseball when he does.

Newcomer Josh Bell is another big power bat but has struggled over the past season and a half.  Even if he doesn’t bounce back, he will at least present another home run threat and will provide at least some protection for Soto.  Starlin Castro is a nice player to keep the second base position warm until Luis Garcia is ready to take over the reins.  He is a four-time All Star and actually hit 22 home runs in 2019.  With over 1,600 career hits, he has put himself together an impressive career.  Yan Gomes will be at least an average MLB hitter while providing decent defense and a strong throwing arm. 

Victor Robles has a great glove and excellent speed, but his offensive numbers aren’t pretty.  He struck out 53 times in 2020 with just 9 walks in 189 plate appearances.  He had just 3 home runs to show for that performance.  He’ll have to be better in 2021.  Finally, Carter Kieboom needs to prove that he’s not a AAAA player after a so-so at best big league performance so far.  He has the potential but thus far has hit .181 with just 2 home runs in 138 at bats.  Overall, this lineup has serious threats at the top but fades away quickly.  Unless Kieboom steps it up and Robles figures out the holes in his swing, this lineup won’t be too intimidating.  Of course, any lineup that kicks off with Turner, Schwarber, Soto and Bell is definitely not too bad.  I’m going to give the 2021 Nationals lineup a B-.

Bench

• C Alex Avila

• 1B Ryan Zimmerman

• IF Luis Garcia

• IF/OF Josh Harrison

• OF Yadiel Hernandez

• OF Andrew Stevenson

Andrew Stevenson has annihilated the ball against righties for the past two seasons and should get plenty of starts and pinch hit opportunities.  He doesn’t have a ton of power or speed but can play strong defense and after hitting .366 for the past two seasons should have a place on the team in ’21.  Ryan Zimmerman is always a power threat and a Nationals legend who will still be in uniform in ’21 as a valuable veteran presence.  As mentioned, Luis Garcia is a talented and quick youngster with great bat speed and power potential.  Josh Harrison is normally known as a fast and defensively able backup but at 33, he may be slowing down. 

Rotation

1.       Max Scherzer

2.       Patrick Corbin

3.       Stephen Strasburg

4.       Jon Lester

5.       Erick Fedde

Joe Ross

Patrick Corbin

The rotation looks pretty intimidating with Scherzer/Corbin/Strasburg at the top only then followed by Jon Lester in the 4 slot.  Scherzer had a down-year in 2020 but maintained his swinging-strike rate and had other impressive peripherals as well.  All this indicates a bounce-back year in 2021.  Patrick Corbin’s stuff was also more hittable than usual last season as he finished 2-7 with a 4.66 ERA.  He needs to improve his fastball command for his other pitches to be effective.  Strasburg will hopefully be Strasburg after missing most of 2020 to carpal tunnel syndrome.  Most experts tend to believe he will come back strong and be just fine. 

After that, Lester is a solid but super-veteran arm that many believe is completely washed up.  Still, as a 4th starter, you can’t complain.  Finally, Erick Fedde could be the final arm.  He doesn’t miss enough bats and struggles with command.  He strikeout rate in 2020 was only 5 and he gave up 10 home runs in 50 innings.  Joe Ross will get a chance to crack the rotation as well after opting out of 2020.  He is a sinkerballer who won’t blow anybody away, but relies on weak contact.  Despite all the big names in this rotation, there are too many question marks to consider it a strength going into 2021.  You can’t expect great things from Lester and Strasburg is coming off an injury while Corbin and Scherzer struggled in 2020.  Still, you have to respect the names and abilities at the top of the rotation.  I’ll give it a C.

Bullpen

• Daniel Hudson

• Tanner Rainey

• Will Harris

• Brad Hand

• Wander Suero

• Jeremy Jeffress

• Kyle Finnegan

• Ryne Harper

• Kyle McGowin

• Ben Braymer

• Paolo Espino

• Rogelio Armenteros

This bullpen features multiple options for closer.  The favorite, even after the Brad Hand signing, might be Tanner Rainey, who showed great control last year with an insane 42.7 strikeout rate.  Daniel Hudson lost some sharpness on his stuff, especially the slider, and gave up more loud contact than normal in 2020.  His strikeout rate was still strong but he had a 6.1 ERA.  This was why the Brad Hand signing was so important.  Hand gave up just 13 hits in 22 innings with a 2.05 ERA and 29 strikeouts.  Will Harris will also be back.  He throws a super curveball along with a low 90’s cutter.  He continued to pitch well in 2020 after being a major part of the Astros bullpen.  Wander Suero also has a solid cutter and spin rate that makes him hard to barrel up.  Kyle Finnegan is a young reliever who showed great promise in 2020 as well.  There are also some solid arms on minor league deals like Jeremy Jeffress who should be given every chance to crack the Opening Day Roster.  Even beyond that, there are solid names here like Ryne Harper and Kyle McGowin who both showed nasty stuff in 2020.  Although the Nats recently have been criticized for their terrible bullpens, even during their 2019 championship run, this bullpen could be the strongest area of the team going into 2021.  I’m going to give it a B.

So, that does it for the Nationals in 2021.  Overall, this is a team with a lot of talent but clearly a few holes as well.  The lineup fizzes out and the rotation has a lot of question marks.  Still, the bullpen looks strong and this team has enough talent to make a run again in ’21 if everything falls into place like it did in 2019.  I’m going to give this team as an overall club a B-.