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Batavia Muckdogs: The leagues biggest under achievers believe in addition by subtraction
In 2014, the Muckdogs broke a four-year playoff drought by winning 99 games and finishing 1st in the Bock. In 2015, with a loaded roster, they were expected to build on that success. However, they instead lead the league in dysfunction, including a -7 Pythagorean record. Expected to go 93-71, which would have won the Bock by three games, they went 86-78 to finish one game behind Washington and Baltimore for the Wild Card game.
The off-season hasn't been too kind to them either. The Muckdogs had seven players test the Free-Agent waters including key pieces JR Lowe, Todd Robideau and Diego Flores. That trio combined for 60 of their teams 163 homeruns. In response? The Muckdogs have yet to sign a player to a major league deal in Free-Agency.
However, it's not all doom and gloom as the initial 2016 BNN Preseason Predictions actually have the Muckdogs winning the division with a 93-69 record. The team still boasts a top rotation lead by Jamie Combs (2.39 ERA, .88 WHIP, 215 K, 17 BB) and a bullpen that despite a shaky year features a 5+ deep group that can rival any IL team. Losing the trio of hitters will hurt but the Muckdogs appear to have the depth to keep the lineup hitting.
Let's just hope they have a little more luck this year.
Around The Horn (5-Star Rankings):
Offense: 3.5
Defense: 4
Starting Rotation: 3.5
Bullpen: 5
Keep on eye on:
SP TJ Elkind
The 22-year-old right hander went 10-5 with a 4.02 ERA in 19 starts for the Muckdogs. In 2016, with a season under his belt the team has expectations. Fitting the Batavia mold Elkind boasts great control and will avoid a lot of free passes. For the Muckdogs to reach the post-season, Elkind might have to pitch well enough that he's playing in it.
Morgantown Mohawks: The defending champions are still trying to negotiate with a legend
In the sports community, "yeah, when the Mohawks win the Brewmaster's" was on the level of "yeah, when pigs fly"...until now.
The 2015 surprise champions were one of the most amazing stories in BLB history. From 1984-2014, two .500 seasons, one winning season and zero playoff appearances. In the tradition of Los Lunas, Washington and Carolina, Morgantown won the Brewmaster's during their first playoff run.
This off-season was headlined by the departure of CL Shinji Yamashita. Still unsigned in his quest for a big pay day, Yamashita is the Mohawks all-time leader in numerous pitching categories. While the team continues to negotiate with the 34-year-old closer, rumors are swirling he is in discussions with at least two other BLB teams.
Returning to the team is the rotation that finished 2nd in the IL in ERA and a lineup that finished 1st in batting average as well as stolen bases. What makes this group unique compared to other contenders is their balance across the board. Last season the Mohawks top seven hitters had a WAR of 2.9-4.1. Their top four starting pitchers, 2.5-4.3. No huge outliers. Just good, solid players in almost every position.
Now with a target on their back, let's see how they respond.
Around The Horn (5-Star Rankings):
Offense: 3.5
Defense: 3.5
Starting Rotation: 3.5
Bullpen: 3.5
Keep on eye on:
SP Dave Baldwin
Last year the 22-year-old right hander was boasting a 2.27 ERA and 1.10 WHIP before a season ending bicep injury with two months to play. This season he is slotted at #2 in the rotation and the team has big expectations for the former 14th overall pick in 2014. If Baldwin can stay healthy, he might find himself as the ace of the staff in the next playoff run.
Windy City Blues: New players and a new look - Can the Blues be this years Wildcats?
The Playboys are no more. Welcome to year one of the Blues.
What else is new? Nine new Free-Agents (so far). The list is highlighted by sluggers Dave Slack, Travis Anthony and Jimmy Nash. All imported from other IL teams, the trio is expected to help boost a lineup that finished dead last in the BLB in runs scored.
Slack raised a few eyebrows when he signed a seven year $84M deal. The 30-year-old has career .790 OPS. Not bad but a bit of a risk with that length of a deal. The Anthony deal was also a headliner because of the money, five years $65M. The 29-year-old has a similar career OPS of .773. Nash however signed a bit on the cheap, five years at $25M. His OPS is almost identical at .798. However, when you consider Windy City had just ONE player (36-year-old Victor Robles) with an OPS at the level of these three, the Blues were desperate.
The bigger hope lies in the farm system though, not in Free-Agent spending. The Blues boast the 5th best farm system with their five top prospects being pitchers. The name might be different but the Windy City tradition of a dominant pitching club could be making a return here soon. Real soon.
Around The Horn (5-Star Rankings):
Offense: 3.5
Defense: 3
Starting Rotation: 3.5
Bullpen: 1.5
Keep on eye on:
OF Bereket "Magic" Asiku
In his debut year, "Magic" hit .302 as a 22-year-old in 77 games. In 2016, the Blues are expecting a big season. With proven .300 ability and lightning speed on the base paths, he is expected to be the leadoff hitter in Windy City for the next decade. Known for his intelligence, work ethic and durability, that goal doesn't seem so lofty.
Carolina Tobs: Ticking time bomb: Has Ledbetter had enough?
Outfielder Ian Ledbetter was a 2nd round pick by the Tobs in 2004, part of a major rebuilding effort. After making his debut in 2008, the Tobs were a contender for the next seven seasons, finishing 1st or 2nd every year and taking home the 2011 Brewmaster's on a club that won 112 games. In 2015, it was a much different story. The Tobs dropped to a 65 win team, their worst finish in 10 years.
Don't blame it on Ledbetter, however. Without a lot of protection around him and a season a complete loss, Ledbetter mashed. His .915 OPS and 5.8 WAR were career highs. The 32-year-old continues to hit but with season expectations very low, will he demand a trade? The switch-hitter is due $13.5M each of the next two seasons and rumors are swirling that teams are interested.
This franchise is likely headed to a similar rebuilding effort which started in 2004, Ledbetter's draft class. It remains to be seen if Ledbetter will stick around for another such effort.
Around The Horn (5-Star Rankings):
Offense: 2
Defense: 1.5
Starting Rotation: 2
Bullpen: 1
Keep on eye on:
C CJ Cooper
One of the few young bright spots is catcher CJ Cooper. The 24th overall pick in 2013 is arguably the most valuable asset on the 2016 Tobs roster. He struggled in his rookie year to a .228 average and .620 OPS but scouts have high expectations for the former #17 overall prospect.
BOCK PREDICTIONS
1. Batavia (92-70)
2. Morgantown (89-73)
3. Windy City (74-88)
4. Carolina (45-115)
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