Post by Minnesota Twins on Apr 2, 2017 8:54:27 GMT -6
This is the 1st edition of our POWER RANKS. Its unofficial and just a collection of thoughts between a few bros. Its mainly to start a discussion. No intention of hurting anyones feelings or ego. Sorry for any grammatical errors, i had to throw it all together last minute and didnt have a chance to proof read. Let me know what you think and good luck everyone!!
1. Detroit Tigers
The Tigers come into the season with a target squarely on their backs. The defending champs look to build on their success from last season with key additions such as 2016 AL MVP winner Mike Trout. Trevor Story could be a huge addition as well, if he can return to his 2016 pre-injury form. Also, they have a deep farm system that has the Tigers primed to contend for years to come. They will come into 2017 ranked number 1 in the preseason power rankings, and look to have a great opportunity to repeat.
Key Players: Kershaw, Trout, Goldschmidt, Altuve, Archer, Darvish, Marte
Wild Cards to watch out for: Mazara, Gray, Story, Rosenthal, Martin, Shoemaker
Projected Finish: 1st in the AL, 1st Round BYE
2. Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers have added a major arm (Sale) and look to dominate the NL with strong pitching. While hes still looking to move David Price after the offseason arm scare, Price could be a valuable piece in the Dodgers run at a championship. Dont discount the Dodgers Potent Offense, led by last seasons Fantasy high scorer at 3B, Arenado, and the Overall Offensive points scorer, Betts, the Dodgers will be one team to fear in 2017
Key Players: Chris Sale, David Price, Cole Hamels, Mookie Betts, Nolan Arenado.
Wild Cards to watch out for: Daniel Norris, Lance McCullers, Trea Turner, Andrew Benintendi, Greg Bird
Projected Finish: 1st in the NL, 1st Round BYE.
3. St. Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals have been a perennial playoff team since Year 1, and look to continue that success in 2017. While they didnt look as strong early in the offseason, through trades and FA pickups, they look as strong as ever to make a run. While injuries have taken an early toll on I. Desmond and the younger D. Dahl, if the Cardinals can rebound and have a solid start avoiding further injuries and sustain the current ones.. Success should be on the horizon. Hitting is solid, Pitching is solid with arguably the best bullpen in the league. One thing to note with the current Cardinals, their team is completely reinvented from top to bottom, hitting and pitching combine. Is this Cardinals team the right combination to finally get into a championship?
Key Players: Buster Posey, Jose Abreu, Brian Dozier, Carlos Correa, Bryce Harper, Jacob Degrom, Julio Teheran, Aroldis Chapman, Andrew Miller
Wild Cards: Jorge Soler, Jose Pereza, Jonathan Villar, Jean Segura, Jameson Taillon, Steven Matz, Archie Bradley, Jon Gray
Projected Finish: 2nd in the NL, 1st NL Wild Card
4. Kansas City Royals
The Royals enter the 2017 ranked 2nd in the AL preseason power rankings. After making a playoff run in 2016, the Royals have added some key contributors that have them in the championship conversation. The acquisitions of proven veterans Ryan Braun and Adrian Beltre solidify a roster which is headlined by young studs Kris Bryant and Xander Bogaerts. Also, adding a veteran with multi-position eligibility like Ben Zobrist could provide huge dividends as the season plays out. The Royals also feature a rebuilt pitching staff headlined by the acquisition of Corey Kluber. They have made strategic trades and free agent additions, which have left them with the financial flexibility to make moves down the stretch for a deep playoff run.
Key Players: Bryant, Braun, Bogaerts, Kluber, Estrada, Diaz, Myers
Wild Cards to watch out for: Wainwright, Kennedy, Mchugh, Beltre, Graveman, Chatwood
Projected Finish: 2nd in the AL, 1st AL Wild Card
5. Minnesota Twins
The Twins are coming off of a disappointing 2016 season, but have made several key additions that have them poised to make a playoff run. The acquisitions such as Yoenis Cespedes, Jake Arrieta, Anthony Rizzo, and Carlos Martinez have vastly upgraded the 2017 roster. The Twins roster, which is headlined by perennial MVP candidate Manny Machado, is a definite contender for most improved. They also have the financial flexibility to add key contributors down the stretch, which could take them on a deep playoff run.
Key Players: Rizzo, Machado, Arrieta, Cespedes, Martinez, Lemahieu, Sanchez
Wild Cards to watch out for: Puig, Bundy, Sano, Hedges, Zimmerman
Projected Finish: 3rd in the AL, 2nd AL Wild Card
6. Arizona Diamondbacks
After a season to forget in 2015, Arizona had a stellar 2016 season and looks to continue that with hopes of improving in 2017. Being led by a Top Notch Pitching staff, Arizona has quite a few young players he will need to perform this year if he wants to return to the playoffs. After some key FA acquisitions and a few big moves to land guys like Corey Seager and Gary Sanchez, only time will tell if Arizona has the endurance to make a deep plauoff run.
Key Players: Max Scherzer, Noah Syndergaard, Dellin Betances, Corey Seager, J.D. Martinez
Wild Cards to watch out for: Gary Sanchez, Robinson Cano, Jake Lamb, Ender Inciarte, Rich Hill, Dallas Keuchal, Ivan Nova
Projected Finish: 3rd in the NL, 2nd NL Wild Card
7. Boston Red Sox
Coming into 2017, the Red Sox look to be much improved from 2016. Highlighting stars such as EE, Daniel Murphy, and Stras, also additions like Tulo have made the Red Sox far more appealing to fans. The Red Sox will need to rely Heavily on Hitting this year if they want a chance at playoffs. We may see this team turn into a seller at the deadline if things get out of hand early.
Key Players: Edwin Encarnation, Daniel Murphy, Eric Hosmer, Stephan Strasburg, Rick Porcello, Troy Tulowitzki, Roberto Osuna
Wild Cards: Mike Moustakas, Alex Bregman, Zach Davies, Carlos Gomez, Junior Guerra, AJ Cole
Projected Finish: 4th in the AL, No Playoffs
8. Toronto Blue Jays
The Blue Jays are the biggest question mark in 2017. With ownership changing TWICE in the offseason leading to 2017, no one is clear on the views or direction of the franchise. While we feel safe with the new ownership, and we have already seen moves made moving in the correct direction, some fear it was already too late and this team will be at the bottom of the AL in 2017. This team has alot of potential, but also has alot of bigger contracts that he may be looking to get rid of this season. The are some bright spots throughout in names like Wilson Contreras, Jon Lester, and Nick Castellanos. Lets just hope that new ownership knows what hes getting himself into.
Key Players: Carlos Santana, Evan Longoria, Justin Upton, Andrew McCutchen, Dustin Pedroia, Justin Turner, Nick Castellanos, Jon Lester, Matt Moore, Seung Hwan Oh
Wild Cards to watch out for: Wilson Contreras, Johnathan Schoop, Max Kepler, Robert Gsellman, Byron Buxton
Projected Finish: 5th in the AL, No Playoffs
9. Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pirates arent quite the favorite in the NL, but they arent bottom of the barrel either. They have a stout offense but lack a bit in pitching. If the Pirates struggle through the first half of the 2017 season, we could see a seller at the deadline. The young phenoms in Dansby Swanson, Kyle Shwarber and Maikel Franco hope to lead the charge... But these guys could also definitely earn a healthy return if he decides to sell. Mad Bum and Johnny Cueto will lead the Pirates depleted pitching staff into the season. The Pirates hope other starters will emerge this season, or it could be a long one.
Key Players: Joey Votto, Jose Bautista, Kyle Shwarber, Madison Bumgarner, Johnny Cueto, Hyun Jin Ryu
Wild Cards to watch out for: Dansby Swanson, Maikel Franco, Joc Pederson, Trevor Bauer, Brandon Finnegan, Lucas Giolito, Jake Thompson
Projected Finish: 4th in the NL, No Playoffs
10. Colorado Rockies
After coming off a season to forget, the Rockies dont seem to be in much better of a state. With new ownership looking in the correct direction, this could be a rough seaaon for Colorado. While there is alot of good youth especially on the Offensive side, Colorados pitching doesnt seem to stack up. Its going to take hopes and prayers and some potential deadline deals if Colorado plans on being in the playoffs. Selling may be in the cards for the 2017 Rockies.
Key Players: Miguel Cabrera, Fransisco Lindor, Julio Urias, Zack Greinke, Craig Kimbrel
Wild Cards to watch out for: Dee Gordon, Blake Swihart, Odubel Herrera, Michael Fulmer, Billy Hamilton, Tim Anderson, Manny Margot, Mike Foltynewicz
Projected Finish: 5th in the NL, No Playoffs
11. Chicago Cubs
After another lackluster year and no playoffs in sight the Cubs GM put every MLB player on the trade block. After freeing up a boatload of cap space and acquiring minor league talent and draft picks theres alot of untapped potential here. The Cubs seem to be making all the right moves and the new ownership is starting to get praise amongst fans. Dont be fooled by the projection, this team has got the potential to be a contender but not quite yet... Cubs need some good trades, breakout players incredile scouting and most importantly time to become relevant again.
Key Players: Addison Russell, Hanley Ramirez, Jose Ramirez, Marcell Ozuna, Yasmany Tomas, Justin Verlander
Wild Cards to watch out for: Javier Baez, Orlando Arcia, Taijuan Walker, Eduardo Rodriguez, Tyler Glasnow, Matt Boyd, Joe Musgrove
Projected Finish: 6th in the NL, No Playoffs
12. New York Yankees
I dont know where to begin with this team. If you thought ownership changes were bad with the blue jays... This team has been a consistent dumpster fire since the original ownership change. With 6 openings on the bench.. And not much promise throughout the lineup.. We could be looking at a team that needs to start ebuilding immediately, but will stubborn ownership do that? Or continue to be a pretender?
Key Players: Freddie Freeman, Rougned Odor, Giancarlo Stanton, Carlos Gonzalez, Josh Donaldson Felix Hernandez
Wild Cards to watch out for: Aledmys Diaz, Joe Ross, Michael Wacha
Projected Finish: 6th in the AL, No Playoffs
Shoutouts to KC and Boston for help with the assessments.
1. Detroit Tigers
The Tigers come into the season with a target squarely on their backs. The defending champs look to build on their success from last season with key additions such as 2016 AL MVP winner Mike Trout. Trevor Story could be a huge addition as well, if he can return to his 2016 pre-injury form. Also, they have a deep farm system that has the Tigers primed to contend for years to come. They will come into 2017 ranked number 1 in the preseason power rankings, and look to have a great opportunity to repeat.
Key Players: Kershaw, Trout, Goldschmidt, Altuve, Archer, Darvish, Marte
Wild Cards to watch out for: Mazara, Gray, Story, Rosenthal, Martin, Shoemaker
Projected Finish: 1st in the AL, 1st Round BYE
2. Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers have added a major arm (Sale) and look to dominate the NL with strong pitching. While hes still looking to move David Price after the offseason arm scare, Price could be a valuable piece in the Dodgers run at a championship. Dont discount the Dodgers Potent Offense, led by last seasons Fantasy high scorer at 3B, Arenado, and the Overall Offensive points scorer, Betts, the Dodgers will be one team to fear in 2017
Key Players: Chris Sale, David Price, Cole Hamels, Mookie Betts, Nolan Arenado.
Wild Cards to watch out for: Daniel Norris, Lance McCullers, Trea Turner, Andrew Benintendi, Greg Bird
Projected Finish: 1st in the NL, 1st Round BYE.
3. St. Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals have been a perennial playoff team since Year 1, and look to continue that success in 2017. While they didnt look as strong early in the offseason, through trades and FA pickups, they look as strong as ever to make a run. While injuries have taken an early toll on I. Desmond and the younger D. Dahl, if the Cardinals can rebound and have a solid start avoiding further injuries and sustain the current ones.. Success should be on the horizon. Hitting is solid, Pitching is solid with arguably the best bullpen in the league. One thing to note with the current Cardinals, their team is completely reinvented from top to bottom, hitting and pitching combine. Is this Cardinals team the right combination to finally get into a championship?
Key Players: Buster Posey, Jose Abreu, Brian Dozier, Carlos Correa, Bryce Harper, Jacob Degrom, Julio Teheran, Aroldis Chapman, Andrew Miller
Wild Cards: Jorge Soler, Jose Pereza, Jonathan Villar, Jean Segura, Jameson Taillon, Steven Matz, Archie Bradley, Jon Gray
Projected Finish: 2nd in the NL, 1st NL Wild Card
4. Kansas City Royals
The Royals enter the 2017 ranked 2nd in the AL preseason power rankings. After making a playoff run in 2016, the Royals have added some key contributors that have them in the championship conversation. The acquisitions of proven veterans Ryan Braun and Adrian Beltre solidify a roster which is headlined by young studs Kris Bryant and Xander Bogaerts. Also, adding a veteran with multi-position eligibility like Ben Zobrist could provide huge dividends as the season plays out. The Royals also feature a rebuilt pitching staff headlined by the acquisition of Corey Kluber. They have made strategic trades and free agent additions, which have left them with the financial flexibility to make moves down the stretch for a deep playoff run.
Key Players: Bryant, Braun, Bogaerts, Kluber, Estrada, Diaz, Myers
Wild Cards to watch out for: Wainwright, Kennedy, Mchugh, Beltre, Graveman, Chatwood
Projected Finish: 2nd in the AL, 1st AL Wild Card
5. Minnesota Twins
The Twins are coming off of a disappointing 2016 season, but have made several key additions that have them poised to make a playoff run. The acquisitions such as Yoenis Cespedes, Jake Arrieta, Anthony Rizzo, and Carlos Martinez have vastly upgraded the 2017 roster. The Twins roster, which is headlined by perennial MVP candidate Manny Machado, is a definite contender for most improved. They also have the financial flexibility to add key contributors down the stretch, which could take them on a deep playoff run.
Key Players: Rizzo, Machado, Arrieta, Cespedes, Martinez, Lemahieu, Sanchez
Wild Cards to watch out for: Puig, Bundy, Sano, Hedges, Zimmerman
Projected Finish: 3rd in the AL, 2nd AL Wild Card
6. Arizona Diamondbacks
After a season to forget in 2015, Arizona had a stellar 2016 season and looks to continue that with hopes of improving in 2017. Being led by a Top Notch Pitching staff, Arizona has quite a few young players he will need to perform this year if he wants to return to the playoffs. After some key FA acquisitions and a few big moves to land guys like Corey Seager and Gary Sanchez, only time will tell if Arizona has the endurance to make a deep plauoff run.
Key Players: Max Scherzer, Noah Syndergaard, Dellin Betances, Corey Seager, J.D. Martinez
Wild Cards to watch out for: Gary Sanchez, Robinson Cano, Jake Lamb, Ender Inciarte, Rich Hill, Dallas Keuchal, Ivan Nova
Projected Finish: 3rd in the NL, 2nd NL Wild Card
7. Boston Red Sox
Coming into 2017, the Red Sox look to be much improved from 2016. Highlighting stars such as EE, Daniel Murphy, and Stras, also additions like Tulo have made the Red Sox far more appealing to fans. The Red Sox will need to rely Heavily on Hitting this year if they want a chance at playoffs. We may see this team turn into a seller at the deadline if things get out of hand early.
Key Players: Edwin Encarnation, Daniel Murphy, Eric Hosmer, Stephan Strasburg, Rick Porcello, Troy Tulowitzki, Roberto Osuna
Wild Cards: Mike Moustakas, Alex Bregman, Zach Davies, Carlos Gomez, Junior Guerra, AJ Cole
Projected Finish: 4th in the AL, No Playoffs
8. Toronto Blue Jays
The Blue Jays are the biggest question mark in 2017. With ownership changing TWICE in the offseason leading to 2017, no one is clear on the views or direction of the franchise. While we feel safe with the new ownership, and we have already seen moves made moving in the correct direction, some fear it was already too late and this team will be at the bottom of the AL in 2017. This team has alot of potential, but also has alot of bigger contracts that he may be looking to get rid of this season. The are some bright spots throughout in names like Wilson Contreras, Jon Lester, and Nick Castellanos. Lets just hope that new ownership knows what hes getting himself into.
Key Players: Carlos Santana, Evan Longoria, Justin Upton, Andrew McCutchen, Dustin Pedroia, Justin Turner, Nick Castellanos, Jon Lester, Matt Moore, Seung Hwan Oh
Wild Cards to watch out for: Wilson Contreras, Johnathan Schoop, Max Kepler, Robert Gsellman, Byron Buxton
Projected Finish: 5th in the AL, No Playoffs
9. Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pirates arent quite the favorite in the NL, but they arent bottom of the barrel either. They have a stout offense but lack a bit in pitching. If the Pirates struggle through the first half of the 2017 season, we could see a seller at the deadline. The young phenoms in Dansby Swanson, Kyle Shwarber and Maikel Franco hope to lead the charge... But these guys could also definitely earn a healthy return if he decides to sell. Mad Bum and Johnny Cueto will lead the Pirates depleted pitching staff into the season. The Pirates hope other starters will emerge this season, or it could be a long one.
Key Players: Joey Votto, Jose Bautista, Kyle Shwarber, Madison Bumgarner, Johnny Cueto, Hyun Jin Ryu
Wild Cards to watch out for: Dansby Swanson, Maikel Franco, Joc Pederson, Trevor Bauer, Brandon Finnegan, Lucas Giolito, Jake Thompson
Projected Finish: 4th in the NL, No Playoffs
10. Colorado Rockies
After coming off a season to forget, the Rockies dont seem to be in much better of a state. With new ownership looking in the correct direction, this could be a rough seaaon for Colorado. While there is alot of good youth especially on the Offensive side, Colorados pitching doesnt seem to stack up. Its going to take hopes and prayers and some potential deadline deals if Colorado plans on being in the playoffs. Selling may be in the cards for the 2017 Rockies.
Key Players: Miguel Cabrera, Fransisco Lindor, Julio Urias, Zack Greinke, Craig Kimbrel
Wild Cards to watch out for: Dee Gordon, Blake Swihart, Odubel Herrera, Michael Fulmer, Billy Hamilton, Tim Anderson, Manny Margot, Mike Foltynewicz
Projected Finish: 5th in the NL, No Playoffs
11. Chicago Cubs
After another lackluster year and no playoffs in sight the Cubs GM put every MLB player on the trade block. After freeing up a boatload of cap space and acquiring minor league talent and draft picks theres alot of untapped potential here. The Cubs seem to be making all the right moves and the new ownership is starting to get praise amongst fans. Dont be fooled by the projection, this team has got the potential to be a contender but not quite yet... Cubs need some good trades, breakout players incredile scouting and most importantly time to become relevant again.
Key Players: Addison Russell, Hanley Ramirez, Jose Ramirez, Marcell Ozuna, Yasmany Tomas, Justin Verlander
Wild Cards to watch out for: Javier Baez, Orlando Arcia, Taijuan Walker, Eduardo Rodriguez, Tyler Glasnow, Matt Boyd, Joe Musgrove
Projected Finish: 6th in the NL, No Playoffs
12. New York Yankees
I dont know where to begin with this team. If you thought ownership changes were bad with the blue jays... This team has been a consistent dumpster fire since the original ownership change. With 6 openings on the bench.. And not much promise throughout the lineup.. We could be looking at a team that needs to start ebuilding immediately, but will stubborn ownership do that? Or continue to be a pretender?
Key Players: Freddie Freeman, Rougned Odor, Giancarlo Stanton, Carlos Gonzalez, Josh Donaldson Felix Hernandez
Wild Cards to watch out for: Aledmys Diaz, Joe Ross, Michael Wacha
Projected Finish: 6th in the AL, No Playoffs
Shoutouts to KC and Boston for help with the assessments.