Ranked by last Calendar Year
Sorted by WilAverage.
vRHP
Schoop - BAL
Miller - TB
Walker - NYM
Coghlan - CHI(n)
vLHP
Monday, May 23, 2016
Saturday, March 5, 2016
3B Research
Danny Valencia -
Profile: He's no doubt a journeyman, but Valencia has hung around despite some character questions because he has one very definite skill; he absolutely mashes lefties. Valencia is no great shakes at third base defensively, but has diversified his portfolio in recent years which has seen him play as many as five defensive positions last year -- not including also designated hitter -- as he had a bit of a resurgence with the Blue Jays and A's last year. Valencia hit .290/.345/.519 overall, though surprisingly he was better against righties (.881 OPS) than lefties (.834). That doesn't ring true for his career (.664/.862), but a late-career resurgence isn't out of the question. Going on 32, he's starting to get to the point of his career where he's getting a bit expensive as he gets close to free agency. If he can keep hitting righties, teams won't mind. (Brandon Warne)
The Quick Opinion: Third base depth is always in question, and Valencia was darn good in 105 games last year across the board. His versatility helps, but he'll need to keep mashing righties to have mixed league relevance moving forward.
Evan Longoria -
Profile: Longoria, once reliable for excellent seasons with both the bat and the glove, has now posted two seasons well beneath that level in both facets of the game. Trading a seven win Longo for a four win Longo is a tough exchange, but now -- entering his age-30 season -- could very well be the harbinger of his steady decline in the years to come. His isolated slugging percentage and (likely as a result) his walk rate have been creeping downward since their peaks in 2011. And until his can hit the ball with authority again, pitchers will not be giving him as many walks. That being said, a four-win Longo is still the envy of a many a team. His contract won't hit $15 million until 2020, and his two-year lull in offense may be attributable to lingering injury issues. And while the metrics may not have glistened for Longo, results from Tom Tango's Fan Scouting Report (67 overall rating) suggest Longoria is still one of the best defenders at his position. Is he a first or second round fantasy pick? No. But he could be a prudent bet at a position that hit that basically put up league average offense as a group in 2015.
The Quick Opinion: Longoria's best days may be behind him at this point. And while his defense is still solid enough to keep him at third base, it is appearing more likely than ever that his offensive numbers have lowered to a new normal. If his power comes back, which is unlikely, he could have a decent resurgence, but it's hard to bet on a 30-year-old veteran suddenly recovering his 25-year-old swing.
Justin Turner -
Profile: Justin Turner’s hulk-like transformation from utility infielder into one of the top-hitting National League third basemen was one of the better stories of 2015, even if many owners will come to draft day unconvinced that the 31-year-old can replicate the production. To review, his 16 homers more than doubled his career total, his 141 weighted runs created-plus was tops among all NL third basemen with at least 400 plate appearances, and he clearly loves being a Dodger, as he’s now slashed .314/.384/.492 over two seasons (761 plate appearances). How did he do it? Strike zone recognition is a big reason: his share of 2-0 counts soared, he attacked pitches in the zone more frequently, and yet he didn’t sacrifice his walk rate, which stayed above the 8% mark for the second straight year. Meanwhile, his batted ball profile completely changed last year, with ground balls replaced by line drives at an eye-popping 27.7% clip. The production waned a bit in the second half, when Turner missed time for a skin infection and a left knee injury that would eventually require offseason surgery. He’s no lock to exceed 15 home runs after posting a career-best home run rate on fly balls despite miniscule improvement in his average batted ball distance, but the circumstances that paved the way for his breakout — sharing the middle of the order with Adrian Gonzalez and a career .880 on-base plus slugging percentage at Dodger Stadium — will remain the same for 2016. At his age, Turner is probably not going to improve, but even if his productivity trails off a bit in 2016, he’ll still provide enough value to make him a sneaky mid-round pick after the top third basemen are off the board.
The Quick Opinion: More than a few owners will be skeptical that Justin Turner can replicate the near-all-star form that marked his breakout season last year, but he is clearly evolving at the plate and figures to be a key part of a padded Dodgers lineup in 2016. Draft him as a mid-level third baseman after the top hot-cornermen are off the board.
2016 Projections
Profile: He's no doubt a journeyman, but Valencia has hung around despite some character questions because he has one very definite skill; he absolutely mashes lefties. Valencia is no great shakes at third base defensively, but has diversified his portfolio in recent years which has seen him play as many as five defensive positions last year -- not including also designated hitter -- as he had a bit of a resurgence with the Blue Jays and A's last year. Valencia hit .290/.345/.519 overall, though surprisingly he was better against righties (.881 OPS) than lefties (.834). That doesn't ring true for his career (.664/.862), but a late-career resurgence isn't out of the question. Going on 32, he's starting to get to the point of his career where he's getting a bit expensive as he gets close to free agency. If he can keep hitting righties, teams won't mind. (Brandon Warne)
The Quick Opinion: Third base depth is always in question, and Valencia was darn good in 105 games last year across the board. His versatility helps, but he'll need to keep mashing righties to have mixed league relevance moving forward.
Evan Longoria -
Profile: Longoria, once reliable for excellent seasons with both the bat and the glove, has now posted two seasons well beneath that level in both facets of the game. Trading a seven win Longo for a four win Longo is a tough exchange, but now -- entering his age-30 season -- could very well be the harbinger of his steady decline in the years to come. His isolated slugging percentage and (likely as a result) his walk rate have been creeping downward since their peaks in 2011. And until his can hit the ball with authority again, pitchers will not be giving him as many walks. That being said, a four-win Longo is still the envy of a many a team. His contract won't hit $15 million until 2020, and his two-year lull in offense may be attributable to lingering injury issues. And while the metrics may not have glistened for Longo, results from Tom Tango's Fan Scouting Report (67 overall rating) suggest Longoria is still one of the best defenders at his position. Is he a first or second round fantasy pick? No. But he could be a prudent bet at a position that hit that basically put up league average offense as a group in 2015.
The Quick Opinion: Longoria's best days may be behind him at this point. And while his defense is still solid enough to keep him at third base, it is appearing more likely than ever that his offensive numbers have lowered to a new normal. If his power comes back, which is unlikely, he could have a decent resurgence, but it's hard to bet on a 30-year-old veteran suddenly recovering his 25-year-old swing.
Justin Turner -
Profile: Justin Turner’s hulk-like transformation from utility infielder into one of the top-hitting National League third basemen was one of the better stories of 2015, even if many owners will come to draft day unconvinced that the 31-year-old can replicate the production. To review, his 16 homers more than doubled his career total, his 141 weighted runs created-plus was tops among all NL third basemen with at least 400 plate appearances, and he clearly loves being a Dodger, as he’s now slashed .314/.384/.492 over two seasons (761 plate appearances). How did he do it? Strike zone recognition is a big reason: his share of 2-0 counts soared, he attacked pitches in the zone more frequently, and yet he didn’t sacrifice his walk rate, which stayed above the 8% mark for the second straight year. Meanwhile, his batted ball profile completely changed last year, with ground balls replaced by line drives at an eye-popping 27.7% clip. The production waned a bit in the second half, when Turner missed time for a skin infection and a left knee injury that would eventually require offseason surgery. He’s no lock to exceed 15 home runs after posting a career-best home run rate on fly balls despite miniscule improvement in his average batted ball distance, but the circumstances that paved the way for his breakout — sharing the middle of the order with Adrian Gonzalez and a career .880 on-base plus slugging percentage at Dodger Stadium — will remain the same for 2016. At his age, Turner is probably not going to improve, but even if his productivity trails off a bit in 2016, he’ll still provide enough value to make him a sneaky mid-round pick after the top third basemen are off the board.
The Quick Opinion: More than a few owners will be skeptical that Justin Turner can replicate the near-all-star form that marked his breakout season last year, but he is clearly evolving at the plate and figures to be a key part of a padded Dodgers lineup in 2016. Draft him as a mid-level third baseman after the top hot-cornermen are off the board.
2016 Projections
Wednesday, March 2, 2016
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
Andrew Benintendi
DOB: 07/06/1994
Height/Weight: 5’10” 185 lbs.
Bats/Throws: L/L
Future Tools: 55 speed, 55 hit, 55 glove, 50+ power Role: 55—above-average regular in center field
Lewis Brinson
DOB: 05/08/1994
Height/Weight: 6’3” 170 lbs.
Bats/Throws: R/R
Future Tools: 70 glove, 60 speed, 60 arm, 55 power Role: 60—First-division center fielder
Friday, February 26, 2016
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
Jesse Winker
DOB: 08/17/1993
Height/Weight: 6’3” 210 lbs.
Bats/Throws: L/L
BP (50) - Future Tools: 65 hit, 50+ power Role: 55—Above-average corner outfielder
Nick Williams
BP - I’ve been the BP high man on Williams since seeing him in spring training 2014, and while I’m almost never right it looks like this visually inhibited squirrel has found his nut. We gave Williams 60-grade hit and run tools and 50-grade power in the Phillies Top 10 list, and that’s a collection of assets that should interest every fantasy player, especially when the player who possesses them will play half of his games in Philadelphia. I am a true believer in Williams’ hit tool and think he’ll routinely challenge for .290 or better in the majors. He’s not a great base-runner despite his speed but he can aim for 15 bags, and he should be able to hit homers in equal measures. Williams will look awful at times, but I’m banking on his natural talent winning out here. He’s a future OF2 and I will own him in every league imaginable.
Monday, February 15, 2016
Outfield Rankings
Lewis Brinson - 20
Austin Meadows - 22
Andrew Benintendi - 30
-
Jesse Winker - 38
Jesse Winker - 38
Nick Williams - 44
Clint Frazier - 44
Victor Robles - 44
Max Kepler - 45
Sunday, February 14, 2016
Book Review - At Dawn We Slept
At Dawn We Slept is a quick 750 pages which breaks the attack on Pearl Harbor into three phases. Part one takes us through the prelude to the attack. Part two takes us through the attack itself. Part three concludes with a deep dive into the trials of both Admiral Kimmel and General Short following the attack.
(Kimmel and Short)
Friday, February 12, 2016
Thursday, February 11, 2016
Ozhaino Albies
DOB: 01/07/1997
Height/Weight: 5’9” 150 lbs.
Bats/Throws: S/R
BP (37) - Future Tools: 70 speed, 60 hit, 55 arm Role: 60—First-division shortstop
Franklin Barreto
DOB: 02/27/1996
Height/Weight: 5’9” 175 lbs.
Bats/Throws: R/R
BP (26) - Future Tools: 60 hit, 60 arm, 50 power Role: 60—First-division shortstop
Brendan Rodgers
DOB: 8/9/1996
Height/Weight: 6’0” 180 lbs
Bats/Throws: R/R
BP (20) - Future Tools: 60 hit, 60 arm, 55 power, 50 run Role: 60—Above-average player
Friday, February 5, 2016
Alex Bregman
Alex Bregman - SS
DOB: 03/30/1994
Height/Weight: 6’0” 180 lbs.
Bats/Throws: R/R
BP (39) - Future Tools: 60 hit, 55 arm, 50+ speed Role: 60—First-division shortstop
Thursday, February 4, 2016
Kyle Gibson
ESPN (Sarris) -
Gibson had a decent season last year, but he's basically a .500 pitcher so far, and even in his best season he was only five percent better than league average. He's proven he can get ground balls -- he's seventh in ground-ball rate among qualified starters the last two seasons -- but to take a step forward, he'll need to strike out more guys. He's got the sixth-worst strikeout rate among qualified pitchers over the same time frame.
Gibson had a decent season last year, but he's basically a .500 pitcher so far, and even in his best season he was only five percent better than league average. He's proven he can get ground balls -- he's seventh in ground-ball rate among qualified starters the last two seasons -- but to take a step forward, he'll need to strike out more guys. He's got the sixth-worst strikeout rate among qualified pitchers over the same time frame.
Nathan Eovaldi
ESPN (Sarris) -
The New York Yankees' right-hander has been around longer than Keuchel had when he made his change, and he has more fastball velocity than Keuchel will ever show. But for all that velocity, Eovaldi has put up mediocre results the last few years, and his ERA has been 8 percent worse than league average for his career.
The New York Yankees' right-hander has been around longer than Keuchel had when he made his change, and he has more fastball velocity than Keuchel will ever show. But for all that velocity, Eovaldi has put up mediocre results the last few years, and his ERA has been 8 percent worse than league average for his career.
Anthony DeSclafani
ESPN (Sarris)
Perhaps none of the other pitchers on our list match up as closely with Keuchel as the Cincinnati Reds' DeSclafani. Always a fastball/slider guy, DeSclafani tried to throw his changeup more in the beginning of 2015. It didn't work that well. In the pitcher's own words, he was "trying to lob it in there," and the reduced arm speed was telegraphing the pitch.
Perhaps none of the other pitchers on our list match up as closely with Keuchel as the Cincinnati Reds' DeSclafani. Always a fastball/slider guy, DeSclafani tried to throw his changeup more in the beginning of 2015. It didn't work that well. In the pitcher's own words, he was "trying to lob it in there," and the reduced arm speed was telegraphing the pitch.
Wednesday, February 3, 2016
Dansby Swanson
DOB: 02/11/1994
Height/Weight: 6’0” 190 lbs.
Bats/Throws: R/R
BP (27) - 60 hit, 60 speed, 55 glove, 55 arm
Matt Wieters
2/3/16 - FG - Podhorzer
I was the most optimistic ranker of Matt Wieters, and his appearance above is precisely why. With math involved, perhaps he doesn’t come in 8th among catchers, but I’m rather confident I’ll remain the most, or one of the most, bullish. The recovery from TJ surgery dragged on longer than expected last year, but that should be over with now and he should be good to go. Even without the injury concerns, many are going to be concerned about the performance — a .155 ISO is his lowest since 2010. But, his 300+ distance was the highest of his career and the first time he even breached the 290 level. Don’t worry about the performance.
RW - Looks like he usually kills LHP but 2015 & 2014 (only 104 AB) he was better against RHP.
I was the most optimistic ranker of Matt Wieters, and his appearance above is precisely why. With math involved, perhaps he doesn’t come in 8th among catchers, but I’m rather confident I’ll remain the most, or one of the most, bullish. The recovery from TJ surgery dragged on longer than expected last year, but that should be over with now and he should be good to go. Even without the injury concerns, many are going to be concerned about the performance — a .155 ISO is his lowest since 2010. But, his 300+ distance was the highest of his career and the first time he even breached the 290 level. Don’t worry about the performance.
RW - Looks like he usually kills LHP but 2015 & 2014 (only 104 AB) he was better against RHP.
Friday, January 29, 2016
Monday, January 25, 2016
Book Review - Empires of the Sea
Empires of the Sea describes the Mediterranean sea battles between the Christian and the Ottomans between 1521 and 1580. The Ottomans, under Suleiman the Magnificent (Suleiman I), used their overwhelming numbers in both men and ships to assert their claim to the eastern Mediterranean. They announced their arrival by sacking Rhodes (Siege of Rhodes).
Rhodes
Wednesday, January 20, 2016
Reading Notes
The Christians kept Malta but lost Cyprus in the Ottoman-Venetian war. How the hell did Venice still control Cyprus in the 1570's? Suleiman had died and Selim II was in charge of the Ottomans at this point. Much like the siege of Rhodes the Ottomans were just too much for the island population (especially when the Holy League AKA Phillip II dragged their feet again) and after 11 months the two sides reached an agreement on surrender. However, unlike the Knights Hospitaller who were allowed to leave under Ottoman protectorate back to Italy, the Venetian leader Marco Antonio Bragadin was not so lucky.
The Ottomans first took the town of Nicosia and followed up with the 11 month siege of Famagusta. Here is a sweet picture of Nicosia:
I can only assume the Battle of Lepanto (in the Gulf of Corinth) is to come which should be good for the Christians.
Me - Hey Bragadin, you became a Martyr and a hero, how do you feel?
Bragadin - Well... Those two weeks with the festering wounds from my cut off ears and nose weren't very sweet. Didn't really enjoy being dragged around the walls of the town with bags of dirt and rocks on my back. Being hoisted up to the yard arm of a Turkish ship and taunted by solders was less than ideal. None of it was as bad as being tied naked to a column in the center of the city and being flayed alive. I hear that I was then drawn and quartered only to be put back together and stuffed. They put me on an ox and marched me around the city. Then they sent me to the Sultan as a trophy. But when they brought me back to Italy almost a decade later I was a hero. Yeah, I guess that makes up for the Venetians not coming to my aid. Totally square guys.
Saturday, January 9, 2016
Reading Notes
1/9/16
The Japanese were obviously successful in their attack on Pearl Harbor but failed in finding the US carriers. Yamamoto felt like a second wave of attacks would have slammed the door on the US but Nagumo felt it was prudent to return home with the entire fleet unharmed. Kimmel felt that Yamamato's plan of a second waive could have debilitated the US oil reserves which were above ground. Alas, the second wave never occurred and I'm pretty sure the US is about to kick some ass at midway.
-
Suleiman is leading the siege of Malta. Unlike the siege of Rhodes, Malta is a much more desolate island which makes siege warfare more difficult. Also, the local Maltese soldiers were bad ass. The Ottoman empire had been basically gaining territory for the past forty years and this was a big little W for the Christians. Finally. Excited to see how this turns out.
Barbarossa was Suleiman's right hand man. After he died the Christians started to gain a little ground. Basically ruled the Mediterranean until his death.
Charles the V gave way to Philip II and although Charles was kind of a G (expept for the inbreeding and weird freak face) it seems like Philip and his new world wealth might get the W. This just happens to be the same Philip that ended up doing the Tango with Elizabeth I and Drake.
16th century Maltese soldier.
The Japanese were obviously successful in their attack on Pearl Harbor but failed in finding the US carriers. Yamamoto felt like a second wave of attacks would have slammed the door on the US but Nagumo felt it was prudent to return home with the entire fleet unharmed. Kimmel felt that Yamamato's plan of a second waive could have debilitated the US oil reserves which were above ground. Alas, the second wave never occurred and I'm pretty sure the US is about to kick some ass at midway.
-
Suleiman is leading the siege of Malta. Unlike the siege of Rhodes, Malta is a much more desolate island which makes siege warfare more difficult. Also, the local Maltese soldiers were bad ass. The Ottoman empire had been basically gaining territory for the past forty years and this was a big little W for the Christians. Finally. Excited to see how this turns out.
Barbarossa was Suleiman's right hand man. After he died the Christians started to gain a little ground. Basically ruled the Mediterranean until his death.
Charles the V gave way to Philip II and although Charles was kind of a G (expept for the inbreeding and weird freak face) it seems like Philip and his new world wealth might get the W. This just happens to be the same Philip that ended up doing the Tango with Elizabeth I and Drake.
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