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OOTPRealTime · 11-26-2013, 05:51 PM

OFF-SEASON OUTLOOKS: NL EAST
November 26, 2013 - MLB.com - By: Matthew Lurch

This is the second of six off-season outlook pieces that will take a look at the past season and a look ahead at who teams will be losing and/or where they will look to get better heading into 2014.

2013 Recap: The Braves and manager Fredi Gonzalez lived up to expectations in 2013 - winning 93 games and taking home the National League East division. Unfortunately, they also confirmed a recent trend of early playoff exits after losing in four games in the NLDS to division rival Washington. Eventual NL MVP Jason Heyward broke through and hit .319 with 35 homers and 106 RBI while young arms Julio Teheran and Kris Medlen led the rotation. The Braves finished 2nd in the National League in runs scored (768), home runs (195) and fourth in both batting average (.265) and on-base percentage (.319). They even kept pace with most of the league in stolen bases with 107. Their starters’ ERA finished at 3.71 (6th) and the bullpen boasted a 2.99 (4th). The defense struggled throughout, posting just a .681 efficiency rating - 12th in the league. 1B Freddie Freeman was arguably better than Heyward all season - hitting just nine points below at .311 but surpassing him in homers (40) and RBI (126). It was Heyward’s .962 OPS and 8.1 WAR that eventually won him the award. Prized off-season pick up Justin Upton hit a disappoiting .246 with 21 homers and 73 RBI. C Brian McCann (22) and 2B Dan Uggla (23) each surpassed the 20 home run mark, giving the Braves five players over that plateau. Closer Craig Kimbrel led the bullpen with 43 saves and a 2.19 ERA, while setup men emerged in Cory Gearrin and Jordan Walden. The Braves combination of hitting the ball out of the park while on offense and keeping it in the park while on defense - allowing just 128 homers - was a winning recipe. They were 21 games over .500 at home (51-30) and managed the 93 wins despite a paltry 2-11 record in extra-inning games. The strong finish in September was key, going 19-8 and winning their last 11 games.

Off-Season Outlook
Free Agents: SP Tim Hudson; MR Paul Maholm; OF Reed Johnson

The loss of veteran pitcher Tim Hudson leaves a void in the rotation - but that will be filled either internally or with a younger option on the free agent market. Other than that, the Braves are poised to repeat as a National League front-runner looking to get over that hump and make it to the World Series in 2014.

2013 Recap: The young, rebuilding Marlins managed to salvage a solid season, winning 77 games and topping both the Phillies and Mets in the NL East standings. So much for a throw-away year. First year manager Mike Remond did a fantastic job gelling some of the young players as the Marlins regroup. The pitching was the key, led by upcoming free agent Ricky Nolasco and his 17 wins with a 2.94 ERA. Henderson Alvarez, who was acquired from the Blue Jays in the blockbuster Reyes-Josh Johnson trade lived up to expectations, winning 11 games and hitting a 3.01 ERA at the age of 23. Super phenom Jose Fernandez adds another young arm to the arsenal adn though he was just 11-10 on the year, he showed signs of dominance - and he is just 21 years old. Add Nathan Eovaldi (23) and Ivan Nova (26) to the list - the rotation is looking up. Offensively, Giancarlo Stanton is the prized possession, hitting .248 with 38 homers and 90 RBI, he joined Justin Ruggiano as the best hitters on the the team. Logan Morrison was inconsistent, but they still have high hopes for him. They played the second-best defense according to their defensive efficiency rating at .703 - and that contributed to a low .289 BABIP. Young closer Steve Cishek struggled and lost his closers role to Mike Dunn - and the bullpen was solid all season long. They still believe in Jacob Turner - whom they acquired from Detroit in the Omar Infante deal two years ago has middle-of-the-rotation upside, despite struggling in the bullpen this year.

Off-Season Outlook
Free Agents: IF Greg Dobbs; 1B Casey Kotchman; OF Austin Kearns; C Miguel Olivo; SP Ricky Nolasco; MR Jon Rauch; MR Chad Qualls; OF Juan Pierre.

Already this off-season they traded traded struggling SP Kevin Slowey to the A’s for Hiroyuki Nakajima to replace the retired Placido Polanco at third base. The loss of Nolasco will hurt - especially since they weren’t able to acquire something for him prior to leaving - but it just doesn’t fit their model for re-building. The rotation will be set with Fernandez-Alvarez-Nova-Eovaldi and Kyle Kendrick for 2014.

2013 Recap: The Mets were just plain awful in 2013. Their 60 wins help illustrate the struggles both offensively and on the mound. They finished ranked in the bottom third of the National League in just about every team offensive category. The upside: Travis D’Arnaud and Matt Harvey. Two pieces that the Mets can build around in their re-building efforts. They fired Terry Collins and hired Don Mattingly to help in the re-build. Mattingly’s struggles as manager in Los Angeles were contributed to the high-priced talent and the Mets think he is better suited working with young, energetic, eager-to-please players in New York. GM Sandy Alderson knows he has his work cut out for him. Let’s face it: the lineup needs a complete overhaul and the bullpen is a mess. However, with Harvey and fellow prospect Zach Wheeler, the Mets have a bonafide 1-2 punch. Much was made of the Mets inability to win close games, going 14-33 in one-run games and 2-14 in extra-inning contests. A shift to the mean there could improve this club by ten wins right there.

Off-Season Outlook
Free Agents: SP Johan Santana; RP LaTroy Hawkins; OF Jack Cust; OF Aubrey Huff; OF Marlon Byrd; SP Shaun Marcum; MR Frank Francisco; MR Brandon Lyon and C John Buck.

This re-build begins with finally parting ways with injured and heftily-paid Johan Santana. He could be a comeback candidate if he is willing to take a major pay cut - but his relationships in New York have been burned to the ground with the way both sides handled the split. The Mets will likely look to add a big arm to the rotation and supplement the lineup with some quality hitters while bolstering their minor league system.

2013 Recap: It’s officially rebuilding time in Philadelphia as well. After winning just 68 games in 2013 - the roster is ready to be turned over and gutted. Surprisingly, heads didn’t roll as GM Ruben Amaro Jr. and manager Charlie Manuel have been retained to see the club through this rough patch. The team finished with just 611 runs scored (13th in NL), .239 batting average (14th), .299 OBP (14th) and 123 homers (t-13th). Clearly, the lineup needs to be overturned. They will build around CF Ben Revere (.283-2-48-50 SB) in the leadoff role. They believe in Darin Ruf at first base and hope that they can find a new home for overpaid, declining Ryan Howard. Dominic Brown will be back with his .245-17-54 line and veteran shortstop Jimmy Rollins will be asked to help mold these young players into winners. The rotation remains strong (for now) with aging lefties Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels leading the way. Both (along with Howard) remain key chips for off-season or deadline deals to contenders during the rebuilding process.

Off-Season Outlook
Free Agents: SP Roy Halladay; 2B Chase Utley; MR Chad Durbin; C Humberto Quintero; OF Laynce Nix; OF Scott Podsednik; OF Delmon Young; C Carlos Ruiz; 3B Michael Young.

Long-time faces of the franchise Halladay, Utley and Young are all going to be in new uniforms next year. Amaro has hinted towards keeping a low profile this off-season and focus on return for some of the quality veterans that they have. However, many teams are priced out on Howard, Lee and even Hamels because of huge contracts.

2013 Recap: After the collapse to the Cardinals in 2012, many Nationals faithful were hoping for a breakout 2013 campaign. And, while 90 wins and an appearance in the National League Championship Series is nothing to sneeze at - anything short of the World Series would be considered a disappointment. A wild-card game win and a 3-1 series win over rival Atlanta was great, but the 4-1 wipe out in the NLCS was tough to swallow. Bryce Harper, Ryan Zimmerman and Jayson Wert each had great seasons and led the offense to a respectable level - but it was the starting pitching that led them. Stephen Strasburg (16-6, 2.51), Gio Gonzalez(9-9, 3.77), Jordan Zimmermann (14-8, 3.45) and Dan Haren (11-13, 2.68) were downright disgusting, leading the rotation to an MLB-best 3.31 combined ERA. The bullpen wasn't far behind with closer Drew Storen (33 saves, 2.28), Rafael Soriano (9 wins, 2.12 ERA) and others contributing to a bullpen combined ERA of 2.93 (3rd in the NL). They well surpassed their attendance record with over 3.4 Million fans through the turnstiles. With most everybody coming back, with the exception of Haren - the Nationals are poised to make another run at a World Series berth.

Off-Season Outlook
Free Agents: SP Dan Haren; SP Ross Detwiler; C Kurt Suzuki; MR Zach Duke; IF Jorge Cantu; SS Bobby Crosby; 1B Chad Tracy.

The Nationals have to replace Haren, who was crazy good last year but can't afford his contract demands of nearly $19 Million/year. They can look to the heavy pitching free agency market to fill his, and Ross Detwiler's rotation spot. Good news is that the lineup is in tact and strong without having to make many moves.

11-26-2013, 05:51 PM	#12
OOTPRealTime Minors (Double A) Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 147	NL East Outlooks OFF-SEASON OUTLOOKS: NL EAST November 26, 2013 - MLB.com - By: Matthew Lurch This is the second of six off-season outlook pieces that will take a look at the past season and a look ahead at who teams will be losing and/or where they will look to get better heading into 2014. 2013 Recap: The Braves and manager Fredi Gonzalez lived up to expectations in 2013 - winning 93 games and taking home the National League East division. Unfortunately, they also confirmed a recent trend of early playoff exits after losing in four games in the NLDS to division rival Washington. Eventual NL MVP Jason Heyward broke through and hit .319 with 35 homers and 106 RBI while young arms Julio Teheran and Kris Medlen led the rotation. The Braves finished 2nd in the National League in runs scored (768), home runs (195) and fourth in both batting average (.265) and on-base percentage (.319). They even kept pace with most of the league in stolen bases with 107. Their starters’ ERA finished at 3.71 (6th) and the bullpen boasted a 2.99 (4th). The defense struggled throughout, posting just a .681 efficiency rating - 12th in the league. 1B Freddie Freeman was arguably better than Heyward all season - hitting just nine points below at .311 but surpassing him in homers (40) and RBI (126). It was Heyward’s .962 OPS and 8.1 WAR that eventually won him the award. Prized off-season pick up Justin Upton hit a disappoiting .246 with 21 homers and 73 RBI. C Brian McCann (22) and 2B Dan Uggla (23) each surpassed the 20 home run mark, giving the Braves five players over that plateau. Closer Craig Kimbrel led the bullpen with 43 saves and a 2.19 ERA, while setup men emerged in Cory Gearrin and Jordan Walden. The Braves combination of hitting the ball out of the park while on offense and keeping it in the park while on defense - allowing just 128 homers - was a winning recipe. They were 21 games over .500 at home (51-30) and managed the 93 wins despite a paltry 2-11 record in extra-inning games. The strong finish in September was key, going 19-8 and winning their last 11 games. Off-Season Outlook Free Agents: SP Tim Hudson; MR Paul Maholm; OF Reed Johnson The loss of veteran pitcher Tim Hudson leaves a void in the rotation - but that will be filled either internally or with a younger option on the free agent market. Other than that, the Braves are poised to repeat as a National League front-runner looking to get over that hump and make it to the World Series in 2014. 2013 Recap: The young, rebuilding Marlins managed to salvage a solid season, winning 77 games and topping both the Phillies and Mets in the NL East standings. So much for a throw-away year. First year manager Mike Remond did a fantastic job gelling some of the young players as the Marlins regroup. The pitching was the key, led by upcoming free agent Ricky Nolasco and his 17 wins with a 2.94 ERA. Henderson Alvarez, who was acquired from the Blue Jays in the blockbuster Reyes-Josh Johnson trade lived up to expectations, winning 11 games and hitting a 3.01 ERA at the age of 23. Super phenom Jose Fernandez adds another young arm to the arsenal adn though he was just 11-10 on the year, he showed signs of dominance - and he is just 21 years old. Add Nathan Eovaldi (23) and Ivan Nova (26) to the list - the rotation is looking up. Offensively, Giancarlo Stanton is the prized possession, hitting .248 with 38 homers and 90 RBI, he joined Justin Ruggiano as the best hitters on the the team. Logan Morrison was inconsistent, but they still have high hopes for him. They played the second-best defense according to their defensive efficiency rating at .703 - and that contributed to a low .289 BABIP. Young closer Steve Cishek struggled and lost his closers role to Mike Dunn - and the bullpen was solid all season long. They still believe in Jacob Turner - whom they acquired from Detroit in the Omar Infante deal two years ago has middle-of-the-rotation upside, despite struggling in the bullpen this year. Off-Season Outlook Free Agents: IF Greg Dobbs; 1B Casey Kotchman; OF Austin Kearns; C Miguel Olivo; SP Ricky Nolasco; MR Jon Rauch; MR Chad Qualls; OF Juan Pierre. Already this off-season they traded traded struggling SP Kevin Slowey to the A’s for Hiroyuki Nakajima to replace the retired Placido Polanco at third base. The loss of Nolasco will hurt - especially since they weren’t able to acquire something for him prior to leaving - but it just doesn’t fit their model for re-building. The rotation will be set with Fernandez-Alvarez-Nova-Eovaldi and Kyle Kendrick for 2014. 2013 Recap: The Mets were just plain awful in 2013. Their 60 wins help illustrate the struggles both offensively and on the mound. They finished ranked in the bottom third of the National League in just about every team offensive category. The upside: Travis D’Arnaud and Matt Harvey. Two pieces that the Mets can build around in their re-building efforts. They fired Terry Collins and hired Don Mattingly to help in the re-build. Mattingly’s struggles as manager in Los Angeles were contributed to the high-priced talent and the Mets think he is better suited working with young, energetic, eager-to-please players in New York. GM Sandy Alderson knows he has his work cut out for him. Let’s face it: the lineup needs a complete overhaul and the bullpen is a mess. However, with Harvey and fellow prospect Zach Wheeler, the Mets have a bonafide 1-2 punch. Much was made of the Mets inability to win close games, going 14-33 in one-run games and 2-14 in extra-inning contests. A shift to the mean there could improve this club by ten wins right there. Off-Season Outlook Free Agents: SP Johan Santana; RP LaTroy Hawkins; OF Jack Cust; OF Aubrey Huff; OF Marlon Byrd; SP Shaun Marcum; MR Frank Francisco; MR Brandon Lyon and C John Buck. This re-build begins with finally parting ways with injured and heftily-paid Johan Santana. He could be a comeback candidate if he is willing to take a major pay cut - but his relationships in New York have been burned to the ground with the way both sides handled the split. The Mets will likely look to add a big arm to the rotation and supplement the lineup with some quality hitters while bolstering their minor league system. 2013 Recap: It’s officially rebuilding time in Philadelphia as well. After winning just 68 games in 2013 - the roster is ready to be turned over and gutted. Surprisingly, heads didn’t roll as GM Ruben Amaro Jr. and manager Charlie Manuel have been retained to see the club through this rough patch. The team finished with just 611 runs scored (13th in NL), .239 batting average (14th), .299 OBP (14th) and 123 homers (t-13th). Clearly, the lineup needs to be overturned. They will build around CF Ben Revere (.283-2-48-50 SB) in the leadoff role. They believe in Darin Ruf at first base and hope that they can find a new home for overpaid, declining Ryan Howard. Dominic Brown will be back with his .245-17-54 line and veteran shortstop Jimmy Rollins will be asked to help mold these young players into winners. The rotation remains strong (for now) with aging lefties Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels leading the way. Both (along with Howard) remain key chips for off-season or deadline deals to contenders during the rebuilding process. Off-Season Outlook Free Agents: SP Roy Halladay; 2B Chase Utley; MR Chad Durbin; C Humberto Quintero; OF Laynce Nix; OF Scott Podsednik; OF Delmon Young; C Carlos Ruiz; 3B Michael Young. Long-time faces of the franchise Halladay, Utley and Young are all going to be in new uniforms next year. Amaro has hinted towards keeping a low profile this off-season and focus on return for some of the quality veterans that they have. However, many teams are priced out on Howard, Lee and even Hamels because of huge contracts. 2013 Recap: After the collapse to the Cardinals in 2012, many Nationals faithful were hoping for a breakout 2013 campaign. And, while 90 wins and an appearance in the National League Championship Series is nothing to sneeze at - anything short of the World Series would be considered a disappointment. A wild-card game win and a 3-1 series win over rival Atlanta was great, but the 4-1 wipe out in the NLCS was tough to swallow. Bryce Harper, Ryan Zimmerman and Jayson Wert each had great seasons and led the offense to a respectable level - but it was the starting pitching that led them. Stephen Strasburg (16-6, 2.51), Gio Gonzalez(9-9, 3.77), Jordan Zimmermann (14-8, 3.45) and Dan Haren (11-13, 2.68) were downright disgusting, leading the rotation to an MLB-best 3.31 combined ERA. The bullpen wasn't far behind with closer Drew Storen (33 saves, 2.28), Rafael Soriano (9 wins, 2.12 ERA) and others contributing to a bullpen combined ERA of 2.93 (3rd in the NL). They well surpassed their attendance record with over 3.4 Million fans through the turnstiles. With most everybody coming back, with the exception of Haren - the Nationals are poised to make another run at a World Series berth. Off-Season Outlook Free Agents: SP Dan Haren; SP Ross Detwiler; C Kurt Suzuki; MR Zach Duke; IF Jorge Cantu; SS Bobby Crosby; 1B Chad Tracy. The Nationals have to replace Haren, who was crazy good last year but can't afford his contract demands of nearly $19 Million/year. They can look to the heavy pitching free agency market to fill his, and Ross Detwiler's rotation spot. Good news is that the lineup is in tact and strong without having to make many moves. Last edited by OOTPRealTime; 11-28-2013 at 07:54 AM. Reason: Added screen grabs for each team.