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Griever20 · 11-30-2018, 05:49 AM

Texas Breaks Camp Without Injuries, With Shooting Star Lewis
stadiumreport.bbn

March 27th, 2019

A rather eventless Spring Training ended for Joe Girardi and the Rangers, and here is your Texas roster update and overview. ENJOY!

Your 2019 Texas Rangers:

Starting Pitching:

RHSP Clayton Blackburn(26, 2*, $545k) 4-1 4.81 10GS 58IP 35K 0.1WAR // 4-1 4.81 10GS 58IP 35K 0.1WAR (career)
Once a 16th round selection in 2011 by the Giants, Blackburn was acquired in 2017 as a prospect. At 26-years of age, the right-hander neer really impressed in the Rangers org, posting ERA's of 4 and above in AAA, but has to eat innings now with everybody else gone. Ceiling: AAAA guy.

RHSP Tom Eshelman(24, 1.5/2.5*, $545k) 7-12 4.82 92K 27GS 134.1IP 1.8WAR(AAA) // DNP (career)
A 2nd round pick way back in 2015, Eschelman eventually came over as a Rule V draftee this offseason and could be a decent pickup. The 24-year old is a control artist that loves to paint the corners and had a great 2017 in AAA, posting a 2.23ERA in 18 starts. His 2018 was not quite that good, but there is at least some potential for a mid-four ERA.

RHSP David Paulino(25, 2/2.5*, $1M) 9-4 4.17 104K 22GS 116.2IP 2.4WAR (AAA) // 2-1 6.25 36K 9G/7GS 36IP 0.1WAR (career)
Let go by the Astros at the end of last season, the Rangers signed him for $1M this offseason to take a flyer, and he won a spot in the major league roster for not being completely awful in Spring Training. Fastball, curve, slider and changeup are fine, but he needs some more work in the control department.

RHSP Jake J. Thompson(24, 2/3*, $545k) 2-5 5.50 44K 10GS 54IP 0.8WAR (AAA) // DNP (career)
Named the #11 prospect in baseball on opening day. A 4th round selection by Boston in 2017, he was traded to the Rays and then to us over the span of five months, and there is work to do. His control needs some refinement, his curve and change have some upside, but his 93-95mph heater is already looking fine. Easily the highest potential starter on this team.
Ceiling: #2 starter, possibly #1B

RHSP Tyler Wagner(28, 2*, $545k) 2-5 5.40 37K 11GS 56.2IP 0.2WAR // 3-7 5.27 49K 17G/14GS 80.1IP 0.5WAR (career)
Probably the worst Rangers opening day starter in recent history. Joe Girardi wanted the most experienced starter on the mound for opening day, but it's safe to say that Wagner is not exactly an ace. Throwing 90-92 with a sinker, a slider and a changeup, he still does not create a lot of groundballs as you would expect... has he has trouble with his control, his movement... basically everything...

Bullpen:

RHRP R.J. Alvarez(27, 2*, $545k) 4-0 4.62 79K 60G 60.1IP 0.2WAR // 4-0 4.62 79K 60G 60.1IP 0.2WAR (career)
AAAA guy that made his MLB debut last year. Alvarez throws a hard sinker, but most of the time he does not know how it breaks if it breaks at all, and where it lands. His slider is top class and his go-to pitch, but control and movement hold him back. Middle-relief guy.

RHRP Tony Barnette(35, 2*, $545k) 0-1 1SV 5.93 24K 24G 30.1IP 0.4WAR // 9-5 3SV 4.20 13K 127G 148.0IP 1.7WAR (career)
One of two 'veterans' in the bullpen, albeit Barnette is a real late bloomer(for good reasons). He had a brilliant AAA campaign last year, 22SV with a 2.72ERA in 43 games, and also showed a couple of years ago that he can pitch at the Major League level, 7-3 2.09 in 60.1IP in 2016... but that was when he was 2 years younger...

RHRP Riley Ferrell(25, 3/4.5*, $545k) 2-0 1SV 3.48 57K 33G 44IP 0.8WAR // 2-0 1SV 3.48 57K 33G 44IP 0.8WAR (career)
Ferrell got his feet wet with Houston last year and provides some strong upside in the bullpen with his mid 90's heater, a very good slider, and movement and control over it. Still some room for growth with his slider, but if things fall the right way, he could be a mainstay in this bullpen for years. Acquired from the Astros for infielder Drew Robinson.

RHRP Keone Kela(25, 4/4.5*, $1.54M) 4-3 2SV 3.03 83K 78G 68.1IP 0.2WAR // 20-10 5SV 3.31 94K 220G 201.1IP 2.0WAR (career)
Going into his fifth season with the team, Kela probably is one of the more experienced bullpen arms with this team, and will battle with Ferrell for one of the setup spots... as Girardi has not made anything official yet. The 12th round selection in 2012 struggled with his control a bit last year which drove his WHIP up considerably, but the fastball/curveball combo he features make him a hell of a pitcher to face.

LHRP Aaron Loup(31, 2*, $1.4M) 3-4 3SV 4.13 55K 79G 69.2IP -0.2WAR // 15-24 9SV 3.50 310K 398G 352.2IP 2.6WAR (career)
Loup has had his ups and downs during his Blue Jays career, but generally speaking has been a solid contributor for them, and we hope to get his 3.50ERA average for the season out of him. A groundball guy, which suits our ballpark, he basically comes without swing and miss stuff these days, but with a wide assortment of pitches. Trade deadline candidate?

RHRP Tony Zych(28, 3*, $545k) 1-0 0SV 6.55 11K 15G 11IP -0.2WAR // 8-3 1SV 3.23 91K 85G 83.2IP 1.1WAR (career)
Signed as a minor league free agent in the middle of June, Zych did not really shine in 15 games at the major league level, but looked decent in spring, posting a 3.48ERA with 10.5K/9 and a low walk rate. A typical fastball/slider pitcher, Zych had some success with the Mariners and could be a nice bullpen piece for this year.

LHRP Alex Claudio(27, 4/4.5*, $4.64M) 1-10 34SV 2.66 55K 69G 67.2IP 2.1WAR // 10-14 45SV 2.66 172K 211G/1GS 230IP 4.5WAR (career)
Easily the best pitcher on the team, Claudio will use his groundball magic once again to close out games for Texas. He does not throw hard at all, but the movement on his sinker and on his changeup is absolutely filthy.. and the ball also always lands where we want it to land. Another candidate for a trade deadline deal if they want to strike big. 2018 AL All-Star.

Catcher:

C Josh Morgan(23, 0.5/2*, $545k) .332/.376/.493 8HR 42RBI 66G 2.2WAR(AA) // DNP (career)
A third-rounder in 2014, Morgan is more of a jack-of-all-trades than a main catcher and there are question marks about his defensive ability and ceiling... but the Rangers will have a reason to put him here. His offensive numbers have been really good in the minors, mainly as a contact guy, but he will skip AAA for now...

C Josh Wieters(32, 2*, $2.9M) .291/.343/.424 10HR 62RBI 124G/120GS 2.8WAR // .256/.317/.413 137HR 551RBIs 1022H 1129G 18.2WAR (career)
The veteran will be the main catcher and is coming off a good season with the Nationals... and him landing in Texas was quite a surprise actually. Also a born leader, he could be a good influence in the clubhouse and should help out Joe Girardi in that regard. 4x All-Star, 2x Gold Glover.

Infield:

1B Bobby Bradley(22, 2.5/3.5*, $545k) .190/.231/.321 3HR 9RBI 23G/21GS -0.6WAR // .190/.231/.321 3HR 9RBI 16H 23G/21GS -0.6WAR (career)
A third rounder by Cleveland in 2014, Bradley is slated to play first base every day here in Texas, and while his MLB numbers in limited time weren't impressive, he did kill it in AA, batting .303/.397/.579 28HR 71RBI in 102 games and won an AA Silver Slugger Award. Projected to become a strong power hitter that will take his walks... and take his strikeouts, he is basically a budget version of Mr. Gallo...

2B Rougned Odor(25, 4/4.5*, $7.5M) .254/.284/.456 32HR 71RBI 20/25SB 151G/150GS 1.5WAR // .248/.286/.447 120HR 343RBI 650H 697G 6.6WAR (career)
One of the guys that are the future in Arlington. Maybe. His 2017 was abysmal, his 2018 was decent, but there are question marks about his offensive numbers, and his defensive skills. Yet, he is in the third year of a 7-year contract until 2023 with the last year being a team option. Odor announced that he wants to run more this year, but if the right offer comes, he could run himself right out of Texas.

3B Joey Gallo(25, 4/4.5*, $560k) .225/.355/.512 42HR 92RBI 15/18SB 157G/153GS 2.8WAR // .213/.338/.505 90HR 187RBI 238H 355G 5.9WAR (career)
Hitting home runs is not the problem here. Getting hits apart from that home runs is the issue. He improved on his batting eye over the last years, and everybody loves a 40 home run guy, but he has yet to sign a long-term deal with Texas and there are rumors that contract talks were aborted because Gallo wasn't happy with the overall $$$ value.

IF Thairo Estrada(23, 2/3*, $545k) .293/.335/.397 3HR 24RBI 4/5SB 48G/45GS 0.8WAR(AAA) // DNP (career)
Out of the Yankees international camp into the minors, and straight onto our 40-man. The 23-year old is a well-rounded defender that should be able to hit for a decent average. Not a brilliant base stealer, and not quite a star caliber player, but a great bench piece that can play second, third and shortstop. May DH against LHP to bring at least one additional right-hander into the lineup.

SS Royce Lewis(19, 1.5/5*, $545k) .289/.342/.385 2HR 37RBI 21/26SB 95G/92GS 1.7WAR(A+) // DNP (career)
"A stupid way to generate excitement around a 90+ loss team," the analysis by a well-known TV expert. Anyways, at 19 years of age, Royce Lewis will start his Rangers and MLB career in the leadoff spot and at shortstop on opening day. A great base stealer, a good defender with very nice hitting skills, and a right-handed hitter, something this team desperately needs. Minnesota traded him away for one free year of Paul Goldschmidt... we will see if that was worth it. #7 prospect in baseball on Opening Day.

Outfield:

LF Willie Calhoun(24, 2/2.5*, $545k) .315/.380/.476 4HR 11RBI 39G/32GS 0.5WAR // .304/.368/.449 5HR 15RBI 52G 48H 0.6WAR (career)
One of four corner outfielders on the roster that are good with the wood, Calhoun is also one of those corner guys that does not defend that well, and that may be why he is expected to be on the bench a lot of times, at least unless McKinney struggles. A good contact bat that can hit 15-20 home runs in a full season, he lacks speed on the bases or defensive skills to become more than a one-dimensional player.

LF Billy McKinney(24, 2.5/3.5*, $545k) .270/.339/.435 11HR 60RBI 115G/113GS 2.1WAR // DNP (career)
A Rule V draftee out of the Yankees org this winter, McKinney genuinely struggled in spring training, batting .167 without any power, but still got onto the opening day roster AND has won the left field job according to the manager. A decent hitter that should hit .260-.270 with a good OBP and a lot of doubles at the MLB level... once developed, he could be one of those quietly effective outfielders that nobody talks about.

CF Julio Pablo Martinez(23, 2.5/3.5*, $545k) .248/.314/.417 7HR 25RBI 3/5SB 80G/80GS 0.9WAR // .248/.314/.417 7HR 25RBI 3/5SB 66H 80G/80GS 0.9WAR (career)
The kid from Cuba played a solid second half at the major league level and showed some decent defense, but not a huge about of production with the bat. Putting up an OPS+ of 92 without much speed, he needs to hit the ball with a little bit more consistency to get to a batting average of .260-.270 to justify his starting gig. Platooning with the guy below.

CF Carlos Tocci(23, 1.5/2.5*, $545k) .357/.419/.393 0HR 3RBI 8G/8GS 0.1WAR // .357/.419/.393 0HR 3RBI 10H 8G/8GS 0.1WAR (career)
The young Venezuelan earned some playing time at the major league level by hitting .309 in AAA through 87 games and should carry over a decent batting average if used against LHP exclusively. While he is a clever baserunner, his running speed is not quite there and he never stole more than 15 bases in a minor league season, so he most likely is left to match his platoon partner, hoping for an empty .280 batting average.

RF Nomar Mazara(23, 4/5*, $850k) .165/.252/.256 3HR 7RBI 34G/34GS -0.7WAR // .249/.315/.404 43HR 172RBI 297H 327G 1.7WAR (career)
'The Big Chill', as his nickname goes, had one 101RBI year in 2017, and a horror year in 2018. 34 horrible games, trying to fight through an injury, and then a season-ending lat strain that put 'Big Chill' into the freezer for the rest of the year. Still, Gerlach puts a lot of trust into him... enough to ink him to a 10y/$120M extension kicking in after this season. Brilliant... or madness. Mazara could hit .300-30-100 if he puts everything together... or, he could be the next big disappointment.

RF/DH Justin Williams(23, 2.5/3*, $545k) .296/.339/.542 31HR 95RBI 127G/126GS 4.1WAR(AAA) // DNP (career)
If Justin Williams is your DH and your backup plan in right if Mazara goes down with injury again... it could be a pretty good one. Not only a power hitter, Williams hit for an average of .290 and above at A+, AA and AAA over the years and while they retained a lot of salary to get him, this could still be a pretty good steal, especially if he is serving as a DH a lot.

Preseason Prediction: 77-85, 3rd in AL West
With Nomar Mazara hitting .306-34-108 with an OPS over .900 predicted...

11-30-2018, 05:49 AM	#5
Griever20 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Dortmund, Germany Posts: 3,373	2019 Opening Day Roster! Texas Breaks Camp Without Injuries, With Shooting Star Lewis stadiumreport.bbn March 27th, 2019 A rather eventless Spring Training ended for Joe Girardi and the Rangers, and here is your Texas roster update and overview. ENJOY! Your 2019 Texas Rangers: Starting Pitching: RHSP Clayton Blackburn(26, 2, $545k) 4-1 4.81 10GS 58IP 35K 0.1WAR // 4-1 4.81 10GS 58IP 35K 0.1WAR (career) Once a 16th round selection in 2011 by the Giants, Blackburn* was acquired in 2017 as a prospect. At 26-years of age, the right-hander neer really impressed in the Rangers org, posting ERA's of 4 and above in AAA, but has to eat innings now with everybody else gone. Ceiling: AAAA guy. RHSP Tom Eshelman(24, 1.5/2.5, $545k) 7-12 4.82 92K 27GS 134.1IP 1.8WAR(AAA) // DNP (career) A 2nd round pick way back in 2015, Eschelman* eventually came over as a Rule V draftee this offseason and could be a decent pickup. The 24-year old is a control artist that loves to paint the corners and had a great 2017 in AAA, posting a 2.23ERA in 18 starts. His 2018 was not quite that good, but there is at least some potential for a mid-four ERA. RHSP David Paulino(25, 2/2.5, $1M) 9-4 4.17 104K 22GS 116.2IP 2.4WAR (AAA) // 2-1 6.25 36K 9G/7GS 36IP 0.1WAR (career) Let go by the Astros* at the end of last season, the Rangers signed him for $1M this offseason to take a flyer, and he won a spot in the major league roster for not being completely awful in Spring Training. Fastball, curve, slider and changeup are fine, but he needs some more work in the control department. RHSP Jake J. Thompson(24, 2/3, $545k) 2-5 5.50 44K 10GS 54IP 0.8WAR (AAA) // DNP (career) Named the #11 prospect in baseball on opening day. A 4th round selection by Boston* in 2017, he was traded to the Rays and then to us over the span of five months, and there is work to do. His control needs some refinement, his curve and change have some upside, but his 93-95mph heater is already looking fine. Easily the highest potential starter on this team. Ceiling: #2 starter, possibly #1B RHSP Tyler Wagner(28, 2, $545k) 2-5 5.40 37K 11GS 56.2IP 0.2WAR // 3-7 5.27 49K 17G/14GS 80.1IP 0.5WAR (career) Probably the worst Rangers* opening day starter in recent history. Joe Girardi wanted the most experienced starter on the mound for opening day, but it's safe to say that Wagner is not exactly an ace. Throwing 90-92 with a sinker, a slider and a changeup, he still does not create a lot of groundballs as you would expect... has he has trouble with his control, his movement... basically everything... Bullpen: RHRP R.J. Alvarez(27, 2, $545k) 4-0 4.62 79K 60G 60.1IP 0.2WAR // 4-0 4.62 79K 60G 60.1IP 0.2WAR (career) AAAA guy that made his MLB debut last year. Alvarez* throws a hard sinker, but most of the time he does not know how it breaks if it breaks at all, and where it lands. His slider is top class and his go-to pitch, but control and movement hold him back. Middle-relief guy. RHRP Tony Barnette(35, 2, $545k) 0-1 1SV 5.93 24K 24G 30.1IP 0.4WAR // 9-5 3SV 4.20 13K 127G 148.0IP 1.7WAR (career) One of two 'veterans' in the bullpen, albeit Barnette* is a real late bloomer(for good reasons). He had a brilliant AAA campaign last year, 22SV with a 2.72ERA in 43 games, and also showed a couple of years ago that he can pitch at the Major League level, 7-3 2.09 in 60.1IP in 2016... but that was when he was 2 years younger... RHRP Riley Ferrell(25, 3/4.5, $545k) 2-0 1SV 3.48 57K 33G 44IP 0.8WAR // 2-0 1SV 3.48 57K 33G 44IP 0.8WAR (career) Ferrell* got his feet wet with Houston last year and provides some strong upside in the bullpen with his mid 90's heater, a very good slider, and movement and control over it. Still some room for growth with his slider, but if things fall the right way, he could be a mainstay in this bullpen for years. Acquired from the Astros for infielder Drew Robinson. RHRP Keone Kela(25, 4/4.5, $1.54M) 4-3 2SV 3.03 83K 78G 68.1IP 0.2WAR // 20-10 5SV 3.31 94K 220G 201.1IP 2.0WAR (career) Going into his fifth season with the team, Kela* probably is one of the more experienced bullpen arms with this team, and will battle with Ferrell for one of the setup spots... as Girardi has not made anything official yet. The 12th round selection in 2012 struggled with his control a bit last year which drove his WHIP up considerably, but the fastball/curveball combo he features make him a hell of a pitcher to face. LHRP Aaron Loup(31, 2, $1.4M) 3-4 3SV 4.13 55K 79G 69.2IP -0.2WAR // 15-24 9SV 3.50 310K 398G 352.2IP 2.6WAR (career) Loup* has had his ups and downs during his Blue Jays career, but generally speaking has been a solid contributor for them, and we hope to get his 3.50ERA average for the season out of him. A groundball guy, which suits our ballpark, he basically comes without swing and miss stuff these days, but with a wide assortment of pitches. Trade deadline candidate? RHRP Tony Zych(28, 3, $545k) 1-0 0SV 6.55 11K 15G 11IP -0.2WAR // 8-3 1SV 3.23 91K 85G 83.2IP 1.1WAR (career) Signed as a minor league free agent in the middle of June, Zych* did not really shine in 15 games at the major league level, but looked decent in spring, posting a 3.48ERA with 10.5K/9 and a low walk rate. A typical fastball/slider pitcher, Zych had some success with the Mariners and could be a nice bullpen piece for this year. LHRP Alex Claudio(27, 4/4.5, $4.64M) 1-10 34SV 2.66 55K 69G 67.2IP 2.1WAR // 10-14 45SV 2.66 172K 211G/1GS 230IP 4.5WAR (career) Easily the best pitcher on the team, Claudio* will use his groundball magic once again to close out games for Texas. He does not throw hard at all, but the movement on his sinker and on his changeup is absolutely filthy.. and the ball also always lands where we want it to land. Another candidate for a trade deadline deal if they want to strike big. 2018 AL All-Star. Catcher: C Josh Morgan(23, 0.5/2, $545k) .332/.376/.493 8HR 42RBI 66G 2.2WAR(AA) // DNP (career) A third-rounder in 2014, Morgan* is more of a jack-of-all-trades than a main catcher and there are question marks about his defensive ability and ceiling... but the Rangers will have a reason to put him here. His offensive numbers have been really good in the minors, mainly as a contact guy, but he will skip AAA for now... C Josh Wieters(32, 2, $2.9M) .291/.343/.424 10HR 62RBI 124G/120GS 2.8WAR // .256/.317/.413 137HR 551RBIs 1022H 1129G 18.2WAR (career) The veteran will be the main catcher and is coming off a good season with the Nationals... and him landing in Texas* was quite a surprise actually. Also a born leader, he could be a good influence in the clubhouse and should help out Joe Girardi in that regard. 4x All-Star, 2x Gold Glover. Infield: 1B Bobby Bradley(22, 2.5/3.5, $545k) .190/.231/.321 3HR 9RBI 23G/21GS -0.6WAR // .190/.231/.321 3HR 9RBI 16H 23G/21GS -0.6WAR (career) A third rounder by Cleveland* in 2014, Bradley is slated to play first base every day here in Texas, and while his MLB numbers in limited time weren't impressive, he did kill it in AA, batting .303/.397/.579 28HR 71RBI in 102 games and won an AA Silver Slugger Award. Projected to become a strong power hitter that will take his walks... and take his strikeouts, he is basically a budget version of Mr. Gallo... 2B Rougned Odor(25, 4/4.5, $7.5M) .254/.284/.456 32HR 71RBI 20/25SB 151G/150GS 1.5WAR // .248/.286/.447 120HR 343RBI 650H 697G 6.6WAR (career) One of the guys that are the future in Arlington. Maybe. His 2017 was abysmal, his 2018 was decent, but there are question marks about his offensive numbers, and his defensive skills. Yet, he is in the third year of a 7-year contract until 2023 with the last year being a team option. Odor* announced that he wants to run more this year, but if the right offer comes, he could run himself right out of Texas. 3B Joey Gallo(25, 4/4.5, $560k) .225/.355/.512 42HR 92RBI 15/18SB 157G/153GS 2.8WAR // .213/.338/.505 90HR 187RBI 238H 355G 5.9WAR (career) Hitting home runs is not the problem here. Getting hits apart from that home runs is the issue. He improved on his batting eye over the last years, and everybody loves a 40 home run guy, but he has yet to sign a long-term deal with Texas* and there are rumors that contract talks were aborted because Gallo wasn't happy with the overall $$$ value. IF Thairo Estrada(23, 2/3, $545k) .293/.335/.397 3HR 24RBI 4/5SB 48G/45GS 0.8WAR(AAA) // DNP (career) Out of the Yankees* international camp into the minors, and straight onto our 40-man. The 23-year old is a well-rounded defender that should be able to hit for a decent average. Not a brilliant base stealer, and not quite a star caliber player, but a great bench piece that can play second, third and shortstop. May DH against LHP to bring at least one additional right-hander into the lineup. SS Royce Lewis(19, 1.5/5, $545k) .289/.342/.385 2HR 37RBI 21/26SB 95G/92GS 1.7WAR(A+) // DNP (career) "A stupid way to generate excitement around a 90+ loss team," the analysis by a well-known TV expert. Anyways, at 19 years of age, Royce Lewis* will start his Rangers and MLB career in the leadoff spot and at shortstop on opening day. A great base stealer, a good defender with very nice hitting skills, and a right-handed hitter, something this team desperately needs. Minnesota traded him away for one free year of Paul Goldschmidt... we will see if that was worth it. #7 prospect in baseball on Opening Day. Outfield: LF Willie Calhoun(24, 2/2.5, $545k) .315/.380/.476 4HR 11RBI 39G/32GS 0.5WAR // .304/.368/.449 5HR 15RBI 52G 48H 0.6WAR (career) One of four corner outfielders on the roster that are good with the wood, Calhoun* is also one of those corner guys that does not defend that well, and that may be why he is expected to be on the bench a lot of times, at least unless McKinney struggles. A good contact bat that can hit 15-20 home runs in a full season, he lacks speed on the bases or defensive skills to become more than a one-dimensional player. LF Billy McKinney(24, 2.5/3.5, $545k) .270/.339/.435 11HR 60RBI 115G/113GS 2.1WAR // DNP (career) A Rule V draftee out of the Yankees* org this winter, McKinney genuinely struggled in spring training, batting .167 without any power, but still got onto the opening day roster AND has won the left field job according to the manager. A decent hitter that should hit .260-.270 with a good OBP and a lot of doubles at the MLB level... once developed, he could be one of those quietly effective outfielders that nobody talks about. CF Julio Pablo Martinez(23, 2.5/3.5, $545k) .248/.314/.417 7HR 25RBI 3/5SB 80G/80GS 0.9WAR // .248/.314/.417 7HR 25RBI 3/5SB 66H 80G/80GS 0.9WAR (career) The kid from Cuba played a solid second half at the major league level and showed some decent defense, but not a huge about of production with the bat. Putting up an OPS+ of 92 without much speed, he needs to hit the ball with a little bit more consistency to get to a batting average of .260-.270 to justify his starting gig. Platooning with the guy below. CF Carlos Tocci(23, 1.5/2.5, $545k) .357/.419/.393 0HR 3RBI 8G/8GS 0.1WAR // .357/.419/.393 0HR 3RBI 10H 8G/8GS 0.1WAR (career) The young Venezuelan earned some playing time at the major league level by hitting .309 in AAA through 87 games and should carry over a decent batting average if used against LHP exclusively. While he is a clever baserunner, his running speed is not quite there and he never stole more than 15 bases in a minor league season, so he most likely is left to match his platoon partner, hoping for an empty .280 batting average. RF Nomar Mazara(23, 4/5, $850k) .165/.252/.256 3HR 7RBI 34G/34GS -0.7WAR // .249/.315/.404 43HR 172RBI 297H 327G 1.7WAR (career) 'The Big Chill', as his nickname goes, had one 101RBI year in 2017, and a horror year in 2018. 34 horrible games, trying to fight through an injury, and then a season-ending lat strain that put 'Big Chill' into the freezer for the rest of the year. Still, Gerlach puts a lot of trust into him... enough to ink him to a 10y/$120M extension kicking in after this season. Brilliant... or madness. Mazara* could hit .300-30-100 if he puts everything together... or, he could be the next big disappointment. RF/DH Justin Williams(23, 2.5/3, $545k) .296/.339/.542 31HR 95RBI 127G/126GS 4.1WAR(AAA) // DNP (career) If Justin Williams* is your DH and your backup plan in right if Mazara goes down with injury again... it could be a pretty good one. Not only a power hitter, Williams hit for an average of .290 and above at A+, AA and AAA over the years and while they retained a lot of salary to get him, this could still be a pretty good steal, especially if he is serving as a DH a lot. Preseason Prediction: 77-85, 3rd in AL West With Nomar Mazara* hitting .306-34-108 with an OPS over .900 predicted...* __________________ MLB 2012 - Mariner Madness(in 2014/15 offseason!) MLB 2019 - Texas Rangers - A Challenge Mode Dynasty(died together with old PC) MLB 2015 - Being the Brewmaster(manger missing) MLB 2013: The Blue Jays That Never Were(concluded) MLB 2014 I waited till Kevin Towers got fired dynasty!(concluded)