Let’s talk about other teams for a moment…

[totdprods]

Are there any teams you are particularly interested in seeing how they approach their winters? Any team you expecting to surprise next year?

Milwaukee’s ability to operate with limited means and still maintain levels of success even with some poor moves and luck (Keston Hiura flopping, Jackie Bradley Jr. being subpar, Yelich’s disappointing season) sort of astounds me. Their rotation and bullpen of course mitigate those issues but it’s impressive seeing that org overcome some pretty big misses without really making any big flashy moves.

Toronto has become exceedingly fun and it’s good to see them going for it with the Berrios extension and their aggressive approach in free agency. It’d be refreshing to see Toronto and Tampa more atop the AL East over NYY and Boston. Baltimore has hoarded a decent number of prospects. Will Miami’s young arms pay off this year?

Will Detroit put it together soon? Is San Diego’s competitive window closer to being over than expected? Their farm has taken quite a hit over the years and some of their uber-prospects haven’t really delivered. There’s question marks in virtually every SP they have now, but also massive talent.

How the fuck did San Fran do what they did?

Edited November 22, 2021 by totdprods

[wopphil]

I think a lot of teams are going to spend money this off-season. I expect the Dodgers, Angels, Giants, Rangers, Mariners, Red Sox, Tigers, Mets, and maybe Phillies to all spend somewhat big. It’s going to be an exciting off season.  

[totdprods]

1 minute ago, wopphil said:

I think a lot of teams are going to spend money this off-season. I expect the Dodgers, Angels, Giants, Rangers, Mariners, Red Sox, Tigers, Mets, and maybe Phillies to all spend somewhat big. It’s going to be an exciting off season.  

The amount of young talent the Mariners have and lack of guaranteed contracts, plus a willingness and ability to spend, makes them pretty scary if Dipoto gets the right guys. 

[Revad]

The Padres are interesting and should have an active off-season.

[wopphil]

Just now, totdprods said:

The amount of young talent the Mariners have and lack of guaranteed contracts, plus a willingness and ability to spend, makes them pretty scary if Dipoto gets the right guys. 

Same holds true for the Tigers. They are in a position to sign three of four big names and take a big step forward next year. 

[totdprods]

1 minute ago, wopphil said:

Same holds true for the Tigers. They are in a position to sign three of four big names and take a big step forward next year. 

I really like their rotation potential even before they sign any other arms. They badly need a bullpen though, almost worse than some solid bats. 

Maybe it’s because of ‘05 but I kinda hate the White Sox and want to see them sweat more next year. 

Kansas City feels like they could quietly come out of nowhere like they did in their last championship run too. 

[tdawg87]

I'm just concerned about what the Mariners do. I mean yeah it's Dipoto but they have like 130 million in payroll space. They could add a ton and suddenly they're a legit contender.

[Jason]

19 minutes ago, tdawg87 said:

I'm just concerned about what the Mariners do. I mean yeah it's Dipoto but they have like 130 million in payroll space. They could add a ton and suddenly they're a legit contender.

Yuck

[Angelsfan1984]

45 minutes ago, tdawg87 said:

I'm just concerned about what the Mariners do. I mean yeah it's Dipoto but they have like 130 million in payroll space. They could add a ton and suddenly they're a legit contender.

 

[Docwaukee]

1 hour ago, totdprods said:

Are there any teams you are particularly interested in seeing how they approach their winters? Any team you expecting to surprise next year?

Milwaukee’s ability to operate with limited means and still maintain levels of success even with some poor moves and luck (Keaton Hiura flopping, Jackie Bradley Jr. being subpar, Yelich’s disappointing season) sort of astounds me. Their rotation and bullpen of course mitigate those issues but it’s impressive seeing that org overcome some pretty big misses without really making any big flashy moves.

Toronto has become exceedingly fun and it’s good to see them going for it with the Berrios extension and their aggressive approach in free agency. It’d be refreshing to see Toronto and Tampa more atop the AL East over NYY and Boston. Baltimore has hoarded a decent number of prospects. Will Miami’s young arms pay off this year?

Will Detroit put it together soon? Is San Diego’s competitive window closer to being over than expected? Their farm has taken quite a hit over the years and some of their uber-prospects haven’t really delivered. There’s question marks in virtually every SP they have now, but also massive talent.

How the fuck did San Fran do what they did?

San Fran was the biggest puzzler to me last season.   They got so much out of guys of 33+.  I just can't imagine that happening again and with Posey out I think that's going to have a serious impact on them.  Not to mention they also got a bunch of strong performances in part time duty from randoms with little to no track record who aren't exactly prospects but push or even over 30.  And they've essentially lost most of their rotation.  And their pen era was almost a full run better than their FIP.  So either Zaidi is a genius or they're going to have a major drop off in 2022.  I bet they add some pieces and still end up decent but I could see them with anywhere from 70 to 90 wins next year.  

Seattle has a lot of ground to make up from their unbelievable luck.  But they have some you players that should progress as well as money and a strong but overrated farm system.  With some savvy moves they could end up with wins in the high 80's and even up to 90.  

Boston was another team I felt got a lot out of guys I wouldn't have expected.  And now they've got some key spots to replace.  I could see them taking a step back this year.  

Detroit's offense needs so much work.  And their defense is absolutely brutal.  Makes the Angel's defense look good.  Personally I feel like a bunch of their rotation arms are overrated.  And their pen is a mess.  Not sure they take much of a step in 2022.  

I like Toronto.  Their offense is amazing.  And I really hope they take control of the east but they've got some serious ground to make up with losses of Semian, Ray and Matz.  

 

[Duren, Duren]

Now that Eppler is ensconced with the Mets, expect some trades/acquisitions from the Angels. Major and minor league rosters. He is a year removed, but probably has more insider knowledge about the rosters than any other outside person. 

I don't know enough about the Mets but expect some deals between the clubs.

[Warfarin]

4 hours ago, Dochalo said:

San Fran was the biggest puzzler to me last season.   They got so much out of guys of 33+.  I just can't imagine that happening again and with Posey out I think that's going to have a serious impact on them.  Not to mention they also got a bunch of strong performances in part time duty from randoms with little to no track record who aren't exactly prospects but push or even over 30.  And they've essentially lost most of their rotation.  And their pen era was almost a full run better than their FIP.  So either Zaidi is a genius or they're going to have a major drop off in 2022.  I bet they add some pieces and still end up decent but I could see them with anywhere from 70 to 90 wins next year.  

 

I think Zaidi is a genius, and I suspect the Giants are going to go toe-to-toe with the Dodgers for many years moving forward.  They overachieved, but I think Zaidi will position that team to be a 95+ win team on a year-in, year-out basis.

All it took him was 3 years to do it.  He took over winter in 2018, had two seasons to lay the foundation of what he wants, and turned that team into a juggernaut in 2021, with aging veterans.  They have a ton of payroll space now, a strong farm system, and a very savvy leader.

Maybe this can be the blueprint for Minasian.

[Docwaukee]

31 minutes ago, Warfarin said:

I think Zaidi is a genius, and I suspect the Giants are going to go toe-to-toe with the Dodgers for many years moving forward.  They overachieved, but I think Zaidi will position that team to be a 95+ win team on a year-in, year-out basis.

All it took him was 3 years to do it.  He took over winter in 2018, had two seasons to lay the foundation of what he wants, and turned that team into a juggernaut in 2021, with aging veterans.  They have a ton of payroll space now, a strong farm system, and a very savvy leader.

Maybe this can be the blueprint for Minasian.

if followed the 'blueprint' of what worked for them this year, the fan base would lose their mind.  As smart as he might be, there's no way he expected a roster filled with guys in their early to mid 30's to all have some of their best seasons all at the same time and for every 1yr deal they made to have great seasons.  And for just about every pen arm to perform above their peripherals and for a bunch of guys without a track record to magically perform above league average.  No one is that amazing of a GM.  And if you expect those results from Minasian, you're gonna be massively disappointed.  

[UndertheHalo]

3 minutes ago, Dochalo said:

if followed the 'blueprint' of what worked for them this year, the fan base would lose their mind.  As smart as he might be, there's no way he expected a roster filled with guys in their early to mid 30's to all have some of their best seasons all at the same time and for every 1yr deal they made to have great seasons.  And for just about every pen arm to perform above their peripherals and for a bunch of guys without a track record to magically perform above league average.  No one is that amazing of a GM.  And if you expect those results from Minasian, you're gonna be massively disappointed.  

Yes.  All of this I agree with.  But the Angels should do less of what the Angels do and more of what Zaidi does. 

[Warfarin]

5 minutes ago, Dochalo said:

if followed the 'blueprint' of what worked for them this year, the fan base would lose their mind.  As smart as he might be, there's no way he expected a roster filled with guys in their early to mid 30's to all have some of their best seasons all at the same time and for every 1yr deal they made to have great seasons.  And for just about every pen arm to perform above their peripherals and for a bunch of guys without a track record to magically perform above league average.  No one is that amazing of a GM.  And if you expect those results from Minasian, you're gonna be massively disappointed.  

Yeah, I am not expecting to see that in terms of Minasian's success.  

I think there is a lot that we don't see that Zaidi probably does in terms of collecting data and utilizing it to help improve outcomes and gain competitive advantages against other teams (i.e. how to attack specific hitters, how to sequence pitches, etc etc).  Sure, acquiring undervalued players certainly helps facilitate the process, but he seemed to get the most out of both aging veterans and unheralded unknown players than anyone I have ever seen.  I think he's a genius.

[ukyah]

6 hours ago, tdawg87 said:

I'm just concerned about what the Mariners do. I mean yeah it's Dipoto but they have like 130 million in payroll space. They could add a ton and suddenly they're a legit contender.

if i was minasian and i was bidding for the same player, i would make a point to talk about the clubhouse. some things about dipoto are up for debate, but it's an indisputable fact that there are always questions and disharmony between the FO and the clubhouse. that is one of the areas i could take advantage of to create separation between the offers.

[HanfordGuy]

I think the Rays are always interesting how they approach the off-season and stay atop the highly competitive AL East. 
 

The Marlins could shock some people as they deal their surplus of pitchers. A few right moves could get them into the playoffs.

[eligrba]

3 hours ago, Dochalo said:

if followed the 'blueprint' of what worked for them this year, the fan base would lose their mind.  As smart as he might be, there's no way he expected a roster filled with guys in their early to mid 30's to all have some of their best seasons all at the same time and for every 1yr deal they made to have great seasons.  And for just about every pen arm to perform above their peripherals and for a bunch of guys without a track record to magically perform above league average.  No one is that amazing of a GM.  And if you expect those results from Minasian, you're gonna be massively disappointed.  

I just want Minasian to be better than he was last year. 

[eligrba]

3 hours ago, Warfarin said:

Yeah, I am not expecting to see that in terms of Minasian's success.  

I think there is a lot that we don't see that Zaidi probably does in terms of collecting data and utilizing it to help improve outcomes and gain competitive advantages against other teams (i.e. how to attack specific hitters, how to sequence pitches, etc etc).  Sure, acquiring undervalued players certainly helps facilitate the process, but he seemed to get the most out of both aging veterans and unheralded unknown players than anyone I have ever seen.  I think he's a genius.

Perry’s brother I think was a major contributor to these improvements.

[Angels 1961]

10 hours ago, totdprods said:

Are there any teams you are particularly interested in seeing how they approach their winters? Any team you expecting to surprise next year?

Milwaukee’s ability to operate with limited means and still maintain levels of success even with some poor moves and luck (Keaton Hiura flopping, Jackie Bradley Jr. being subpar, Yelich’s disappointing season) sort of astounds me. Their rotation and bullpen of course mitigate those issues but it’s impressive seeing that org overcome some pretty big misses without really making any big flashy moves.

Toronto has become exceedingly fun and it’s good to see them going for it with the Berrios extension and their aggressive approach in free agency. It’d be refreshing to see Toronto and Tampa more atop the AL East over NYY and Boston. Baltimore has hoarded a decent number of prospects. Will Miami’s young arms pay off this year?

Will Detroit put it together soon? Is San Diego’s competitive window closer to being over than expected? Their farm has taken quite a hit over the years and some of their uber-prospects haven’t really delivered. There’s question marks in virtually every SP they have now, but also massive talent.

How the fuck did San Fran do what they did?

SF reminded me of 1962 Angels

[OldAndInTheWay]

3 hours ago, ukyah said:

if i was minasian and i was bidding for the same player, i would make a point to talk about the clubhouse. some things about dipoto are up for debate, but it's an indisputable fact that there are always questions and disharmony between the FO and the clubhouse. that is one of the areas i could take advantage of to create separation between the offers.

Mariners manager Scott Servais has been Jerry DiPoto's guy for 10 years, including his stint as Angels' Asst. GM.  Do spill the beans on the Seattle clubhouse issues.  We love good gossip.

[Warfarin]

42 minutes ago, eligrba said:

I just want Minasian to be better than he was last year. 

I think it just takes time for any new GM to lay their foundation in place.  Just observing some of the notable best PBOs/GMs of the game (Friedman, Zaidi, Anthopolous, etc), it usually takes a few years to truly see "their system" in full effect, because they have to hire replacements, instill organizational philosophy at all levels, etc.  

I think a few years into it, we'll have an idea of how good (or bad) Minasian is.  This is his first full offseason.  He's had a nice start, let's see where he goes from here.

[Docwaukee]

9 hours ago, Warfarin said:

Yeah, I am not expecting to see that in terms of Minasian's success.  

I think there is a lot that we don't see that Zaidi probably does in terms of collecting data and utilizing it to help improve outcomes and gain competitive advantages against other teams (i.e. how to attack specific hitters, how to sequence pitches, etc etc).  Sure, acquiring undervalued players certainly helps facilitate the process, but he seemed to get the most out of both aging veterans and unheralded unknown players than anyone I have ever seen.  I think he's a genius.

you think Zaidi's genius had anything to do with the years from 34yo posey, who had the second best year of his career, Brandon Belt having the best year of his career outside of last years short season at age 33, Brandon Crawford having his best season ever at age 34, or Longoria having his best season in the last 5 years at age 35?  Ok.  

[Warfarin]

5 hours ago, Dochalo said:

you think Zaidi's genius had anything to do with the years from 34yo posey, who had the second best year of his career, Brandon Belt having the best year of his career outside of last years short season at age 33, Brandon Crawford having his best season ever at age 34, or Longoria having his best season in the last 5 years at age 35?  Ok.  

Sure, it could have.  Zaidi's team could have presented information saying "pitchers keep attacking you in this way, so it's best if you adjust by doing ____," or "this pitcher has all of these tendencies, so it is best to approach them by doing _____."  It sounds easy to say that in general, but in a world where there is more and more data, I wouldn't be surprised if he (and his team) is great at acquiring and presenting data in a way that actually leads to improved outcomes (compared to the competition).  If anything, it would help explain why so many of their hitters all had resurgent/career years at seemingly the same time?

[BTH]

I'm interested to see what Minnesota does.

They were expected to be good in 2021 and completely fell off. They still have a great offensive core, but they've lost their 2 best starting pitchers (Berríos to TOR and Maeda to TJ surgery)

Do they continue to sell-off (Buxton, Kepler, Garver?) after trading Berríos at the deadline? Or, do they trade some of their position players for SP while also signing SP through free agency.

By the off-season's end, they could either be a threat for a WC spot or be a non-factor.