2023 Pre-Season Profile: Philadelphia Phillies

 #9

The Philadelphia Phillies snuck into the playoffs, got hot at the right time, and rode that wave all the way to the World Series.  Will 2023 show a repeat of that success?

2022 Predictions

#10 - 2nd in NL East, WILD CARD, lose in Wild Card Round

MIH - Bryce Harper

MIP - Ranger Suarez

PTW - Bryson Stott

2022 Results

#2 - 87-75, 3rd in NL East, WILD CARD, lost World Series

Highest WAR (Position) - J.T. Realmuto

Highest WAR (Pitcher) - Aaron Nola

The Philadelphia Phillies saw the highest of highs and the lowest of lows in 2022.  After a disappointing start, the Phillies fired manager Joe Girardi.  New manager Rob Thomson turned the whole season around and helped them get that last Wild Card spot.  Bryce Harper got injured and didn't play a full season.  He was able to bat in the postseason, but that was it.  Then, they made it all the way to the World Series before finally losing to the Astros.  It was ultimately a successful season in Philly, even though it didn't really start that way.

Additions / Subtractions

Clubs run by Dave Dombrowski love to spend money, and that fact was shown this offseason.  The Phillies may have spent more than anyone else, first landing what many thought was the grand prize of free agency, shortstop Trea Turner.  However, they didn't stop there.  They also brought in starting pitchers Taijuan Walker and Matt Strahm.  They traded for reliver Gregory Soto and signed reliever Craig Kimbrel.  To add depth, they signed utilityman Josh Harrison.  They did lose a few from their roster, like Jean Segura, Kyle Gibson, Brad Hand, Noah Syndergaard, and David Robertson.  That's a lot of turnover for a pennant-winning roster, but it's safe to say most of these moves were upgrades.

Most Important Hitter

Nick Castellanos

The biggest roster impact heading into the 2023 season might be Bryce Harper's offseason surgery costing him possibly the first half of the season.  The Phillies will be looking for someone to pick up the production in the lineup.  A great candidate for that would be Nick Castellanos.  One of the prizes for the Phillies in last year's offseason, Castellanos's 2022 season was not up to his 5 year, $100 million payday.  His 95 OPS+ was his worst OPS+ of his career, and his first under 100 since 2015.  He had an All Star season in 2021 that included a 12th place MVP finish and a Silver Slugger; definitely the best season of his career.  The question is if he can return to that 2021 level.  The Phillies could sure use a big year from Castellanos to compensate for the loss of Harper for the start of the season.

Most Important Pitcher

Zack Wheeler

The Phillies have several top end starters, but when they are all at their best, Zack Wheeler is the top of the class.  The prize of the 2020 offseason free agent class, Wheeler lived up to the contract in 2021, leading the league in complete games, shutouts, innings pitched, finishing 2nd in the Cy Young voting and even getting some MVP votes.  Last season saw a few bumps along the way as he was not able to make all his starts.  According to ERA+, he wasn't that much worse (150 in 2021, 144 in 2022), but his drop off in production was felt.  If he can regain his 2021 production, then this rotation goes from really good to elite.

Prospect to Watch

Andrew Painter

When you are so focused on winning in the here and now, the farm system usually suffers.  The Phillies farm system is ranked in the bottom third of the league, despite that system being headlined by Andrew Painter.  Painter is the #6 prospect in the Top 100 and the top pitching prospect in the league.  Painter is a unicorn in some ways.  Drafted in the first round in 2021 out of high school, Painter is knocking on the door of the majors at just 19 years old.  It takes a special talent to advance that quickly, but this 6'7" righty is that.  He entered camp with a realistic shot at making the starting rotation on Opening Day, but a UCL sprain early on in camp has everyone nervous.  At best, it will delay his debut till mid-season.  At worst, he will need Tommy John surgery and we might not see him pitch till 2025.  Everyone is hoping for the former, especially since the Phillies were counting on him to bring a spark to their rotation this season.

2023 Prediction

2nd in NL East, WILD CARD, lose in Wild Card Round

The Phillies are too good to have too much of a World Series hangover.  At the same time, there are several questions entering the season that could keep them from advancing too far.  The Phillies are definitely in the category of "superteam" with the amount of money they have spent over the years.  With that said, the success of the Phillies this season feels directly tied to how well they can withstand the absence of Bryce Harper.  They are hoping he can return to the lineup by the end of May, but he may be relegated to DH all season as he recovers from Tommy John surgery.  Their young spark in the rotation might be lost before the year even starts.  Like with any team in the top ten, they could end up winning the whole thing, but I don't think the stars are aligned quite right for the Phillies in 2023.

Fearless Prediction

Trea Turner will be a 30/30 player in 2023.

One of the most dynamic athletes in all of baseball, Trea Turner got a huge payday this offseason to return to the east coast.  Who cares how much it cost, the Phillies scored big picking him up to be their their shortstop for the next 11 seasons.  Turner seems to be a prime candidate to have a 30/30 season (30 home runs, 30 stolen bases).  This feat has happened 65 times in MLB history, most recently in 2021 by Cedric Mullins of the Orioles.  Turner has come close, but he has never reached these two marks at the same time before, the closest being 2021 when he had 28 homers and 32 steals.  That was also the last time he changed teams.  Look for him to once again show off for his new team with a career best season.

2021 Pre-Season Profile: Philadelphia Phillies

 #14

The Philadelphia Phillies extended their playoff drought in 2020 despite having a talented roster built to win now.  Will 2021 finally see them break through to the postseason and fulfill the promise of their talent?

2020 Predictions

#4 - 1st in NL East, lose in NLCS

MIH - Andrew McCutchen

MIP - Zack Wheeler

PTW - Alec Bohm

2020 Results

#18 - 28-32, 3rd in NL East

Every year, I think it's time for the Phillies to break out and make a deep run in the playoffs, and every year they disappoint me.  They keep adding elite pieces, and last year it was the addition of manager Joe Girardi.  There didn't seem to be much difference on the field though.  My highlighted players even had great years.  Andrew McCutchen played well.  Not great, but good.  Zack Wheeler was their best player.  Alec Bohm emerged as their everyday third baseman and a future star.  With all that said, they still feel well short.

Additions / Subtractions

The Phillies for the most part made news this offseason in their desire to change as little as possible.  They re-signed star free agents J.T. Realmuto and Didi Gregorius.  They brought in veteran starters Matt Moore and Chase Anderson to replace departing Jake Arrieta.  The one upgrade they made was closer Archie Bradley being brought in.  Other than that, their roster is exactly the same as 2020.

Most Important Hitter

Bryce Harper

Bryce Harper is entering year 3 of his 13 year megadeal he signed with the Phillies.  This deal is paying him like one of the top 5-10 best players in the league.  The problem with that is his production on the field has yet to reach the promise of his paycheck.  In the 5 seasons since his MVP in 2015 where he nearly posted a 10 WAR season, he has only posted two 4 WAR seasons (the rest are under 2), received MVP votes in only one season, and has simply not been able to match his reputation.  The way the Phillies get over the hump and become an elite team in the league is if Bryce Harper gets back to being an elite player.  If Harper is just good, they Phillies will be just good.

Most Important Pitcher

Archie Bradley

The bullpen has been one of the areas that has ruined many a recent Phillies' season.  Their starting pitching has been solid, led by Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola.  They just can't hold a lead.  Archie Bradley is the latest arm to be brought in to try and stabilize the end of games for the Phillies.  He has been a solid reliever everywhere he has pitched.  If he is able to continue to show the consistency he has displayed throughout his career, he might finally be the answer for the Phillies' bullpen.

Prospect to Watch

Mickey Moniak

The Phillies have a lackluster farm system, only boasting two Top 100 prospects.  Although one of those prospects (starting pitcher Spencer Howard) should have a big league impact in 2021, the most fascinating prospect to watch is Mickey Moniak.  Although only the 12th ranked prospect in the Phillies' system, what makes him intriguing is the fact that he was the #1 overall pick in the 2016 Draft.  Drafted straight out of high school, this outfielder has struggled to develop in the minors.  In 2020, he finally made his big league debut, appearing in 8 games.  Now he is competing for a roster spot and a possible starting job in centerfield.  He is still only 22 years old.  There is still the talent of a #1 overall pick in there.  If he gets his shot, it will be fascinating to watch if he shows more of that promise than he has been able to display at other levels of the organization.

2021 Prediction

4th in NL East

I have predicted the Phillies to win this division the last two seasons.  Their talent is good enough to be a playoff team.  The problem is they are playing in what might be the toughest division in league history.  Will I be surprised if they make the playoffs?  No.  However, I am done predicting it until I see it.

Fearless Prediction

Joe Girardi will be fired after the season.

The Phillies have built a roster to win now.  They brought in a manager in Joe Girardi before last season to put them over the hump and get them to the playoffs.  These windows for teams to win are not open very long.  If it doesn't work this season, the Phillies may be looking for something drastic to change.  Too many players are getting paid too much for too long, and even though Joe Girardi is one of the most respected men in all of baseball, he might be the one to change.

2019 Pre-Season Profile: Philadelphia Phillies

#6

The Philadelphia Phillies followed up a surprisingly strong 2018 season by winning the Bryce Harper sweepstakes this offseason.  Will all their moves lead to another step forward in 2019?

2018 Predictions

3rd in NL East

This will be Gabe Kapler's only season as Phillies manager.

2018 Results

80-82, 3rd in NL East

I had the Phillies mostly predicted where they ended up, but finishing in 3rd doesn't tell the whole story of their season.  They were competing for the division title most of the season only to fall away down the stretch.  Their record ended up uner .500, but most of the season the talk of the NL East was the Phillies and Braves as the upstart surprises at the top of the division.  Gabe Kapler's early criticism quickly died off as the team found success.

Additions / Subtractions

Ownership for the Phillies made news early in the offseason claiming they were willing to spend "crazy money" over the offseason.  It took awhile, but crazy money they spent when they brought in Bryce Harper on a 13 year contract.  However, that was not the only move they made.  They also traded for what many consider the best catcher in baseball in J.T. Realmuto.  They have a new shortstop in Jean Segura, acquired in a trade with Seattle.  They solidified the back of their bullpen by bringing in David Robertson and rounded out their outfield by signing Andrew McCutchen.  They definitely spent some stupid money and made the most of it.

Most Important Hitter

Bryce Harper

He is the one that got all the money.  He is the one that everyone is watching.  He is their most important hitter.  This lineup is loaded, but it really only works if Harper produces in the middle of the lineup.  Not only is he the biggest name, but he is one of the only left-handed bats in the order.  Harper got this money hoping he jumps back up to his MVP level.

Most Important Pitcher

David Robertson

The main reason the Phillies started to fall apart down the stretch was a lack of a bullpen.  They couldn't finish a game.  David Robertson has been brought in to fix that.  He has been a closer, but he has also been a utility arm in the bullpen, pitching wherever he is needed.  He will be counted on this season to be the difference maker.

Prospect to Watch

Adonis Medina

One of the Phillies top prospects is 22 year old right-handed pitcher Adonis Medina.  Last season, he pitched exclusively in A ball and will start this season in AA, but if the Phillies are in the playoff hunt down the stretch, look for Medina to get a shot in the big leagues to be a spark plug in their bullpen with a shot at making their rotation in 2020.

2019 Prediction

1st in NL East, lose in NLDS

The NL East is going to be super competitive this season, and I see the Phillies being the team to emerge from the group.  Their lineup is just too loaded, and the top of their rotation is elite.  They are going to be hard to beat.  There is an argument that they are the most talented team now in the National League.  I am tempted to pick them to go all the way to the World Series, but these super teams never go all the way in year one.  They might be my 2020 World Series pick though.

Fearless Prediction

Aaron Nola will win the 2019 NL Cy Young.

I am a huge fan of Aaron Nola.  He basically came out of nowhere last year to have a huge season.  Everyone talks about Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer, but you might forget that Nola finished 3rd in the Cy Young race last season.  I see Nola being energized by their revamped offense to be even better and bring home the trophy in 2019.

2019 Pre-Season Profile: Washington Nationals

#13

The Washington Nationals watched the face of their franchise leave through free agency over the offseason, however some think they might be better for it.  Will that be the case, or will the Nats take a step backward in 2019?

2018 Predictions

1st in NL East, lose in NLDS

2018 Results

82-80, 2nd in NL East

The Nationals have ruled this division for most of this decade, winning the division more times than not.  However, after two straight years of winning the division under Dusty Baker, they made a switch at manager hoping it would get them over the hump.  I predicted they would have a similar result as years past by winning the division but losing in the first round of the playoffs.  I didn't think any division competitors were going to be strong enough to challenge them.  I was wrong on several accounts.  First, the division was much more competitive than anyone thought.  Second, the Nats finished with their lowest win total since 2011.  For rookie manager Dave Martinez, 2018 was quite a disappointment.

Additions / Subtractions

What made 2018 a bigger disappointment was they couldn't make a good postseason run in Bryce Harper's last season in DC.  He moved on, signing his mega-deal in Philadelphia.  However, they didn't overreact and try to sign a different mega-deal to replace him.  They did sign the top free agent pitcher though in Patrick Corbin to join an already stout rotation.  He will take the place of departing Tanner Roark in the rotation.  The other moves were more minor but effective.  Out went catcher Matt Wieters, but in came Yan Gomes and Kurt Suzuki.  Veteran Brian Dozier was brought in to take second base.  Trevor Rosenthal and Kyle Barraclough were brought in to stabilize the back end of the bullpen.  So even though they may have lost Harper, the offseason looks like a mild success considering what they did accomplish.

Most Important Hitter

Juan Soto

One of the reasons the Nationals were okay watching Bryce Harper walk away from the organziation was the breakout season of Juan Soto.  At only 19, Juan Soto had a breakout season, coming up second in the Rookie of the Year race losing to the Braves Ronald Acuna.  Establishing another potential superstar in Soto made keeping their current one in Harper not quite as necessary.  However, that is a lot of pressure for the now 20 year old.  The sophomore slump is a real thing, but he can't have one.  He will be asked to continue to progress in to a superstar while taking up the mantle of "face of the franchise" that Harper left behind.

Most Important Pitcher

Sean Doolittle

Talk about a trade that worked out well for both sides!  In 2017, Sean Doolittle was traded from the A's to the Nationals for Blake Treinen.  I think both teams are happy with the results.  Treinen has become one of the most dominant closers in the league, and Doolittle has continued his strong production when he is on the field.  That is the problem though.  Doolittle has a tendency to get injured.  When he is healthy, there are few better, especially from the left hand side.  However, the Nats need him on the field for a full season.  The additions to the bullpen will be helpful insurance, but Doolittle is the one they want out there with the game on the line every day.

Prospect to Watch

Victor Robles

Reason #2 why the Nationals were okay watching Bryce Harper leave: Victor Robles.  Robles is the 4th best prospect in all of baseball behind only Vlad Jr., Tatis Jr., and Eloy Jimenez.  This 21 year old centerfielder is ready to break out, having made his debut last season in 21 games, but he was going to be without a spot in their outfield if Bryce came back.  Now, he will be patrolling center on Opening Day and is the frontrunner for Rookie of the Year entering the season.

2019 Prediction

3rd in NL East

I think the Nationals will actually be better this year than they were last year.  The problem is their division is a lot better than it was last year.  Their record should be slightly better than the .500 record they boasted last season, but they will be falling further behind in the standings with those around them getting that much better.  With the high expectations in DC though, no playoffs will be a huge disappointment for the second straight year.

Fearless Prediction

Manager Dave Martinez will be managing the Cubs in 2020.

The Nationals have been infamously impatient with their managers.  No Nationals manager has made it to three seasons since their first manager in DC, the late great Frank Robinson.  Every other manager either gets fired after two seasons or partway through their third.  Dave Martinez is entering that dreaded second season as the Nationals manager.  Dusty Baker was fired after two season of winning the division.  Dave Martinez will have no chance if he goes two straight seasons missing the playoffs altogether.  Combine that with the likely scenario that Joe Maddon is probably in his last season with the Cubs, and it seems like an obvious move for Dave Martinez, Maddon's former bench coach, to go back and manage the Cubs next season.

2016 Pre-Season Profile: Washington Nationals

The last few seasons, the Washington Nationals have been one of, if not the, most talented roster in baseball.  However, they really don't have anything to show for it.  Will 2016 finally be the year they break through?

Last Season

My 2015 Prediction: 1st in NL East, lose in NLCS

2015 Result: 83-79, 2nd in NL East

If the games were played on paper, the Nationals would have won the World Series in 2015.  Best rotation in baseball, one of the best lineups in baseball.  It was a no-brainer.  I was a little leery of them, but my conservative prediction had them going out in the NLCS.  It was inconceivable that a team this talented doesn't even make the playoffs.  Well, they didn't even make the playoffs.  This was even with a breakout freak season from 2015 MVP Bryce Harper.  They seemed to make all the right moves, including some high-profile trades at the deadline.  Nothing seemed to work.  With as high as expectations were, 2015 was about as bad of a failure as you can get.

2016 Additions / Subtractions

Watching the Nationals over the offseason was interesting.  The past few seasons has been all about adding more and more talent to create an All Star Team.  This offseason seemed to be more about simplifying.  The one high-profile signing was bringing in postseason hero Daniel Murphy from the Mets, however he is, more or less, replacing guys that left life Ian Desmond and Yunel Escobar.  They also traded for Ben Revere, solving the drama in the bullpen by sending Drew Storen to Toronto.  With that said, this seemed to be an offseason of downsizing and making room for young talent.  They let Jordan Zimmermann and Doug Fister leave, as well as Desmond and Denard Span.  They have a great farm system.  It is about time they let it shine.  The biggest move they made this offseason was at manager.  They finally fired the overwhelmed Matt Williams (when will franchises learn that hiring a first-time manager to coach a high-profile team never works ... unless you are the Cardinals).  To replace Williams, they went in the exact opposite direction by hiring the definition of old school experience, Dusty Baker.

Most Important Hitter

Anthony Rendon

In 2014, Anthony Rendon had a borderline MVP season, which led to a playoff appearance for the Nationals.  In 2015, injuries held him to just 80 games as he never really was able to show much production.  With the emergence of Bryce Harper, they Nats need a a guy like Rendon to get back to where he was in 2014 to make this lineup as deep and strong as it was in its playoff years.

Most Important Pitcher

Gio Gonzalez

When Max Scherzer was brought in last season, the Nationals' pitching staff was billed as a staff of five (maybe even six) aces.  The forgotten member of that group seemed to be Gio Gonzalez, and there was good reason he was forgotten.  He had an extremely average season in 2015, and has been fairly average ever since he finished 3rd in Cy Young voting in 2012.  However, the Nationals have to count on him heavily as the only lefty in their top six or seven starting pitchers.  He isn't that old.  He needs to have  much more productive season to bring the depth back to that rotation.

Player to Watch

Trea Turner

To once again show just how foolish the Padres' spending was last season, let's evaluate a trade.  The Padres acquired Wil Myers, some low-level prospects, and a veteran catcher in a three team trade with the Rays and Nationals.  That Nationals gave up a couple prospects, including Steven Souza who started all season for the Rays.  The key to this is what the Padres gave the Nationals.  They sent pitcher Joe Ross (projected to be in the Nationals' starting rotation) and shortstop Trea Turner.  Turner was a first round pick that didn't even last 6 months with the team that drafted him.  Now, he is the shortstop of the future for one of the most talented teams in the league.  Trea Turner is the reason the Nats didn't fight to keep Ian Desmond.  Trea Turner should be a top contender for Rookie of the Year in 2016.  Another prospect to watch that will no doubt have an impact in 2016 is starting pitcher Lucas Giolito.  He is one of the top prospects in all of baseball, but will have to wait for someone to struggle or get hurt before he gets his chance.  Turner has an opportunity to start on Opening Day.

2016 Prediction

2nd in NL East

I love every move the Nationals have made this offseason.  They are looking much stronger by simply letting their team grow instead of trying to buy a title.  They are also in a weak division that really should only be a two team race.  With that said, I think they will lose that two team race.  They are definitely moving in the right direction again, and Dusty Baker will have them back in the playoffs very soon.

Fearless Prediction

Stephen Strasburg will be traded before the end of the season.

This is quite a long shot, but hear me out.  Stephen Strasburg is the final year of his rookie contract, and you can imagine he is looking for someone to pay him (Yankees, are you listening?).  After the way he was treated with the whole "innings limit" thing, and the fact they already have one pitcher making $30 million per year in Max Scherzer, it can be assumed he will probably not be returning to the Nationals.  Strasburg should be worth more to the Nationals than the compensatory draft pick they will receive when he declines the qualifying offer and signs elsewhere.  If all this makes sense, the only logical course of action would be to trade him if they can bring in a haul of talent.  Someone just might be desperate enough to do it too, if they need a top-flight starter.  I could see this happen even if they are still in contention, if they get pieces that help them now as well as prospects.  It would also clear a spot for Lucas Giolito to hop in the rotation and pitch meaningful innings down the stretch.  I don't think this will actually happen, but it makes too much sense to not consider a possibility.

MLB Year in Review: 2014-2015 Wraparound Season

I miss the days when baseball was culturally relevant.  The All Star Break every year is the one time where baseball is all that is happening.  The Break has even been extended another day in recent years to be a 4 day break to stop and focus on the season so far and the stretch run yet to come.  Instead, this leads to just 24 hours of baseball gimmicks, started by listening to the tired Chris Berman, making pretty much his only ESPN appearance outside of football season, call a Home Run Derby and finishing with interviews of All Stars by people who obviously could care less about baseball.  Once the All Star Game is over?  We are back to the NFL and which franchise players will get their long-term deal done.  (Don't think it's a coincidence that an NFL deadline day is encroaching on baseball's week.)  Even at the ESPY's last night, it was shown just how little baseball is in the public mindset when Madison Bumgarner's ridiculous World Series performance loses to LeBron James in the category, "Best Championship Performance."

It's interesting when you think about it.  In the 25 years, baseball was most culturally relevant in the late 90's and early 2000's when the Steroid Era was at its peak.  McGwire, Sosa, and Bonds were putting up numbers that we found out later could only be manufactured in a lab.  In the mid-2000's, baseball was in the news because it was time to clean up the game.  Now the game is clean, and nobody cares.  The only baseball players to see the stage last night at the ESPY's were either retired (Derek Jeter) or leftover from the Steroid Era (Alex Rodriguez).  I guess our society doesn't have the patience for a sport run by statistics, strategy, and history.

Well, I do!  For the second year, I went through and calculated what ESPN used to calculate when they cared about baseball.  Who has had the best last calendar year.  I am calling it the "Wraparound Season."  I took the stats from 2014 post All Star Break and combined them with the stats from the first half of 2015 to see how has had the best last 162 games or so.  This can be a great indicator on who will continue their success into the stretch run this year, or who might be due for struggles from overwork.

See the 2013-2014 Wraparound Season Stats

AL Batting Average

Miguel Cabrera – DET	.336
Jose Abreu – CWS	.319
Jose Altuve – HOU	.318
Victor Martinez – DET	.312
Michael Brantley – CLE	.312
Prince Fielder – TEX	.339
Nori Aoki – KC / SF	.317

First, a couple notes.  Prince Fielder would be first, but he did not have enough at bats having been injured last year.  Nori Aoki is also a footnote since he switched leagues in the offseason.  Everyone wants to talk about the wave of young players coming into the league, but when it comes down to it, Miguel Cabrera is probably still the best hitter, at least in the AL.  Jose Altuve, reluctantly, has become one of my favorite players as he has officially taken the title of best second baseman in the AL from Robinson Cano (everyone wants to say Kipnis or Dozier, but Altuve has the consistency).  It is fascinating that three of the players on this list couldn't even make the All Star Team this year despite being considered three of the league's best hitters.  Jose Abreu went from phenom last year to forgotten this year.  Victor Martinez has been hobbled this year, but hitting is hitting.  Then Michael Brantley has continued to show that he is one of the superstars of the future.  He will probably need to leave Cleveland to truly get the recognition he deserves though.

NL Batting Average

Buster Posey – SF	.331
Denard Span – WAS	.326
Bryce Harper – WAS	.316
Dee Gordon – LAD / MIA	.316
Joe Panik – SF	.316
Paul Goldschmidt – ARZ	.327
Nori Aoki – KC / SF	.317

Paul Goldschmidt, possibly the best player nobody knows, due to his injury last year will not be seen much on these lists this year.  There are a few surprises on this list, but the top is not one of them.  Buster Posey, when healthy, is a perennial MVP candidate.  Bryce Harper has been the talk of the league for a reason.  I said at the start of the season that it was time for Harper to start to live up to more of the hype.  I think it is safe to say he has officially done that as he has had one of the best starts to a season we have seen in recent memory.  The other three are surprises.  When you think of key contributors to the Washington Nationals, Denard Span is probably one of the last names you think of.  However, he has turned into one of the best leadoff hitters in the league.  However, the best leadoff hitter might be Dee Gordon.  It is a shame he got injured and had to miss the All Star Game.  Last, you have the latest unlikely hero for the Giants and their World Series run.  However, knowing that this is pretty much his totals for his first 162 games in the majors, Joe Panik would have won the Rookie of the Year last year if he had played more of the season.

AL Home Runs

Mike Trout – LAA	40
JD Martinez – DET	35
Jose Bautista – TOR	35
Albert Pujols – LAA	34
Nelson Cruz – BAL / SEA	33
Chris Carter – HOU	33

It has been interesting watching Mike Trout the last few seasons.  He has gone from being the guy who can do everything to more of a pure power hitter.  He seems to be content sacrificing some points off his batting average to hit for more power.  It has had great results.  As for his teammate, it is amazing how good Pujols is again now that he is healthy.  It will be interesting to see if the Angels can actually make a playoff run with Trout and Pujols being their only sources of offense.  You expect to see guys like Bautista and Cruz (who has not been slowed down by Safeco Field) on this list.  JD Martinez is not the Tiger you expect to see, but his unlikely success last season has now turned into being a future star.  As for Chris Carter, he belongs on a list with guys like Adam Dunn and Mark Reynolds as true power guys who either hit the long ball or strike out.

NL Home Runs

Giancarlo Stanton – MIA	43
Bryce Harper – WAS	37
Nolan Arenado – COL	36
Todd Frazier – CIN	35
Adrian Gonzalez – LAD	31

Bryce Harper has been the one that has gotten all the attention, and rightfully so, but Giancarlo Stanton is currently on the DL for the second time in this time period and still managed to hit 43 home runs in just 125 games.  At that pace, he would hit 56 home runs if he were to actually get in 162 games.  I just hope he is able to stay healthy long enough before his body starts to break down.  How are the Rockies not better?  They have Tulo, CarGo, and now it looks like Arenado might be the best hitter of them all.  Todd Frazier is a great hitter stuck on a bad team, and Adrian Gonzalez is the left-handed version of Miguel Cabrera.  He just makes it look too easy.

AL RBI

Jose Bautista – TOR	109
Albert Pujols – LAA	97
Yoenis Cespedes – OAK / BOS / DET	95
Mike Trout – LAA	93
Josh Donaldson – OAK / TOR	93

One of the craziest trends I noticed going through this is how many elite players have switched teams in the last year.  Cespedes is on his third team in the last 12 months, and he just keeps hitting.  Again, another elite Tiger hitter at the top of their game.  How are they not the best team in baseball?  When will teams just stop pitching to Pujols and Trout?  An offense that is more than just two hitters is the Blue Jays.  Joey Bats and Donaldson are on this list, but they are dangerous top to bottom.  They are a starting pitcher away from being the favorite in the AL East.

NL RBI

Adrian Gonzalez – LAD	111
Giancarlo Stanton – MIA	109
Nolan Arenado – COL	101
Buster Posey – SF	101
Matt Kemp – LAD / SD	101

Another trend I noticed going through these stats is that the NL seems to have more elite hitters right now than the AL.  That is a complete change from what we are used to.  Only one AL hitter would have made this NL list of RBI leaders.  We have seen all these names already except for Matt Kemp.  He definitely seems to be healthy, and although the power numbers might be down, he still knows how to drive in runs.

AL OPS

Miguel Cabrera – DET	.964
Mike Trout – LAA	.932
Jose Bautista – TOR	.905
Jose Abreu – CWS	.870
Manny Machado – BAL	.868
Prince Fielder – TEX	.916
Alex Rodriguez – NYY	.892
Adam Lind – TOR / MIL	.873

What is thought to be one of the best indicators of a great hitter, OPS combines on base percentage and slugging.  Prince Fielder and A-Rod don't have enough at bats to qualify, and Adam Lind (a surprising name to see) switched leagues.  How about A-Rod though!  He needed to be great for the Yankees to contend.  He is, and they are.  The top three you expect to see there.  Manny Machado has gotten back to full health and has been showing it in his hitting.  Once again, Jose Abreu!!!  How did this guy miss the All Star Game?!?

NL OPS

Bryce Harper – WAS	1.008
Giancarlo Stanton – MIA	.965
Anthony Rizzo – CHC	.939
Buster Posey – SF	.924
Nolan Arenado – COL	.911
Paul Goldschmidt – ARZ	1.038

It is a shame Goldschmidt got hurt last season because he has had an insane start to this year.  Bryce Harper shows once again just how good he has been, and that the end of last season was the start of this breakout.  In last year's wraparound stats, Trout was the only player with an OPS over 1.000.  This year, it is Harper.  Now you know why they are the new faces of baseball.  Again, you see names like Stanton, Posey, and Arenado (seriously, we need to start talking more about Arenado!!!).  It is easy to forget about Anthony Rizzo with all the young talent coming up through the Cubs' system.  However, he is the anchor that will make that team competitive for years to come.

AL Wins

Carlos Carrasco – CLE	16
Collin McHugh – HOU	16
Jeremy Guthrie – KC	15
Felix Hernandez – SEA	15
David Price – TB / DET	15
Max Scherzer – DET / WAS	17

Many of these pitching lists have been thrown off by Scherzer switching leagues.  These win totals are not very impressive.  None of these players would have made last year's wraparound leaderboard.  With the constant emphasis on pitch counts and bullpen matchups, starting pitchers continue to get pulled early before the game is decided.  This is why there will probably never be another 300 game winner.  Of the names on this list, you expect to see Felix and Price, but the rest are complete surprises.  Carrasco, McHugh, and Guthrie are not even the best starters on their own teams, but apparently they have the top win totals.  This just shows why so many say the win is an outdated stat.

NL Wins

Madison Bumgarner – SF	17
Gerrit Cole – PIT	17
Bartolo Colon – NYM	16
Jonny Cueto – CIN	16
Clayton Kershaw – LAD	16
Jordan Zimmerman – WAS	16
Max Scherzer – DET / WAS	17

This list looks a little more standard.  I thought for sure Bumgarner would end up injured by the All Star Break this season after throwing over 50 innings in the postseason last year, but he instead continues to show that he is a pitcher built for a different era.  I feel slightly justified to see Gerrit Cole on this list as I predicted his breakout (just a year too early).  Bartolo Colon has reached the "ageless" stage of his career, but keeps being dominant.  He will soon be out of a job though with all the young aces the Mets have (Harvey, deGrom, Syndergaard, Wheeler, Matz).  It is a crime Jonny Cueto missed the All Star Game.  He is one of the best pitchers in the league, and the game was in Cincy.  I don't think he will be in Cincy much longer though.  Kershaw has not been as good as he was last year so far, but that's understandable considering just how good he was.  Lastly, it is interesting to consider that the Nationals, in signing Max Scherzer, basically picked him over the home grown Jordan Zimmerman over the foreseeable future.  Zimmerman is going to get a huge payday this offseason.  The question is from where.

AL ERA (150 IP Min.)

Dallas Keuchel – HOU	2.35
Felix Hernandez – SEA	2.54
Chris Sale – CWS	2.54
Hector Santiago – LAA	2.57
Sonny Gray – OAK	2.65
Corey Kluber – CLE	2.65
Max Scherzer – DET / WAS	2.43

The emergence of Dallas Keuchel has allowed for the Astros to emerge the way they have so far this season.  It will be interesting if he can continue this performance moving forward.  Felix continues to be the King, if only the offense would match his dominance.  Chris Sale is easily the most forgotten pitcher in the league.  Maybe it is a White Sox thing.  First Abreu, now Sale?  They need to get better so everyone can know how good they are.  Santiago and Gray have shown that they deserve to be in the conversation of the best young pitchers in baseball.  Kluber has been destroyed this year by a lack of run support, but his ERA shows he has still been a quality pitcher even if other stats are not there.  Still shouldn't have won the Cy Young though...

AL ERA Overall

Wade Davis – KC	0.63
Andrew Miller – BOS / BAL / NYY	1.63
Alex Cobb – TB	1.79
Greg Holland – KC	1.82
Zach Britton – BAL	1.95
Chasen Shreve – ATL / NYY	1.69

I mostly ignore the middle reliever when it comes to these stats, only looking at the save as a stat to qualify relievers.  Luckily, Greg Holland got hurt for a short time this year which allowed Wade Davis to get some saves and make the list with his ridiculous ERA.  He has given up 5 earned runs since the last All Star Break!!!  He is insane!  Why isn't he the closer?!?  Oh, because their closer is also on the list.  The Royals' bullpen is the main reason I hold to my preseason prediction that they win the World Series this year.  Andrew Miller has successfully moved from dominant setup man to dominant closer.  Zach Britton has some filthy stuff as he continues to anchor the O's bullpen.  Then there is Alex Cobb, who is a starter but is the latest to miss a season with Tommy John.

NL ERA (150 IP Min.)

Zack Greinke – LAD	1.91
Jacob deGrom – NYM	2.15
Clayton Kershaw – LAD	2.36
Lance Lynn – STL	2.57
Shelby Miller – STL / ATL	2.59
Jonny Cueto – CIN	2.59
Max Scherzer – DET / WAS	2.43

Clayton Kershaw may not be having the year he had last year, but Greinke has taken his place as the ridiculously dominant pitcher for the Dodgers.  With his pedigree, you know he can keep up this pace too.  Again, he is another pitcher that will get a huge payday this offseason.  The question is from where.  Everyone wants to talk about Matt Harvey and Noah Syndergaard for the Mets, but Jacob deGrom has been ridiculously dominant, announcing his arrival at the All Star Game, striking out the side on only 10 pitches.  I am sure the Cardinals cheat.  Wainwright goes down with a season ending injury, so now Lance Lynn is pitching like a Cy Young candidate.  You could say the same about the Braves as they made Shelby Miller the ace of their staff.  Once again, there is Cueto.  He needs to get traded, especially considering how many contenders are looking for starting pitching.  Blue Jays? Royals? Yankees?  Red Sox?  Cubs?  Astros?

NL ERA Overall

Mark Melancon – PIT	1.37
AJ Ramos – MIA	1.47
Hector Rondon – CHC	1.49
Drew Storen – WAS	1.51
Kenley Jansen – LAD	1.68

Out of nowhere, Mark Melancon has worked his way up to being the most dominant closer in the National League.  He has had dominant stuff for awhile, but only recently has he been given the closer role full time so he can finally get the recognition he deserves.  AJ Ramos might be the best pitcher no one has ever heard of.  Drew Storen's story is pretty amazing, as he has worked his way back to being a dominant closer after a few years of mediocrity.

AL K's

Corey Kluber – CLE	281
Chris Sale – CWS	263
David Price – TB / DET	222
Chris Archer – TB	219
Carlos Carrasco – CLE	208
Max Scherzer – DET / WAS	256

Corey Kluber has not been super dominant so far this year, but his ridiculous end to last season has him near or at the top of many of these lists.  It just shows how good he was down the stretch in 2014.  Sale and Price we have already talked about.  Carrasco pops up again surprisingly.  The name to watch on this list is Chris Archer, the latest pitcher to emerge from the Rays.  It will be fascinating to see how good he can get before the Rays trade him away.  Oh yeah, Max is there again too.

NL K's

Clayton Kershaw – LAD	273
Francisco Liriano – PIT	219
Cole Hamels – PHI	215
Jonny Cueto – CIN	214
Madison Bumgarner – SF	212
Max Scherzer – DET / WAS	256

Kershaw's ERA might be elevated a little bit.  He may not have as many wins, but it doesn't mean he hasn't been dominant.  He has almost 60 strikeouts more than the next NL starter (not counting Max).  Liriano, combined with Gerrit Cole, could lead the Pirates on the deep run into the postseason they have been waiting for.  Cole Hamels joins Cueto on the list of aces available this trade deadline.  Then there is the MadBum, still doing his thing.  It might be hard to keep the Giants out of the playoffs this year...

AL Innings Pitched

Corey Kluber – CLE	237 1/3
David Price – TB / DET	225 2/3
Dallas Keuchel – HOU	222
Jeff Samardzija – OAK / CWS	222
Sonny Gray – OAK	217
Max Scherzer – DET / WAS	226

This stat shows the overall workload of a pitcher and could predict a drop in production or injury down the stretch this year.  This was the case for pitchers like Justin Verlander, Adam Wainwright, and Wade Miley last season, all of which found themselves on this list last year.  Kluber is still young enough that the extra workload could end up with a disappointing second half (especially considering the frustration that comes from no run support).  The same could be said for Dallas Keuchel ad Sonny Gray.  Gray seems to be the only pitcher for the A's not to get hurt over the last few seasons.  Pitchers like Price and Scherzer have shown year after year that they are built for this workload.  However, it could also catch up with them soon as well.

NL Innings Pitched

Clayton Kershaw – LAD	225
Jonny Cueto – CIN	218 2/3
Cole Hamels – PHI	214
Madison Bumgarner – SF	209 1/3
Zack Greinke – LAD	207
Max Scherzer – DET / WAS	226
James Shields – KC / SD	213

This might be why Kershaw has been not as dominant recently.  He is tired.  That is a lot of innings.  Not everyone can pitch like Bumgarner.  Greinke seems to have shown that he is good enough to keep up his dominance with the heavy workload.  Hamels, Cueto, and Shields join Max as work horses that can carry any load.  Seriously, who is going to take a run at these guys?

AL Saves

Zach Britton – BAL	45
Huston Street – LAA	41
Greg Holland – KC	40
Glen Perkins – MIN	40
Fernando Rodney – SEA	37

Zach Britton takes the top spot for saves here, mainly because Holland spent a little time on the DL this season.  Huston Street continues to be one of the most consistent closers in the league.  Glen Perkins would be much more well known if his team was better.  Then there is Fernando Rodney, who finds himself on this list simply because the Mariners are in so many close games.  He has a 4.77 ERA over this time and was even removed from closer duties for about a month this season.

NL Saves

Mark Melancon – PIT	46
Trevor Rosenthal – STL	43
Craig Kimbrel – ATL / SD	41
Drew Storen – WAS	38
Santiago Casilla – SF	37

There is the name of Mark Melancon again, leading the Pirates' bullpen.  Rosenthal has been crazy good as the latest Cardinal flamethrower to take closer duties.  Kimbrel has not been as dominant as we are used to seeing since going to San Diego.  Storen and Casilla anchor strong bullpens on strong teams.

So let's see who has been the best overall  in the 2014-2015 Wraparound Season.

Hitters

First Name	Last Name	Team	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	1B	RBI	BB	SO	SB	AVG	OBP	SLG	OPS
Bryce	Harper	WAS	147	506	88	160	26	1	37	96	82	88	137	5	.316	.418	.591	1.008
Giancarlo	Stanton	MIA	125	465	75	125	22	1	43	59	109	72	160	9	.269	.367	.598	.965
Miguel	Cabrera	DET	146	545	87	183	34	1	26	122	88	78	113	2	.336	.419	.545	.964
Mike	Trout	LAA	155	581	118	167	31	5	40	91	93	74	174	15	.287	.368	.565	.932
Buster	Posey	SF	145	543	84	180	27	2	26	125	101	54	59	1	.331	.392	.532	.924

Starting Pitchers

First Name	Last Name	Team	W	L	ERA	G	GS	SV	SVO	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	K	AVG	WHIP	K/BB	K/9
Max	Scherzer	DET / WAS	17	9	2.43	32	32	0	0	226	172	67	61	16	42	256	.202	0.95	6.1	10.2
Clayton	Kershaw	LAD	16	7	2.36	31	31	0	0	225	171	68	59	15	45	273	.202	0.96	6.1	10.9
Zack	Greinke	LAD	14	5	1.91	31	31	0	0	207	157	48	44	14	41	186	.202	0.96	4.5	8.1
Johnny	Cueto	CIN	16	9	2.59	31	31	0	0	218 2/3	161	68	63	21	52	214	.197	0.97	4.1	8.8
Dallas	Keuchel	HOU	14	8	2.35	31	31	0	0	222	182	63	58	12	54	173	.215	1.06	3.2	7.0

Closers

First Name	Last Name	Team	W	L	ERA	G	GS	SV	SVO	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	K	AVG	WHIP	K/BB	K/9
Mark	Melancon	PIT	3	4	1.37	72	0	46	48	72 1/3	52	12	11	2	13	65	.193	0.90	5.0	8.1
Zach	Britton	BAL	1	1	1.95	66	0	45	48	64 2/3	45	15	14	3	17	65	.188	0.96	3.8	9.0
Greg	Holland	KC	3	1	1.82	29	0	40	43	54 1/3	28	14	11	1	25	68	.147	0.98	2.7	11.3
Trevor	Rosenthal	STL	2	4	1.96	70	0	43	47	69	58	15	15	2	31	76	.219	1.29	2.5	9.9
Glen	Perkins	MIN	1	4	2.56	62	0	40	44	59 2/3	53	17	17	7	9	53	.228	1.04	5.9	8.0

Are you ready for more baseball now?  I know I am!  Here are the full stats compiled for this project.

2014-2015 Wraparound Season Stats