2023 CFOD SEASON PREVIEW "Your Mileage May Vary!" Predicted Playoff Teams: Mantle Division Winner: Arlington Arthropods Koufax Division Winner: Cincinnati Rock Ruth Division Winner: California Coneheads Young Division Winner: Brookfield Brouhaha MK Conference Wildcard: Trisolaris Droplets RY Conference Wildcard: Seattle Moshers #1 League Wildcard: Olympia Rainiers #2 League Wildcard: Port Huron Hubris WORLD SERIES PREDICTION: Arthropods over Brouhaha ***************************************************************************************** Mantle Division - 1. Arlington Arthropods (Last Year: 93-69, 2nd in Division, Predicted: 1st) HITTERS: Shohei Ohtani is one of the best hitters in baseball, and the Arthropods hope to parlay the new DH spot into a productive position for him. Alex Bregman is one of the top third baseman in the league, good to nab a walk and hit a home run. Randy Arozarena has some pop in his bat as well. Father time is starting to catch up with Mike Trout, who is still his excellent self .. when he can get on the field. PITCHERS: Arlington may have the best pitching staff in the Mantle/Koufax conference, you can bet on that. Ohtani isn't a workhorse on the mound, but will be ready to double down come playoff time. Wade Miley, Kevin Gausman, Luis Castillo and Tyler Glasnow fill out one of the best staring rotations in the majors. David Bednar and Evan Phillips are top closer candidates, but the Arthropods may want to think about picking up a reliever or two during the season. OVERALL: The hitting is great, the pitching is great. Odds are Arlington makes a big splash in the post-season. 2. Port Huron Hubris (Last Year: 57-105, 6th in Division, Predicted: 5th) HITTERS: Luis Robert will take his game up a notch this year, good for 40 home runs and 20 stolen bases. Marcus Semien should hit 30 home runs with triple digit runs and RBI, and Christopher Morel might hit 30 home runs in 400 at bats. Josh Jung, Gary Sanchez and Danny Jansen adds to a lineup that should score plenty of runs. PITCHERS: Logan Gilbert and Charlie Morton will eat up lots of innings in the rotation and should win more than they lose. Andrew Abbott, MacKenzie Gore and Kyle Freeland round out the rotation. The bullpen is full of capable relievers such as Joel Payamps and Tyler Holton. OVERALL: The Hubris have successfully restocked after a rough 2022 and should contend for a playoff spot. 3. San Francisco Organization (Last Year: 74-88, 4th in Division, Predicted: 4th) HITTERS: The Organization welcome back Pete Alonso, member of the 2020 championship team. He's joined by veterans Cody Bellinger, Bryan Reynolds and Jeimer Candelario to add some oomph to the lineup. Patrick Wisdom can never seem to stay healthy, but can smack 20 home runs in half a season. TJ Friedl could be a 20/20 guy. All in all, a pretty good hitting lineup. PITCHERS: Kodai Senga, Michael Wacha, Shane Bieber and Nathan Eovaldi are a playoff-ready rotation. The bullpen is a little thin, with Jose Alvarado and Tommy Kahnle their best options. But expanding their set of relievers is something that could be done during the season through a few key acquisitions. OVERALL: The Organization are signaling they are making a run for it this year, and have the talent to make the playoffs .. but a few trades might be necessary to make it out of the 1st round. 4. Angry Candy (Last Year: 86-76, 3rd in Division, Predicted: 3rd) HITTERS: Max Muncy has plenty of power to go around, but will struggle to go above the Mendoza line. Brandon Nimmo has a nice on base average and 25 home run potential. No one will likely make the all-star team as hitters, but the Angry Candy should put enough platoon hitters together to score some runs. PITCHERS: Jordan Montgomery, Zach Eflin and Seth Lugo are a trio of playoff quality starters. Steven Matz, Reese Olson and Jon Gray help give the Angry Candy one of the better rotations in the league. Ryan Pressly leads a bullpen that won't necessarily scare anyone but won't disappoint either. OVERALL: A solid rotation and a likely better than expected offense could see the Angry Candy as one of this year's surprise teams. 5. Fightin' Oglethorpes of Georgia (Last Year: 64-98, 5th in Division, Predicted: 6th) HITTERS: With Ozzie Albies and Pete Alonso traded away, Gunnar Henderson is the team's best player, good for 30 home runs and future growth. Teoscar Hernandez and Lourdes Gurriel Jr have some pop in their bat as well. Bit the rest of the lineup is merely "meh". PITCHERS: Kyle Hendricks is a decent starter when he can play, but the rest of the rotation will greatly struggle to keep the score down. Josh Hader should make for a great closer, but the rest of the bullpen is non-existent. OVERALL: Off-season trades clearly signal the Fightin' Oglethropes are going to make a run at the 95+ loss club this year .. and odds are they will make it. 6. Mechan Syndicate (Last Year: 96-66, Mantle Division Winner, Predicted: 2nd) HITTERS: Mookie Betts should be an all-star this year, good for a .300 average and 40 home runs. Esteury Ruiz could lead the league in stolen bases, assuming his .300 on base average gets him on base. Brandon Lowe and Francisco Alvarez are good for 20 home runs. But the rest of the lineup will struggle to be replacement level. PITCHERS: On another team Corbin Burnes could contend for the Cy Young award. But a focus on rebuilding will likely stymie that effort. The rest of the pitching staff was scientifically formulated to give up as many runs as possible. OVERALL: A few bright spots, but the league's worst pitching staff will put the Syndicate in the 95+ loss club this year and may end up with the league's worst record. ***************************************************************************************** Koufax Division - 1. Cincinnati Rock (Last Year: 92-70, 3rd in Division, Predicted: 1st) HITTERS: Cincinnati features the best corner hitting combo in the league in Freddie Freeman and Rafael Devers. Both hit for power and can get on base. Kyle Tucker is a 30/30 player in the outfield, and Josh Lowe, Edouard Julien and Nate Jones help flesh out one of the best hitting lineups in the league. PITCHERS: Gerrit Cole is a throwback ace, meaning he can actually pitch over 200 innings. Freddie Peralta is a capable #2 starter. Griffin Canning, Domingo German and Hunter Brown fill out the rest of the rotation. Clay Holmes and Adbert Alzolay lead a deep and quality bullpen. OVERALL: The Rock have the talent this year to contend. 2. Trisolaris Droplets (Last Year: 98-64, T-1st in Division, Predicted: 3rd) HITTERS: Home run power is not a thing for the Droplets this year - Yainer Diaz will be lucky to crack 25 home runs. They do have a fair amount of speed, with George Springer, Cedric Mullins, Harrison Bader and Jose Caballero all capable of breaking 20 swipes this year. Still, the relative lack of power and hitting overall might leave the offense stuck in low gear. PITCHERS: Pablo Lopez and Spencer Strider will be able to pitch every 5th day and perform well. Aaron Nola is another innings eater, but the rest of the starting will be a bit piecemeal. The bullpen is a highpoint, with Raisel Igesias leading a bevy of talented relievers. OVERALL: A great bullpen, but the lack of hitting might hamper Trisolaris' ability to repeat as division champions. 3. Somerville Sluggers (Last Year: 60-102, 6th in Division, Predicted: 6th) HITTERS: Hard to believe that Manny Machado is now one of the elder statesmen on the team, but time marches on. Wilson Contreras is an above average catcher behind the and at the plate. Matt McClain carries the mantle of next best young Somerville infielder, and Triston Casas, Jordan Walker and Austin Hays help make the Sluggers one of the better hitting teams in the league. PITCHERS: Justin Steele should have a nice year on the mound as the ace. The rest of the pitching staff are "average" ... but in an era where most starters are seemingly below average that puts Somerville ahead. Yennier Cano and Kevin Ginkel lead a strong and capable bullpen. OVERALL: The Sluggers suffered through a triple digit losing season last year .. this year their fortunes should be much improved. 4. Northport Nameless Rangers (Last Year: 70-92, 5th in Division, Predicted: 5th) HITTERS: Corbin Carroll burst onto the scene in 2023, hitting for average, power and with some speed. Marcell Ozuna should have a nice season with 40 home run potential. Ke'Bryan Hayes should hit .270 with a mid .400's slugging average and excellent defense at third. Luis Arraez should compete for the batting title. Northport should finish around middle of the pack in offense. PITCHERS: Blake Snell could contend for a Cy Young award at the top of the rotation, but the rest of the rotation will struggle to keep the score down. The bullpen is very talented, lead by Devin Williams and Emmanuel Clase. OVERALL: It may be hard for the newly located Nameless Rangers to compete for a division title, but they should improve on their 70 win mark this year. 5. Pig's Eye Pirates (Last Year: 98-64, T-1st in Division, Predicted: 2nd) HITTERS: The Pirates may have the best catcher in the game in Adley Rutschman, and Nico Hoerner can get on base and should steal 40+ bases, but the rest of the lineup severely lacks hitting power. Run production will be problematic this year. PITCHERS: The starting rotation will be .. rough. Jhoan Duran looks to lock down the closer role for a bullpen that is better than expected. OVERALL: The Pirates made it to the CFOD World Series last year, but expect a regression this year. 6. New Orleans Rougarou (Last Year: 91-71, 4th in Division, Predicted: 4th) HITTERS: Trea Turner is one of the league's best shortstops and should go 30/30. Julio Rodriguez should join him in the 30/30 club. Brandon Drury could hit 30 home runs, and Alec Bohm and Jonah Heim add some punch to the lineup. After that the hitting starts getting thin. PITCHERS: Jesus Luzardo and Max Scherzer are quality starters, although both likely won't be making any all-star games. The bullpen is a bit of a weak spot. OVERALL: Fans in New Orleans get to see a new team in town, but it will be difficult for the Rougarou to win in the competitive Koufax division this year. ***************************************************************************************** Ruth Division - 1. California Coneheads (Last Year: 47-115, 6th in Division, Predicted: 6th) HITTERS: Few teams have 50 homer capable players - California have two in Matt Olson and Kyle Schwarber. Bobby Witt Jr is emerging as an elite talent, slugging .500, hitting 30 home runs and swiping 50 bases. William Contreras is one of the better hitting catchers in the league, and Elly De La Cruz is a talented young infielder who can steal a base. James Outman, Kerry Carpenter, and "surely no bad karma will come from drafting" Wander Franco add 20 home run power to a strong hitting lineup. PITCHERS: Starting pitching will be a little weak, with 2nd round draft pick Logan Allen picking up ace duties. The rest will try to contain their ERA in the low 4's. The Coneheads make up for it with a legion of talented relievers, led by Trevor May and Aroldis Chapman. OVERALL: The Coneheads used a rare (for them) top draft slot to re-stock their hitting lineup and bullpen. Will their starting rotation be enough to clinch the division? 2. Olympia Rainiers (Last Year: 99-63, Ruth Division Winner, Predicted: 3rd) HITTERS: Juan Soto, Jake Burger, Cory Seager, Ozzie Albies and Yordan Alvarez can bring it. Each could smack 30 home runs with a healthy batting and slugging average. The rest of the lineup will be a series of platoons, but the big 5 should ensure the Rainiers score plenty of runs. PITCHERS: Eduardo Rodriguez is the ace by default, and should win plenty of games with the expected run support. The rest of the starting rotation is pretty iffy. Olympia does have several bullpen options, led by Hunter Harvey. OVERALL: Several all-star candidates in the hitting lineup - but will that be enough to ensure a post-season spot for the Rainiers? 3. Slam Diego Termites (Last Year: 89-73, 3rd in Division, Predicted: 2nd) HITTERS: Ronald Acuna Jr will be contending for MVP honors this year, hitting for average, power and stealing a ridiculous amount of bases. Adolis Garcia could hit 40 home runs and Anthony Santander is good for 30 taters. Carlos Santana and Salvador Perez bring their veteran presence and 25 home run power to the lineup. Home run power is something the Termites have in abundance this year, and should finish with an above average offense. PITCHERS: Justin Verlander is back to anchor the rotation, and Aaron Civale, Josiah Gray and Chris Bassitt are strong starters. Shawn Armstrong and Shelby Miller lead one of the stronger bullpens in the league. The Termites may have the best pitching staff in the division. OVERALL: An MVP candidate in Acuna and really strong pitching gives the Termites a high floor this year, and it would not be shocking to see them win the division. 4. Miami Mangos (Last Year: 75-87, 4th in Division, Predicted: 5th) HITTERS: Paul Goldschmidt continues to hit well into his mid-30's, with an eye for walks and 25 home run power. Bo Bichette and JT Realmuto provide offense at critical infield positions, and Christian Yelich and Max Kepler provide some pop in the outfield. Hitting is not a concern in Miami this year. PITCHERS: Zack Wheeler continues to be the ace for the Mangos, and Braxton Garrett is a decent #2. If Miami makes the post-season, starting pitching could be problematic, as they'd be forced to currently start Bryce Miller and Lucas Giolito. The Mangos have some good options in the bullpen such as Colin Poche and Tim Mayza. OVERALL: Sure, the Mangos are picked to finish 4th in this division. But this is going to be a very strong division this year, and the Mangos are likely going to be in the hunt for a league wildcard spot. 5. Dallas SuperSquad (Last Year: 93-69, 2nd in Division, Predicted: 1st) HITTERS: Things are always good when you have Jose Ramirez at third, who might go 30/30 this year. Isaac Paredes should hit 30 home runs with a decent walk rate, and Xander Bogaerts and Jose Altuve help give Dallas one of the better hitting infields in the game. Seiya Suzuki should have a good year in the outfield, and Dallas hopes some platoons and splits extract a few more runs out of the other outfield spots. PITCHERS: Zac Gallen is one of those rare 200+ innings pitchers who will pitch well. After Mike Clevinger, the starting rotation quickly turns south. Some decent depth in the bullpen, if Dallas finds themselves as sellers at the trade deadline they have plenty of good trade bait candidates. OVERALL: A great hitting infield, but the lack of starting pitching might hamper Dallas' efforts to finish in the top half of the division. 6. Topeka MooseDogs (Last Year: 71-91, 5th in Division, Predicted: 4th) HITTERS: Austin Riley is one of the best third basemen in the league, good for 40 home runs. Fernando Tatis Jr's star may be a bit dimmer but still could be a 30/30 guy. Nolan Gorman and Spencer Torkelson have 30 home run potential. But too many other guys who hit .230/.300/.300 could stall the overall offense. PITCHERS: Clayton Kershaw continues to soldier on, although injuries will be a concern. JP France and Marcus Stroman are quality starters, but the staring pitching gets really bad really fast after that. Chris Martin is a top reliever, but the bullpen depth trails off after that. OVERALL: Some decent hitters, but the lack of hitters in the other spots and the pitching will likely see Topeka join the 95+ loss club this year. ***************************************************************************************** Young Division - 1. Brookfield Brouhaha (Last Year: 80-82, 2nd in Division, Predicted: 4th) HITTERS: Yandy Diaz is a talented infielder who can hit for average and power, and Gleyber Torres has a good eye for the ball and some power at 2nd base. Jack Suwinski is good for 25 home runs, and Adam Duvall and Sean Murphy are good for 20 home runs. The offense overall is a tad bit lackluster, but that is OK because... PITCHERS: ...the Brouhaha feature the best pitching in the majors this year. Framber Valdez, Sonny Gray, Merrill Kelly, Kyle Bradish and Bobby Miller are the deepest and most consistent rotation in the league. The relievers are a bit no-name but there are plenty of them to lock down the late innings. OVERALL: An average offense and a stellar pitching staff make Brookfield the team to beat in the Young Division this year. 2. Seattle Moshers (Last Year: 111-51, Young Division Winner, 2022 CFOD Champions, Predicted: 1st) HITTERS: Jorge Soler, Christian Walker and Cal Raleigh are 30 home run power hitters, and Nolan Arenado and Willy Adames should be good for 25 home runs. Andres Gimenez and Steven Kwan are efficient base stealers. The on base average for the team isn't quite as good as last year, so run scoring may be a bit down. PITCHERS: A patchwork of a rotation this year, Seattle still has plenty of depth in the starters, led by Bailey Ober and Patrick Sandoval. Camilo Doval, Jordan Romano and Pete Fairbanks lead a very strong bullpen. The pitching will be well supported by the fielding defense, one of the best in the league this year. OVERALL: Seattle finally won it all in 2022, and the talent is there for them to defend their title in the playoffs in 2023. 3. Park City Climbers (Last Year: 79-83, 3rd in Division, Predicted: 2nd) HITTERS: JD Martinez should continue to defy father time, smacking 30 home runs. Francisco Lindor could be a 30/30 hitter at shortstop, and Lane Thomas and Vladimir Guerrero Jr have some big bats. Ryan McMahon and Will Smith should help the Climbers with an above average offense. PITCHERS: George Kirby is all set to have a nice year as the ace. The rest of the rotation is held together by spit and duct-tape. Ranger Suarez, Johan Oviedo and Yu Darvish hope to keep their ERA's in the 4's. Alexis Diaz could contend for Fireman of the Year and the rest of the bullpen is stocked with strong arms. OVERALL: Some good hitting and an excellent bullpen should counter-act the "so so" starting rotation to give the Climbers a winning record and a finish in the upper half of the division. 4. San Mateo Thunder (Last Year: 73-89, 6th in Division, Predicted: 6th) HITTERS: Aaron Judge should be good for 40 home runs in an injury plagued season. Jose Siri and Bryce Harper fit the same Eric Davis-esque injury plagued seasons. Ketel Marte and Dansby Swanson will contribute to the lineup. Strong hitting overall, the Thunder would have an offense near the top of the league if their stars could remain healthy. PITCHERS: Logan Webb, Jose Berrios and Bryce Elder give the Thunder a strong 1-2-3 punch in the rotation, and Mitch Keller is a capable 4th starter. There could be trouble in the later innings, as the Thunder may have the worst bullpen in the majors. It would not be shocking if they finished the season with the most blown saves of any team in baseball. OVERALL: The Thunder have some talent, but injuries to the hitters and the lack of a bullpen will hamper their playoff aspirations this year. 5. Tualatin Pioneers (Last Year: 74-88, T-4th in Division, Predicted: 3rd) HITTERS: At age 38 Justin Turner continues to put up decent seasons, getting on base and popping 25 home runs. Chas McCormick could be a 20/20 guy in the outfield, but the lack of power and hitting will see the Pioneers finish in the lower half of the hitting statistics. PITCHERS: Tanner Bibee, Shane McClanahan and Dane Dunning give Tualatin 3 solid arms in the rotation. But the rest of the rotation will struggle to keep the score down. Felix Bautista is a stellar closer, and Mike King is a fine reliever when he isn't pressed into the rotation, but the rest of the bullpen is filler. OVERALL: Unfortunately for the Pioneers 2023 looks to be a rebuilding year. 6. San Francisco Piazza's (Last Year: 74-88, T-4th in Division, Predicted: 5th) HITTERS: Nick Castellanos is one of those guys who shows up, hits .270, smacks 30 home runs and drives in 100 RBI. Michael Harris II could put up a 20/20 season, and Brent Rooker is good for 30 home runs. Lots of players like Hunter Renfroe, Giancarlo Stanton and Yoan Moncada who have seen better years but could bounce back in 2024. PITCHERS: Tyler Wells and Sandy Alcantara would be decent end of the rotation pitchers, but the Piazza's will be counting on them to lead the top of the rotation. After Taijuan Walker the rotation will give the other team some easy batting practice. The bullpen is loaded with name brands like Paul Sewald, Craig Kimbrel and Kenley Jansen and is a strong point. OVERALL: A great bullpen and some decent hitters, but the lack of starting pitching will likely put the Piazza's in the bottom half of the standings this year.