Orphan Team #1: 78-84
Strengths:
An excellent rotation fronted by three starters with sub 3.00 ERAs (Jake Arrieta, 2.53; Henderson Alvarez, 2.65;
& Lance Lynn, 2.74). A solid infield led by resurgent 1B Albert Pujols (28 HR, 105 RBI). Three extra drafts picks:
18, 22, & 26.
Weaknesses:
Apart from CF Denard Span, a weak outfield. The farm system lacks depth. Begins 2015 down a keeper slot
after trading one away (protects = 12).
Outlook:
A recent back-to-back champion, Team #1 returns to contention if its young players step up (2B Kolten Wong &
OF Randal Grichuk) or its few roster holes are addressed via trade and/or the draft.