Player To Watch in Spring Training: Ducks To Closely Monitor Manzardo

With Pitchers and Catchers trickling into Spring Training, we wanted to take a look at some of the biggest names that Roger Dorn Baseball League Front Offices have their eyes on this March while planning for the 2024 Draft.  From prospects looking to break into the big leagues to veterans looking to secure a spot on a Keeper Roster, the 2024 Spring Training schedule should be packed with interesting storylines to follow before the 11th RDBL Draft on Tuesday, March 26th.

Alamo Short Stacks: LHP Nick Lodolo (2R/$3)

Outside of Logan Gilbert, the Stacks are hardly settled in their rotation with the club waiting to evaluate Nick Lodolo, Bryan Bello and Bryan Woo in Spring Training with Walker Buehler still in the mix as well despite a reported late start to 2024. Acquired from the Mt. Diablo Devils last season, Lodolo might possess the highest upside of the group after a lost 2023 activation season due to a leg injury. Lodolo posted a 29.7% strikeout rate in 103 1/3 IP in 2022 and holds contractual control through 2025. A big spring should lock in his spot, though it could come with a limited workload in 2024.

Asti Grape Stompers: RHP Emmet Sheehan (2FA/$5)

The Dodgers have the most depth in the starting rotation of any club in baseball, and that was before the signing of James Paxton and return of Clayton Kershaw.  That leaves the long-term rotation spot in question for Grapes starter Emmet Sheehan, but the young right-hander certainly has the upside to cement his spot with a big Spring and early season breakout.  Sheehan was excellent down the stretch in 2023, posting a 3.19 ERA and 0.94 WHIP over this last 31.0 innings with a 35.3% strikeout rate and a .176 average against. 

Burlingame Blue Ducks: 1B Kyle Manzardo (Minors)

The Ducks have a pair of current prospects to watch in Taj Bradley and Kyle Manzardo, but we’ll keep the focus on the Guardians first baseman for today.  Manzardo was the reason the Guardians parted ways with a red-hot Aaron Civale at last year’s Trade Deadline as they tried to catch the first-place Twins. Not only does he have excellent bat-to-ball skills, but he has the potential to be a power bat with more experience, and he put that on display during the Arizona Fall League this offseason.  A big Spring should lead to an Opening Day role in Cleveland and on the Ducks.

The Ducks will also have a close eye on Taj Bradley (Minors) as he looks to cement his spot in the Rays Opening Day rotation.

Cloverdale Clovers: SS Marco Luciano (Minors)

The San Francisco Giants were less than encouraged by Marco Luciano’s Winter Ball stint, but the Front Office has yet to address the position which has Luciano set for the starting role at shortstop.  A deal for Willy Adames or Ha-Seong Kim remains a possibility, but if Luciano remains the starter he could be in line for an Opening Day activation if he can put together a big Spring.  He had an encouraging big league stint to end 2023 with a more polished approach than anticipated, but his light-tower power hasn’t shown up just yet.

Red Sox multi-positional threat Ceddanne Rafaela (Minors) will be another name to watch for the Clovers over the next six weeks.

Honolulu Hammerheads: RHP Ryne Nelson (2R/$3)

The Hammerheads shipped out Michael Wacha and Sonny Gray early this off-season, opening the door for Brandon Pfaadt and Reese Olson to backfill them.  One name lost in the battle for their rotation has been 2023 activation Ryne Nelson who worked 144.0 innings in 2023 between the rotation and bullpen.  Nelson posted a 5.31 ERA over that span with 96 strikeouts and 46 walks, but holds the talent to breakout in 2024.  He will enter Spring Training in a battle with Tommy Henry for the final spot in the D’Backs rotation. 

Lake Merced Goutfish: RHP Yoshinobu Yamamoto (Minors)

One of the most highly anticipated big league debuts belongs to Yamamoto who received the largest contract for a starting pitcher in Big League History this Winter.  Much like the Dodgers, the Goutfish are swimming with starting pitcher options making it not out of the realm of possibility that GM Ryan Atkinson holds Yamamoto back for an additional season under Minor League control.  A dominant Spring could squash those plans and force Atkinson’s hand.

Lunatic Fringe: IF Jackson Merrill (Minors)

The big news of Tuesday around Spring Training is the potential of Jackson Merrill making a move to the outfield and earning an Opening Day spot in the Padres lineup.  The move would make sense given San Diego’s quiet off-season and holes in the outfield, potentially serving as a big jolt to the Lunatic Fringe’s 2024 plans.  Merrill split time between High-A and Double-A in 2023, posting a strong 12.1% strikeout rate while showcasing his plus hit tool and emerging power.  He will enter the season with SS eligibility, potentially forcing GM Tony Guglielmi to make a deal from a crowded infield depth chart.

Maltese Falcons: OF Riley Greene (2R/$3)

Greene enters 2024 as one of the potential breakouts in all of baseball, but that also comes just five months removed from Tommy John surgery on his non-throwing elbow.  The Tigers are likely to slow play Greene in Spring Training, but enters camp on track for Opening Day where he should see DH duties to start the season.  While any setback will hardly put his spot in jeopardy, it will be a knock to a Maltese Falcons roster that suddenly has Playoff aspirations following their acquisition of Juan Soto over the weekend.

The Falcons will also get their first glance at converted starter Jordan Hicks (2FA/$5) who can be retained in a RP slot.

Meinert Hops: OF Chase DeLauter (Minors)

The Hops have a talented, but expensive Keeper Roster planned to return for 2024 which could get even pricier if they elect to retain outfielder Bryan Reynolds (3/$36).  That leaves GM Garrett Shelley searching for salary relief which could come from their top overall prospect Chase DeLauter who was the talk of the Arizona Fall League.  The No. 16 overall pick in 2022, DeLauter broke his left foot midway through his junior year with James Madison and then broke a toe on that same foot during his rehab, so he didn't make his pro debut until June of 2023. He quickly made up for lost time, slashing .355/.417/.528 with five home runs, 22 doubles and six steals in 57 games across rookie ball, High-A and Double-A, with the bulk of those at-bats coming at High-A. A hulking 6-foot-4, 235-pound outfielder who can currently handle all three spots, DeLauter added to his 2023 ledger with a .299/.385/.529 line, five home runs and more walks than strikeouts in 23 AFL games.

Mission Viejo Maulers: 2B Zack Gelof (2FA/$5)

The Maulers Front Office forked over $51 of their $100 FAAB on Gelof who immediately paid dividends and looks like a foundational player heading into 2024.  Gelof began the season with 12 homers, 20 steals, and a .304/.401/.529 line in Sacramento over 69 games before coming to Oakland and hitting 14 more homers with 14 steals and a .267/.337/.504 line in the same amount of games. All in all, Gelof finished with 26 homers, 100 runs, 76 RBI, and 34 steals in 138 games and looks fully in line for unlimited playing time in 2024.  Spring Training will cement just how high the Maulers are on the infielder, giving GM Chris Ferraro a better idea of who to part with in a crowded Keeper Roster.

Mt. Diablo Devils: IF Michael Busch (Minors)

The door appears to finally be open for big league playing time for Busch who was traded from the Los Angeles Dodgers to the Chicago Cubs this Winter.  With a current hole at first base, that could be filled by a potential return of Cody Bellinger, Busch has a chance to run with a starting spot on Opening Day if he can put together a strong Spring Training.  Entering 2024 with just third base eligibility, Busch is fresh off a .323/.431/.618 line with 27 home runs, an 18.8 K% and a 13.9 BB% in 98 Triple-A games but has yet to put it together in limited big league time.

Nashville Aristocrats: OF Jackson Chourio (Minors)

Chourio will enter Spring Training as one of the biggest names to watch in all of baseball after inking a historic $80M deal with the Brewers this Winter despite not making the big leagues yet.  The contract suggests that Chourio is in line for an Opening Day role, but it will have to be earned with a strong Spring as will a potential activation by the ‘Crats Front Office.  Chourio became the fourth teenager to go 20-40 in the past 60 seasons, with Ronald Acuna being the most recent to accomplish the feat in 2017. He was also the first teenager to go 20-20 solely in the upper levels of the minors since Delmon Young in 2005. His surface stats weren't outstanding early in the year, in part due to the pre-tacked balls the Southern League used in the first half of the season. However, with standard balls back in play, Chourio slashed .324/.379/.538 with 11 home runs, 21 steals and a 13.4 percent strikeout rate in his final 57 games across Double-A and Triple-A, and he doesn't turn 20 until March.

San Mateo Oppo Tacos: OF James Wood (Minors)

Wood is not immediately on the verge of a big league debut, but he’s expected to get a long look in Spring Training.  He’s slipped a bit in prospect circles, due in large part to the ridiculous infusion of outfield talent from the 2023 MLB Draft including new Nationals teammate Dylan Crews.  Wood can vault himself back towards the top of Top 100 rankings with a big Spring after a loud 2023 season at Double-A.

Spokane Fightin’ Fish: SS Corey Seager (2/$42)

Spring Training will have little to do with results for Seager and the Fightin’ Fish and more of a wait and see on his health.  The surprising news hit just two weeks ago that Seager required sports hernia surgery that has his Opening Day in question after a banner 2023 campaign as the leader of the Fish in a year he finished runner-up for the American League MVP and took home the World Series MVP. 

St. Joseph Jokers: LHP DL Hall (Minors)

When you are the headliner in the return for Corbin Burnes, there’s a strong bet that your new club is going to give you every opportunity to start which looks to be the case for DL Hall on the Brewers.  With only relief outings last year, the left-hander can be activated into a RP spot which could be a boon for a Jokers rotation that has been rebuilt this Winter by GM Rick Steen.  Hall certainly has the skillset to take a big step forward in 2024 while a move from the AL East to the NL Central will only be a benefit. 

TRADE: Falcons Land Soto, Bassitt in Blockbuster with Former Assistant GM

The Maltese Falcons certainly are looking to turn the page in 2024 after missing the Playoffs for just the third time in Franchise History last season. Knocking on the door of their former Assistant GM Erik Nielsen, the club announced a blockbuster deal to acquire outfielder Juan Soto (2/$65) and right-hander Chris Bassitt from the San Mateo Oppo Tacos. In exchange for the duo, the Oppo Tacos will receive right-hander Tyler Wells (2FA/$5), outfielders James Wood (Minors), Sal Frelick (Minors), Luis Matos (Minors) and 2024 1st and 2nd Round Picks (10th and 22nd overall).

Soto was hitting .202 with five homers and 11 RBI as the calendar flipped to May, making the outfielder the center of trade rumors last summer before he was dealt to the former Idaho Taters. Soto went on to turn things around, hitting 30 homers, driving in 98, and hitting .290 for the rest of the season to finish as the 16th most valuable fantasy player in our standard rankings.

He was one of three qualified hitters with more walks than strikeouts in 2023 and has still not fallen below the .400 mark for a season on-base percentage in his entire career. The batting average has taken a tumble since the 2020-2021 season but the volume is still in place for the other statistics. After getting traded to the Yankees for his final year before free agency this Winter, Soto will gain a massive home-park power boost, as Yankee Stadium rates as the second best park for lefty power, per Baseball Savant's park factors, while San Diego rated as the fifth-worst such park.

Tacos GM Erik Nielsen heavily shopped Soto this Winter up and down the RDBL, but his significant salary forced many clubs to attach another player to their trade discussions. The inclusion of Chris Bassitt got the deal over the finish line as the right-hander is fresh off the best season of his career, finishing 2023 with a 3.60 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 186:59 K:BB across 200 innings while posting 457.0 points, 14th most in the RDBL.

That workload set a career high for a third straight year, building on his previous high of 181.2 frames. He dealt with a back issue early in 2023 but didn't miss a start and was healthy the rest of the way. The right-hander certainly isn't the most dominant pitcher with a 22.5 percent strikeout rate last year, but he mixes his repertoire well and reliably limits hard contact. Bassitt has outperformed his underlying numbers throughout his career, so a 4.04 xERA and 4.21 xFIP in 2023 isn't much of a concern. Repeating a fully healthy campaign can be difficult to expect for starting pitchers -- especially in their age-35 season -- but Bassitt enters 2024 as a reliable option for the Falcons as he slots in alongside young activation Eury Perez (Minors) with Seth Lugo (2FA/$5) and Nestor Cortes (3D/$15) firmly in the mix for the rotation.

The additions of Soto and Bassitt certainly elevate what was an interesting and young Falcons Roster into a Playoff contender. Soto and Bassitt carry a 952.0 combined point projection for 2024 for a group that holds significant upside between Riley Greene, Vinnie Pasquantino, Royce Lewis, Tirston Casas, Edouard Julien and Eury Perez who are owed a collective $10.

While the Tacos completed a minor deal early this month, Friday night's blockbuster is the first major fingerprint on the Franchise by Nielsen. In a system that currently lacks depth, the Tacos scored a pair of outfielders in Frelick and Matos who will start 2024 in the big leagues while Wood ranks among the highest upside prospects still in the Minors.

Wood, the headliner of the return, developed a bit of a strikeout issue last season which finished north of 30%, but it came with 26 home runs, 28 doubles, eight triples and a .874 OPS across two Minor League stops. He's ticketed for Triple-A to start 2024 and likely to be on a similar timeline as RDBL's 5th ranked prospect Dylan Crews in the Nationals organization. He ranked 23rd Overall in the RDBL Top 100 while Frelick and Matos ranked 70th and 74th.

Wells was dynamite in the first half for the Orioles in 2023, putting up a 3.18 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and 103:24 K:BB over 104.2 frames. He then fell apart in a hurry after the All-Star break, getting knocked around in three straight starts which led to a demotion to the minors. Wells got moved to the bullpen at Triple-A Norfolk and eventually found his way back to Baltimore, where he made eight scoreless appearances between the regular season and playoffs. The plan is for Wells to return to the rotation in 2024, where he can eat innings in the middle of the Tacos pitching staff.

The Tacos entered the off-season without a selection in the first three rounds, but now can begin to transform their Farm System with the 10th and 22nd picks overall.

The move of Soto could open the door for infielder Marcus Semien (2/$37) to remain with the club while Nielsen is likely to continue to market catcher Will Smith (3/$30) before Draft Day.

Re-Drafting the 2023 Reserve Draft: Yamamoto Edges Out Chourio, Sasaki

The 2023 Reserve Draft has a chance to go down as one of the most loaded Classes in RDBL History with several prospects already set to hit Active Rosters across the league to start 2024.  The overall upside of the class stands out most with three true potential aces (Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Paul Skenes, Roki Sasaki) and several 65+ overall grade potential hitters (Jackson Chourio, Wyatt Langford, Junior Caminero) among the elite prospects selected.

While the Reserve Draft certainly had some valuable big leaguers selected that would clearly go in the Top-15 (Justin Steele, Kyle Bradish, Eduardo Rodriguez), we stuck purely with prospects for this exercise to keep all of the assets on a level playing field.

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1. St. Joseph Jokers

Re-Draft Pick: RHP Yoshinobu Yamamoto (Japan), Originally 16th Overall to Goutfish

Actual Pick: RHP Roki Sasaki (Japan)

The St. Joseph Jokers kicked off the 2024 Reserve Draft with a Japanese right-hander.  It just might have been the wrong one.  While Roki Sasaki’s sky high ceiling remains, it comes with an ETA of 2026 which opens the door for further potential delays given the injury rate of +100mph arms.  That lofts fellow right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto to the top spot with the ability to step in immediately on Opening Day of 2024 with 400+ point potential on an annual basis.  Yamamoto was handed the largest deal for a pitcher in Major League History, receiving $325M from the Los Angeles Dodgers.

2. Nashville Aristocrats

Re-Draft Pick: OF Jackson Chourio (MIL), Originally 2nd Overall to ‘Crats

Actual Pick: OF Jackson Chourio (MIL)

The Nashville Aristocrats entered the Reserve Draft with two players clearly at the top of their list, just waiting to see if the St. Joseph Jokers would select Roki Sasaki or Jackson Chourio with the top selection.  Chourio was the selection and almost 12 months later, nothing has changed as the outfielder just inked a historic 8-year pact with the Milwaukee Brewers despite not appearing above Double-A.  Chourio looks set to make the Brewers Opening Day and could be in play for the ‘Crats as an Activation option.

3. Mission Viejo Maulers

Re-Draft Pick: OF Wyatt Langford (TEX), Originally 18th Overall by Ducks

Actual Pick: OF James Wood (WSH)

While out of contention for one of the clear cut top two prospects available, the Mission Viejo Maulers elected for a high-upside outfielder in James Wood.  A year later, a new high upside outfielder has taken the throne as Wyatt Langford continues his meteoric rise into one of the game’s best prospects.  Langford enters 2024 with a chance to break camp on the big league club making him one of the most valuable picks in the 2023 Reserve Draft by GM Ryan Walsh.

4. Lunatic Fringe

Re-Draft Pick: OF Evan Carter (TEX), Originally 8th Overall by Taters

Actual Pick: SS Jackson Merrill (SD)

While Jackson Merrill was hardly a miss for Lunatic Fringe GM Tony Guglielmi, outfielder Evan Carter’s ascension, especially in the 2023 Playoffs, gives him the edge to go fourth overall.  Carter brings an ideal skillset for the RDBL with elite control of the strike zone, offering an elite floor that should provide plus OBP, steals and average which he pairs with emerging power.

5. Asti Grape Stompers

Re-Draft Pick: 3B Junior Caminero (TB), Originally 53rd Overall by Taters

Actual Pick: C Ethan Salas (SD)

When Ethan Salas went off the board fifth overall to the Asti Grape Stompers, you could see the disappointment across the faces of other RDBL Executives who hoped to select the catching phenom.  He’s done little to dim that star, but based on pure upside, Junior Caminero might be unmatched among hitters still under a Minor League contract.  With massive power and a potential 70 grade hit tool, Caminero’s future looks bright with a potential Opening Day role in Tampa Bay.

6. Mission Viejo Maulers

Re-Draft Pick: RHP Tanner Bibee (CLE), Originally 33rd Overall by Heads

Actual Pick: OF Sal Frelick (MIL)

While Skenes, Yamamoto and Sasaki grab the headlines, Tanner Bibee already went from 2023 Reserve Draft pick to activation for the Honolulu Hammerheads with a chance to headline their rotation in his second year.  With a strong four pitch mix, Bibee carried an elite 2.98 ERA in 142 IP last season and will look to build on that in 2024 with 400+ point potential in each of the next two years.

7. Burlingame Blue Ducks

Re-Draft Pick: RHP Paul Skenes (PIT), Originally 7th Overall by Ducks

Actual Pick: RHP Paul Skenes (PIT)

Burlingame Blue Ducks GM Ryan Walsh has nailed each of his past two Drafts with Paul Skenes holding the potential of the best pick in Franchise History.  Few pitching prospects possess true ace upside like Skenes.  Walsh certainly hoped the right-hander would end up in a more well regarded organization than the Pirates, but with a likely activation of 2025, he should cash in plenty of points to make this a memorable pick for the Ducks.

8. Idaho Taters (Oppo Tacos)

Re-Draft Pick: RHP Roki Sasaki (Japan), Originally 1st Overall by Jokers

Actual Pick: OF Evan Carter (TEX)

The top overall pick in the 2023 Reserve Draft falls to 8th Overall, but that hardly is a hit on Sasaki’s overall ceiling.  The right-hander still possesses the ability to emerge as the most productive pick of the Draft, it just comes with an uncertain ETA that could be pushed to 2026 with the Japanese League posting rules.  Whenever he is posted, expect a bidding process similar to that of Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. 

9. St. Joseph Jokers

Re-Draft Pick: RHP Bryce Miller (SEA), Originally 79th Overall by Goutfish

Actual Pick: C Endy Rodriguez (PIT)

Despite a 4.32 ERA in his Rookie campaign, there was plenty to like from Bryce Miller’s debut in 2023.  Activated in 2023 by the Lake Merced Goutfish before being deal to the Nashville Aristocrats, Miller walks into 2024 carrying a 400+ point projection from CBS with a chance to headline the ‘Crats rotation for the next two seasons.

10. Meinert Hops

Re-Draft Pick: 2B Edouard Julien (MIN), Originally 46th Overall by Falcons

Actual Pick: RHP Chase Dollander (COL)

Julien's Rookie debut went exceptionally well in Minnesota, ranking 5th in OPS (.840) among second basemen with at least 250 at-bats, ahead of the likes of Marcus Semien and Gleybar Torres. Despite just 109 games overall, Julien ranked fifth in walks (64) at his position, aligning his skillset perfectly with the RDBL and raising his floor.  The Falcons resisted the urge to activate him with Julien entering 2024 as one of the league’s top activations.

11. Burlingame Blue Ducks

Re-Draft Pick: C Ethan Salas (SD), Originally 5th Overall by Grapes

Actual Pick: 1B Kyle Manzardo (CLE)

Salas entered the 2023 Reserve Draft as one of the top teenagers in RDBL History with jaw-dropping reports for a 16-year-old backstop.  The phenom has done little to shake the hype with a strong 2023 campaign that saw him rise all the way to Double-A.  His age and ultimate ETA remain the only knock against him compared to the other prospects on this list.  At what point are the Padres comfortable turning the reigns behind the plate over to Salas for 120+ games to produce at a Top-5 or 10 rate among backstops? 

12. Mission Viejo Maulers

Re-Draft Pick: OF Walker Jenkins (MIN), Originally 113th Overall by Taters

Actual Pick: SS Vaughn Grissom (BOS)

It won’t be a surprise to look back at this list and have Jenkins emerge as the best pick of the bunch.  The High School draftee carried lofty expectations entering the 2023 MLB Draft, but those rose to franchise-changer levels following his professional debut where he slashed .362/.417/.571.

13. Mission Viejo Maulers

Re-Draft Pick: SS Colson Montgomery (CHW), Originally 15th Overall by Devils

Actual Pick: OF Vance Honeycutt (UNC)

Montgomery’s 2023 season was delayed by an oblique injury, opening the door for his availability in a mid-season trade to the Alamo Short Stacks. When he returned he showed one of the best combinations of hittability and power in the minor leagues. A strong start to 2024 in Double-A could put him on the fast track to the North Side where he should settle in as a long-term answer at shortstop for the White Sox.

14. Spokane Fightin’ Fish

Re-Draft Pick: OF James Wood (WSH), Originally 3rd Overall by Maulers

Actual Pick: 2B Connor Norby (BAL)

Wood’s jump to Double-A in 2023 saw his strikeouit rate rise, but he continued to hit for power while displaying his athleticism in the outfield and on the bases. More seasoning is needed at the plate, but the upside remains among the highest in the Minor Leagues.

15. Mt. Diablo Devils

Re-Draft Pick: SS Jackson Merrill (SD), Originally 4th Overall to Fringe

Actual Pick: SS Colson Montgomery (CHW)

A sweet lefthanded swing and plus hitting potential are Merrill’s carrying attributes, but he’s also an athletic shortstop who has added positional versatility in anticipation of a 2024 call-up. He added a lot of good weight as a high school senior and has enhanced his power game in pro ball to the point where he could be good for 20-plus homers annually. Evaluators trimmed a bit off his ceiling in 2023, but it comes with a high floor that should make him a strong addition to the Fringe lineup when ready.

Honorable Mention: SS Adael Amador, SS Masyn Winn, C Dalton Rushing, RHP Hurston Waldrep, 1B Kyle Manzardo, SS Zach Neto