State of the Franchise: Lake Merced Goutfish

We continue our State of the Franchise Series with the 2023 Roger Dorn Baseball League Champion Lake Merced Goutfish, the 10th Franchise we have covered this off-season. Despite playing nine seasons while the majority of the league has played 10, the Goutfish became just the third Franchise to exceed $3,000 in lifetime winnings with their successful 2023 campaign which included their third Division Title.

Franchise History Page

President of Baseball Operations: Ryan Atkinson

Headquarters: San Carlos, CA

Seasons: 9

Cash Finishes: 5

Division Titles: 3

Lifetime Earnings: $3,265

Top Hitter: Ronald Acuña, 460.5 (2019)

Top Pitcher: Dylan Cease, 451.0 (2022)

2023 Season

With a $41 Draft Day investment in Bryce Harper, who was expected to miss at least the first half of the season due to Tommy John surgery, and Fernando Tatis suspended for the first month of the season, there was some concern that the Goutfish wouldn't have enough firepower to overcome their absences. That was hardly the case in 2023, mainly due to one of the best pitching staffs we have seen in League History.

Led by Framber Valdez, George Kirby, Blake Snell, Kodai Senga and lockdown closer Felix Bautista, the Goutfish tied the Spokane Fightin' Fish for the most pitching points in the RDBL Regular Season while pacing all clubs with a 3.51 ERA. They hardly rested on those arms, adding Brandon Woodruff, Joe Musgrove and Max Fried to the mix for their Playoff push.

Atkinson's entire pitching staff took that production to a whole new level over the five Periods of the season, breaking the RDBL Record for Playoff Team ERA with a ridiculous 2.52 mark. The group was led by Blake Snell, the National League's likely Cy Young winner, who led all pitchers in Playoff scoring while notching 0.47 ERA and 0.89 WHIP over 38.0 innings. His 170.0 pitching points were the seventh highest in RDBL History as he captured the RDBL Playoff MVP Award.

Lost to 2024 Free Agency

OF Fernando Tatis, RHP Brandon Woodruff, LHP Max Fried, RP Clay Holmes, RP Felix Bautista, RHP Joe Musgrove, OF Randy Arozarena, C Alejandro Kirk, IF Tommy Edman, 3B Alec Bohm, C Salvador Perez, OF Daulton Varsho

Current Projected Keeper Roster Ranked by Value

1 OF Yordan Alvarez (3R/$5)

2. RHP George Kirby (3R/$5)

3. LHP Blake Snell (3/$10)

4. RHP Yoshinobu Yamamoto (1R/$1)

5. LHP Framber Valdez (2/$48)

6. RHP Kodai Senga (2/$12)

7. 3B Rafael Devers (2/$44)

8. 1B Christian Walker (3D/$15)

9. IF Ryan McMahon (2/$17)

10. 3B Christian Encarnacion-Strand (2FA/$5)

11. IF Ronny Mauricio (1R/$1)

12. RP Adbert Alzolay (2FA/$5)

The Goutfish have historically favored some more cap space than they currently have and with Bobby Miller not even included on the list above, it's likely Atkinson will be doing some tweaking before Draft Day. As currently constructed, the Goutfish have the look of a Title Contender yet again with a dominant and deep rotation alongside hitting stars Yordan Alvarez and Rafael Devers.

Dylan Cease (3R/$5) was a breakout performer in 2022, but his stumbles in 2023 and strength of the depth in the Goutfish rotation could make him a very valuable trade chip along with Marcus Stroman (2/$5).

While the Free Agent catching market has some depth, look for Atkinson to nab a backstop this Winter after losing three catchers to expired deals.

Farm System

1. RHP Yoshinobu Yamamoto (Japan)

2. RHP Bobby Miller (Dodgers)

3. SS Ronny Mauricio (Mets)

4. OF Kevin Alcantara (Cubs)

5. 3B Muketaka Murakami (Japan)

6. SS Edwin Arroyo (Reds)

7. SS Elijah Green (Nationals)

8. OF Andy Pages (Dodgers)

9. SS Oswald Peraza (Yankees)

While the Farm System took some a hit with the exit of Adael Amador, few clubs can match the 2024 impact the Goutfish can produce with Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Bobby Miller and Ronny Mauricio. All three look primed for Opening Day roles on the Goutfish Active Roster.

Kevin Alcantara mashed in Double-A and hasn't let up with an impressive showing in the Arizona Fall League, making him one of the premiere outfield prospects in baseball.

A so-so season for Muketaka Murakami in Japan and ETA of 2026 have dimmed the prospect value on the third baseman, though he remains one of the best International prospects in baseball.

Off-Season Questions

1. What's the focus of the return on excess pitching?

The Goutfish will clearly be able to move at least two starting pitchers this Winter, leaving fans wondering what GM Ryan Atkinson would like to address on his roster. The club could look to get back into the early rounds of the Reserve Draft where the Front Office has proven to be deadly or look to double down on their current 2024 Roster by addressing weak spots like catcher before Draft Day.

2. Patience with Miller, Yamamoto?

The Goutfish have shown their confidence in their roster in previous seasons, letting Yordan Alvarez sit for the 2021 Season only to add him to the Playoff Roster en route to their first RDBL Championship as a way to get more than three years of production from a star. Given their depth, the Goutfish could elect to do the same with Miller or Yamamoto, or at a minimum assess their early season performance before activating them when the in-season window opens in Period 9.

3. Confidence in Devers?

Rafael Devers had a strong year, posting 429.0 points while finishing as the seventh ranked third baseman in baseball. He's likely accurately priced at the 2/$44 option the Goutfish hold for 2024, but we know Atkinson is generally looking for stronger value from his Keepers which could make him a trade candidate this Winter. Atkinson faced a similar call on Matt Olson last season before dealing his 2/$46 option to the Lunatic Fringe for a 2nd and 6th Round pick.

State of the Franchise: Mt. Diablo Devils

We continue our State of the Franchise Series with the Mt. Diablo Devils who snapped a four season streak of missing the RDBL Playoffs in 2023, winning their fourth East Bay Division Title while finishing 3rd Overall.

Franchise History Page

President of Baseball Operations: Jason Watson

Headquarters: Walnut Creek, CA

Seasons: 10

Cash Finishes: 4

Division Titles: 4

Lifetime Earnings: $2,275

Top Hitter: Mookie Betts, 487.0 (2023)

Top Pitcher: Gio Gonzalez, 477.0 (2017)

2023 Season

The Devils success was largely built on some impressive off-season work by GM Jason Watson who acquired Christian Yelich and Nathan Eovaldi prior to Draft Day with each producing at elite levels over the 2023 season. When the bidding on Mookie Betts surprisingly stopped at $52, Watson thought he might have a true contender which quickly became the case early in the season.

With Betts, Jose Ramirez, Bo Bichette, Justin Turner and Wander Franco driving the ship on the league's third ranked offense, Watson saw the opportunity to pounce on the East Bay Division competition. They added Manny Machado, Emmanuel Clase and Ty France from the Alamo Short Stacks before additional deals for Freddy Peralta, Yeiner Diaz, Ryan Helsley, James Paxton and Lance Lynn.

While they were able to cruise to their fourth Division Title in Franchise History, MLB's suspension of Wander Franco began the turn downward in an otherwise successful year. The Devils limped to just 1,201.5 Playoff points, the fewest in RDBL History as their pitching staff lost command with a 4.83 ERA and 1.38 WHIP over the last five weeks.

Despite ending on a sour note, the Devils certainly turned the corner in 2023 with plenty to build on heading into next season.

Lost to 2024 Free Agency

SS Bo Bichette, RP Emmanuel Clase, RHP Nathan Eovaldi, 1B Ty France, 3B Justin Turner, RP Ryan Helsley

Current Projected Keeper Roster Ranked by Value

1. 2B/OF Mookie Betts (2/$52)

2. SS Wander Franco (3R/$5)

3. 3B Jose Ramirez (3/$47)

4. RHP Merrill Kelly (3D/$15)

5. OF Christian Yelich (3/$31)

6. RHP Freddy Peralta (2/$9)

7. C Yeiner Diaz (2FA/$5)

8. C Bo Naylor (1R/$1)

9. LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (2D/$5)

10. RHP Dane Dunning (2FA/$5)

11. IF Michael Busch (1R/$1)

12. 1B/OF Joey Meneses (2/$12)

13. OF Brent Rooker (2FA/$5)

It didn't take long for clubs to be kicking themselves on not exceeding the $52 it took to land Mookie Betts in the 2023 Draft, reminiscent of how they felt when the bidding stopped at $47 for Jose Ramirez the previous year. The duo serves as the foundation of the Devils, albeit an expensive one. That's where the pending charges on Wander Franco play a critical factor in how this club is viewed heading into 2024. If Franco is exiled, as many have reported, it will be a huge blow to Watson's plans for next season.

While Merrill Kelly will see a jump in his contract to $15, he's proved to be well worth the investment as he's backed up a strong 447.0 point performance with a dominant postseason in the D'Backs World Series run.

Franco's potential absence could have the biggest effect on Christian Yelich who exceeded 400 points for the first time since 2019, but is owed $31 in a budget already squeezed by star contracts.

One area that will provide relief is the catcher position which was solidified by a savvy trade for Yeiner Diaz and the selection of Bo Naylor in the 2023 Reserve Draft.

Farm System

1. C Bo Naylor (Guardians)

2. SS Brady House (Nationals)

3. IF Michael Busch (Dodgers)

4. RHP Owen White (Rangers) 5. C Diego Cartaya (Dodgers)

6. RHP Cade Cavalli (Nationals) 7. RHP Deivi Garcià (White Sox)

The Devils Farm System took a hit with the exit of Colson Montgomery, Cam Collier and Tyler Soderstrom last season, but the emergence of Bo Naylor (hit .321 with 26 hits, eight doubles, seven home runs, 18 RBI, and a 1.113 OPS over last 28 games) will make the impact hurt a bit less.

Naylor is the safest bet to slide right into the Active Roster while Michael Busch would be a logical addition as well if he can overcome the Dodgers lack of trust in him. Busch has proven to be far too skilled for the Triple-A level as he was named Pacific Coast League MVP and the league's top prospect by MiLB. Busch hit .323/.431/.618 with 27 home runs and a 150 wRC+ in 98 games for Triple-A Oklahoma City but still seems to lack the confidence from his coaching staff at the big league level after he was left off the Playoff Roster.

Brady House holds the highest upside of any prospect in the system, reaching Double-A in 2023 while hitting .312/.365/.497 overall at age 20.

Few saw a bigger dip in value than Diego Cartaya in 2023 as the backstop went from a consensus Top-10 prospect in the Minors to being surpassed at his own position in the Dodgers Minor League catching pecking order. Cartaya hit just .189 with 117 strikeouts in 93 games for Double-A Tulsa and could be ticketed for a return to that level to start 2024.

On the mound, Owen White could emerge as an Active Roster option in 2024 after getting a cup of coffee in the big leagues last season. The one to watch will be Cade Cavalli, once considered one of the top pitching prospects in the game, who is returning from Tommy John surgery this year.

Off-Season Questions

1. Resolution on Wander Franco?

No storyline is more important for the Devils Franchise than the resolution on Wander Franco's status for 2024. Facing a potential MLB Death Penalty according to sources, Franco's absence would be a huge blow to their Active Roster. The shortstop was on pace for a potential 500+ point season before being placed on administrative leave.

2. Level of concern with Cap Space?

If Wander Franco is out of the picture for 2024, the Devils are facing an even tighter cap space squeeze. Even with Franco, the club currently projects to have $72 available for 11 open positions, just $6.55 per opening. That will put eyes on Christian Yelich (3/$31) who posted his first 400+ point season since 2019. With Mookie Betts and Jose Ramirez unlikely to be moved, Yelich could be the one to go if Watson wants more Draft Day flexibility.

3 Up, 3 Down: Garcia's Breakout Playoff Performance Locking in 2024 Role

The 2023 Major League Baseball Season could be wrapping up as soon as Wednesday as the Texas Rangers take a 3-1 lead into Game 5 in Phoenix. Despite it being the off-season for 28 other teams, news continues to flow in as clubs plan for 2024 and standout Playoff performances change the opinion of Roger Dorn Baseball League Front Offices.

Here's the latest 3 Up, 3 Down:

Adolis Garcia (3D/$15), San Mateo Oppo Tacos

Garcia has been the most impactful offensive player in the Playoffs thus far as he looks set to be among the first 3D/$15 players in RDBL History as the new rule hits its first season of implementation. Garcia finished the ALCS with 15 RBIs, a record for any postseason series while adding a walk-off home run in Game 1 of the World Series. He became the second player in major league history with four hits and two home runs in a winner-take-all game, joining Carlos Beltran from the 2004 National League Division Series, and the first player ever to drive in at least one run in six consecutive games in a postseason series.

The Oppo Tacos have a strong core expected to return, but those options are quite pricey which will likely lead to some off-season activity from GM Erik Nielsen. But as of now, Garcia doesn't look to be one of the contracts likely to be moved.

Henry Davis (Minors), Meinert Hops

With the Pirates off to a decent start, the club promoted Hops prospect Henry Davis to the big leagues in 2023 mainly to get his bat into the lineup. Oddly, the former top overall MLB Draft pick was pushed to the outfield to start his career, a spot he had only played a handful on innings in the Minors. A thumb injury then ended any hope of catching last season, ultimately logging just two games behind the plate and losing catcher eligibility heading into 2024, a big blow to the Hops plans.

Pirates GM Ben Cherington gave GM Garrett Shelley some hope last week as he detailed the off-season plans for Davis included preparing to return to catcher for 2024, sharing the duties with potential St. Joseph Jokers activation Endy Rodriguez.

“We believe in both cases that catcher is their primary position,” Cherington said of Rodriguez and Davis. “It has been for their entire life, and they are young players who are just getting to the big leagues. We owe it to them, and to us, to find out what it looks like at that position and give them a chance to be major league catchers.

“There are years down the road the road to make adjustments, but we think it's in the best interest of Henry, Endy and the Pirates to focus on catching going into 2024 with both of them. We believe they can do it.”

While the Hops will have to wait for him to reach five games at the position before he can be moved there, it will give GM Garrett Shelley some roster flexibility on Draft Day should they choose to activate Davis.

RHP Chase Burns (Minors), Las Vegas Aristocrats

By the middle of April, 2023 Reserve Draftee Paul Skenes was a clear steal for Burlingame Blue Ducks GM Ryan Walsh and a favorite for 1-1 in the MLB Draft (which he ultimately achieved). Las Vegas Aristocrats pitching prospect Chase Burns could make a similar rise this Spring after recently transferring from Tennessee to Wake Forest. Burns made his second Fall outing for Wake this week and was beyond impressive, sitting 97-100 with a wipeout slider.

He went 13-5 with a 3.54 ERA in two seasons at Tennessee, striking out 217 in 152 1/3 innings.

RHP Alex Cobb (2/$3), Asti Grape Stompers

Cobb will undergo surgery on his left hip labrum tomorrow, the Giants announced to reporters (including Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area). The surgery will also address the impingement issues that ended his 2023 season midway through September. The right-hander will need approximately six months to return to pitching, to say nothing of his readiness for the major leagues. That puts his earliest return at some point in May 2024, which could end his 2024 option with the Asti Grape Stompers.

The 36-year-old was a valuable contributor to the Giants’ rotation before his season came to an early end, making 28 starts with a 3.87 ERA. He pitched especially well in the first half, posting a 2.91 ERA through 16 starts and making the first All-Star Game of his 12-year career. Unfortunately, his performance was rather uneven in the second half; he threw a complete game gem on August 29, but he also failed to escape the fifth inning on three separate occasions. Presumably, the nagging issues in his hip were affecting his stuff down the stretch.

The injury could open the door for Casey Mize (2D/$5) to make the Grapes Opening Day rotation provided the right-hander proves to be healthy in Spring Training following his recovery from Tommy John. Dodgers right-hander Emmet Sheehan (2FA/$5) could also push his way into an Opening Day spot.

RHP Michael Kopech (3R/$5), Cloverdale Clovers

Once considered one of the premiere prospects in baseball, Kopech has been anything but over the course of his Clovers career. After skipping the 2020 season due to concerns with COVID, Kopech returned to the mound as a reliever in 2021, further delaying his RDBL activation. He finally joined the Active Roster is 2022, posting a strong 3.54 ERA, but managed to work just 119 1/3 innings in 25 starts, holding his total points down at 298.0. Things never got on track in 2023 as Kopech was bombed by the Giants in his season opener, limping to a 5.43 ERA and 1.59 WHIP in 129 1/3 IP before knee surgery ended his year.

The lack of consistency could spell the end of the line for Kopech in the green and gold, making the right-hander a potential buy-low trade candidate this off-season.

3B Jose Miranda (1R/$1), Maltese Falcons

A strong 2022 campaign planted Jose Miranda firmly in the long-term plans for the Maltese Falcons. A year following his activation, Miranda’s future in the organization could be in doubt after a rough year at the plate that concluded with shoulder surgery that will sideline him through early next year. Miranda posted 263.0 points in limited action in 2022, but followed it up with a .211/.263/.303 in 40 games.

With a wave of activations ready, the Falcons are likely to cut Miranda before Draft Day unless he can prove to be fully healthy and productive in Spring.