With 20 days until Draft Day and 14 days until Keeper Rosters are due to the RDBL Commissioner's Office, clubs are running to their spreadsheets to make plans for the 2022 Season. Here's one burning question for each RDBL Franchise that needs to be answered over the next two weeks.
Alamo Short Stacks
Bregman's 2022 Option at $40
Alex Bregman (2/$40) looked to be a strong addition in the the 2021 Auction but an injury plagued season has his $40 option in limbo heading into this season. The third baseman has received some initial interest in the early trade market according to sources including a potential return to the Asti Grape Stompers who originally selected Bregman while at LSU. A big and healthy Spring Training could be the biggest factor in his future.
Asti Grape Stompers
Pairing Down the Rotation and Bobby Witt, Jr.
The Grapes face a similar challenge that the Burlingame Blue Ducks faced entering 2021 with a stable of starting pitching options that will need to be trimmed down. Walker Buehler (3R/$5) and Robbie Ray (2/$5) are locks to return at the top of the rotation but GM Terry Shelley will also be selecting between Eduardo Rodriguez (2/$13), Marcus Stroman (3/$6), Trevor Rogers (2FA/$5), Luis Severino (2/$11) and Clayton Kershaw (3/$31). A shortened Spring Training could be a challenge as well as the health of Severino and Kershaw will be major factors in the club's decision.
The club could also face pressure from stud prospect Bobby Witt, Jr. who could earn an Opening Day job with the Royals, especially considering the potential pick compensation tied to Rookie performance in the CBA. While waiting until 2023 would be the smarter approach for such a young player, the 2021 Hitting Prospect of the Year could be a big addition for a club with title aspirations.
Burlingame Blue Ducks
Youth Infusion?
The Ducks are expected to bring back Paul Goldschmidt (2/$35), Kris Bryant (2/$24) and Whit Merrifield (3/$38), eating up a good chunk of their cap space which could push GM Ryan Walsh to be aggressive with a trio of activations in Joey Bart, Jazz Chisholm and Alek Manoah with Reid Detmers also potentially pitching his way into the picture.
Cloverdale Clovers
2R/$3 Deal Dilemma
The Clovers face some tough roster decisions including a trio of 2021 activations that could be facing a potential release. lefty Jesus Luzardo, closer Alex Reyes and catcher Francisco Mejia all face 2R/$3 options after shaky 2021 performances leaving their future in doubt in Cloverdale. The club also must decide if they want to be aggressive with a potential Oneil Cruz activation after the shortstop finished the 2021 season in the big leagues.
Honolulu Hammerheads
New Team Doctor?
The Hammerheads are anxiously awaiting the completion of the CBA negotiations as they look to lay eyes on their prized ace Jacob deGrom who didn't make a start after July do to elbow issues. Carlos Rodon (elbow) also managed his way through the final six weeks of the season and has yet to sign with a big league team. Bryon Buxton (hand/hamstring) was limited again in 2021 but showed MVP-level performance when on the field. The health of this trio could be the difference between Title contention and missing the Playoffs.
Idaho Taters
All-In or Planning for 2023
The Taters have as much young talent on the way as any club in the RDBL with four prospects ranked in the Top 20 along with six additional players seeing substantial big league time in 2021. That shapes up for an interesting Draft Day for GM Mike Friedrich who has made clear that they are aiming towards building a sustainable contender. Friedrich could continue to build towards title contention in 2023 or push his chips in early with an already strong core and excellent cap space, making them a potential candidate to take on salary in the trade market before Draft Day.
Lake Merced Goutfish
Healthy Top of the Rotation?
The Goutfish could find themselves on the market for pitching as they monitor the health of Lance McCullers (2/$18) and Noah Syndergaard (2/$17) in Spring. McCullers was shut down in the MLB Playoffs due to a forearm strain while Syndergaard returned to the Mets bullpen from Tommy John surgery in September but was severely limited.
Las Vegas Aristocrats
Scherzer $68 Option
The Aristocrats face a difficult choice on Max Scherzer who holds a $68 final season option. Already the highest contract ever kept in RDBL History, Scherzer's sizeable contract will tell us a great deal about the 'Crats 2022 Draft plans and just how active they can be in the Auction.
Lunatic Fringe
Lindor's $43 Option
The Fringe scooped up Lindor in a late season deal with the Alamo Short Stacks. After a troubling start to his season, Lindor rebounded late in the year making the $43 option a difficult one for GM Tony Guglielmi. The club is loaded with young talent and cheap contracts, leaving room for Lindor's salary which could make it an easier decision for the Fringe.
Maltese Falcons
Rebuild Complete?
The Falcons threaded the needle in 2021, clearly focused on a rebuild yet maneuvering their way to an 8th place finish with good core of talent in place for 2022. While a deep but young Farm System isn't ready to help this season, the excellent contracts of Kyle Tucker (2R/$3) and Zack Wheeler (2/$25) continue to move forward likely pushing GM Gary Falzon and Assistant GM Erik Nielsen to push more chips in for this season than they likely expected.
Meinert Hops
To Build Around Trout?
Mike Trout's $71 contract weighed down the Hops in 2021 as the club lacked depth and impact talent behind him. GM Garrett Shelley had initially expressed a focus on retaining Trout for 2022 but that plan could shift in the next two weeks before Keeper Rosters are due.
Mission Viejo Maulers
TJ Returnees Ready?
The Maulers used 2021 as a complete rebuild, pushing their resources into veteran starters Justin Verlander (2/$5) and Mike Clevinger (2/$10) who will both be returning from Tommy John surgery. The pressure will be on both to return to full health as they look to partner with a strong core on offense (Ronald Acuña, Corey Seager, Aaron Judge) with a goal of pushing their club back into Playoff contention this season.
Mt. Diablo Devils
Trust the Babies?
The Devils were named the 2021 Farm System of the Year with a wave of talent already in the big leagues with plenty more on the way. The challenge is just how much faith they can put into their performance for 2022 while weighing against the need to win during star shortstop Bo Bichette's rookie deal. If GM Jason Watson is aggressive, he could activate as many as five prospects for Opening Day led by star Wander Franco while holding the league's strongest cap space flexibility to make major additions through trade or in Auction for this season.
Spokane Fightin' Fish
Story for Sale?
The Fightin' Fish face a $38 final year option on Trevor Story, now facing a two week window for a decision. Story, still a MLB Free Agent, had a down season in 2021 after the Fish surrendered a 1st Round Pick and pitching prospect Casey Mize for the shortstop.
St. Joseph Jokers
Call for Arms
The Jokers have reportedly been active on the trade front through the MLB lockout and believe they can deliver a much needed boost to their starting pitching staff before Draft Day. Last year's group compiled a 4.30 Team ERA and the second lowest point total on the mound for the Regular Season.
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