The Lunatic Fringe entered 2021 as one of the three favorites to end the season as League Champions but unexpected disastrous years and a broken down starting rotation derailed an otherwise promising season. The Fringe fought to the finish line, finishing in 10th place while GM Tony Guglielmi was able to offload some of their expiring contracts to build up depth for 2022.
While 2022 will serve as a transition to a new core, Guglielmi appears to have plenty of talent in place for another run at contention this season.
What Went Wrong?
Belli-Bomb
Few players across baseball matched the upward trajectory of Cody Bellinger's production and star power. Following 2021, few players have matched such a fall in value. Last season was a disaster for Bellinger who was expected to anchor the Fringe's offense on his 3R/$5 contract. When in the lineup for Guglielmi, Bellinger managed just a .157/.255/.264 line with 41.5 points in 140 at-bats leaving a major hole in their daily lineup.
Bieber Strikes Out on Hype
After a Cy Young 2020 season, Bieber joined Gerrit Cole as the most hyped starting pitchers available in the 2021 Auction Draft. The Fringe handed Bieber a $72 contract, $1 short of Cole's and the second highest in RDBL History. A shoulder injury shortened his season and limited the star right-hander to just 90 2/3 innings and 215.0 points for the Fringe who traded him to the Spokane Fightin' Fish at the deadline.
Corbin Crumbles
The Fringe surprised some when they retained Corbin's $31 contract for 2021. He had certainly made fans within the organization with his dominant 2019 campaign, but the shortened 2020 season posed some red flags. Guglielmi stuck with their former ace who unfortunately limped to a 6.13 ERA and just 82.0 points for the Fringe in 105 2/3 innings.
What Went Right?
A Star in Born in Alcantara
Sandy Alcantara has quietly lept over Lucas Giolito as the ace of the Fringe and one of the game's premier starting pitchers. He posted 540.0 points over the full season with a 3.19 ERA and 1.07 WHIP while ranking fourth in innings pitched with 205 2/3. Entering his 2R/$3 season, Alcantara is one of RDBL's top values.
Prospects Cut Their Teeth
As the Fringe turn the page with the expiring contracts of Bellinger, Ozzie Albies and Jesse Winker, the club now turns their attention to the likes of Brandon Marsh, Triston McKenzie and Josiah Gray who could all be ready to help the club on Opening Day. The trio each received extended big league time to finish 2021 and look set for steady roles for their big league clubs while Josh Jung could force his way into the picture for the Texas Rangers.
2022 Off-Season Keeper Projection
Part of the Fringe's 2021 sale included the acquisition of Francisco Lindor (3/$43) who stands as one of the most interesting keeper options to watch across the RDBL. A commitment of that contract size will largely shape the club's off-season strategy as they build around core players like Alcantara, Ryan Mountcastle, Javier Baez and Lucas Giolito.
Strong Spring Trainings should ease any worries for Guglielmi on the likely activations of Brandon Marsh, Triston McKenzie and Josiah Gray while Josh Jung could play his way into consideration as well.
Mid-Season addition Patrick Wisdom's impressive power numbers could give the Fringe a multi-position option for an already versatile offense.
The starting rotation currently presents some options for the Fringe Front Office behind Alcantara and Giolito. Both Marco Gonzales and Chris Flexen pitched well enough in 2021 to earn spots back on the Fringe while Domingo German and Ryan Weathers could be sleepers entering 2022. Unlikely to bring back an entire starting staff, Gonzales, Flexen or one of the activation-ready starting pitchers could be used as a trade asset this off-season.
Kenley Jansen's likely exit from Los Angeles could leave the closer job to Blake Treinan, pushing him into a safe keeper spot for the Fringe bullpen.
Farm System
Guglielmi has quietly compiled a strong Farm System that is close to making a significant impact on their Active Roster. While Marsh, McKenzie, Gray and Jung look to be likely 2022 contributors, the Fringe are most excited about the ceiling of 2021 1st Round Reserve pick Grayson Rodriguez.
Clarke Schmidt is a bit of a wild card as he entered 2021 with a legitimate chance at a rotation spot for the New York Yankees before an elbow injury sidelined him for much of the year. A healthy Spring could vault him up the Fringe list and into their 2022 plans as well.
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