With the Mission Viejo Maulers switching to rebuild mode for the second time in three seasons, GM Chris Ferraro is planning for the 2023 Auction with a long-term vision in mind. After watching the club maneuver in similar fashion in 2021, that Draft should give us a strong idea of where the club is likely to focus their efforts on March 27th this season.
That points directly to outfielder Bryce Harper and starting pitcher Walker Buehler as clear fits for the Maulers with both expected to miss significant time due to injuries.
Harper did not have the elite level of production he had over previous seasons, but 2022 was excellent even in an unfortunate smaller sample. An elbow injury in April would have ended his season if not for the Universal DH rule, but a Blake Snell fastball off the hand put him back on the IL until August at which time he finished the season as the DH and took the Phillies to the World Series. It was announced in November that he would have Tommy John surgery surgery and miss the start of the 2023 season. The plan is for Harper to return to designated hitter duties around the All-Star Break with a return to the outfield possibly late in 2023 or in early 2024.
The Dodgers rewarded Walker Buehler for his stellar 2021 season with their opening-day start. After six starts, his ERA was 1.96 with a 1.06 WHIP, but only 32 punchouts in 36.2 innings was a concern. Buehler started six more games, recording a 6.67 ERA and 1.59 WHIP with 26 strikeouts in 28.1 frames. He was then put on the IL with elbow discomfort which was later diagnosed as a flexor strain in his throwing elbow. While recovering, Buehler had a bone spur removed from his right elbow. In August, the Dodgers decided to give up on a September return and Buehler underwent Tommy John surgery for a second time, with the first back in 2015. Buehler is likely to miss the entire 2023 season making a minor investment this season a potentially brilliant move for 2024 and 2025.
Around the RDBL - According to sources, the Cloverdale Clovers made a push for Burlingame Blue Ducks ace Alek Manoah (2R/$3) but the ask required parting with prized right-hander Andrew Painter (Minors) which the club was hesitant to do. At that point, the conversation shifted to Cristian Javier (3/$6) who was ultimately dealt as part of a larger package to the Clovers last week.
- The Maltese Falcons Front Office is saying not so fast on the presumed activation of first baseman Triston Casas (Minors). According to sources, the club is planning on holding Casas back in his Minor League contract unless he has a breakout Spring Training.
- One key contract to watch is Meinert Hops outfieler Bryan Reynolds (2/$36) who is probably priced just about right for his production but is up against a legendary Free Agent group of outfielders. 2022 was another year of the perpetual rebuild in Pittsburgh where little went well, but that did not stop Reynolds from building off his successful 2021 campaign. The batting average fell as Reynolds continues a cycle of BABIP peaks and valleys year after year, but he set a career high in homers and steals while compiling for an otherwise dreadful lineup. His 374.5 points in 2022 might not be worth the $36 investment, but his 454.0 point projection by CBS has the Hops remaining interest in picking up the option.
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