The Roger Dorn Baseball League Commissioner's Office is reviewing potential revisions to the Draft Day rulebook given the special circumstances of the 2022 Spring Training schedule. Typically, prospects are considered prospects only after they have been optioned to Minor League camp. With uncertainty on how teams will handle these transactions with such a limited Spring schedule, the league potentially could turn all MLB Reserve/Prospect decisions over to MLB Roster Resource for Draft Day.
Commissioner Shelley met with the media Monday morning and stated "Roster Resource is the crown jewel of the MLB Industry with up to the minute changes on every piece of MLB news and the ramifications to the Opening Day roster. Removing the Commissioner's Office from those decisions given the unique circumstances of the 2022 Spring Training schedule could be the route we go, but we need more time to evaluate on how MLB clubs handle their rosters over the next 10 days."
More to come as the League continues to review the best plan as Draft Day will come just 13 days after the start of Spring Training games and 8 days before Opening Day.
Around the RDBL
- Based on a recent check-in, Lake Merced Goutfish right-hander Noah Syndergaard (2/$17) is "definitely available" according to sources. The 29-year-old comes with tons of upside thanks to his 3.32 career ERA, but he's missed almost two full seasons due to Tommy John surgery, returning late last season to throw just a pair of innings. Additionally, his latest full season back in 2019 was the worst of his career, as his 4.28 ERA that year was more than a run worse than what he'd produced in any of his four previous campaigns, so it's not entirely clear what the Angels or any RDBL club can count on from him in 2022.
- The Honolulu Hammerheads continue to explore the market for additional outfielders for their Keeper Roster with reliever Andrew Kittridge (2FA/$5) the fall back option for their final Keeper spot. There has been some interest in left-hander Steven Matz (2FA/$5) who carries a strong 367.0 point projection and inked a four-year, $44 million deal with the St. Louis Cardinals this off-season. Matz posted a 3.82 ERA over 150 2/3 innings in 2021 for the Blue Jays.
- One of the more interesting names to watch heading into the Keeper Deadline is Asti Grape Stompers 2021 activation Keston Hiura (2R/$3). The second baseman had a disastrous season which led to a demotion to Triple-A thanks to a .168/.256/.301 line. Hiura was once thought to be one of the easiest prospect bets to hit at a high level in the big leagues but things haven't clicked over parts of three seasons in the big leagues so far. Still just 25 years old and under RDBL control through 2023, it will be interesting to see if the Grapes cut ties with him or if a rebuilding club takes a shot on him given the limited cap space he would require. Hiura will see some Spring Training time in the outfield to help make him a more valuable asset to the Brewers roster according to manager Craig Counsell while the addition of the DH in the National League could provide additional at-bats.
- The Burlingame Blue Ducks are ready to activate prospects Jazz Chisholm and Alek Manoah according to sources with Joey Bart remaining in the mix. The Athletic's Andy Baggerly posted a tremendous article on the growth of Bart while also noting the remarkable success the Giants had with Curt Casali in the lineup. Casali led the major leagues with a 2.72 catcher’s ERA last season while catching nine shutouts. He became just the fifth major-league backstop in the modern era to catch shutouts in five consecutive starts. The Giants were 42-13 when he started behind the plate — a ridiculous .764 winning percentage that pencils out to a 123-win season. The presence of Casali could have GM Ryan Walsh hold off on an Opening Day promotion and ride with just Yadier Molina (2/$13) into Draft Day.
- The Cloverdale Clovers are keeping the door open for outfielder Marcell Ozuna (3/$25) who missed most of 2021 to suspension for a domestic dispute. Ozuna carries a 378.5 point projection and could be a potential Keeper or trade candidate for GM Chris Shelley before the Keeper Deadline.
- The Idaho Taters could conceivably activate a RDBL-high five prospects for Opening Day as Sean Murphy, Brendan Rodgers, Jo Adell, Casey Mize and Matt Manning are all set for steady big league jobs to open 2022. Manning's mixed results will likely hold him back from an Opening Day nod from GM Mike Friedrich coupled with the fact that his inclusion would fill their entire starting rotation before Draft Day.
- The Las Vegas Aristocrats remain "torn" on the looming 3/$68 option for Max Scherzer according to sources close to the club. If Scherzer isn't retained, the 'Crats could be a player in the trade market for a starter as they would then be projected with just Max Fried (2R/$3) and Joe Musgrove (2/$23) in the rotation.
- The Alamo Short Stacks have entertained conversations on starter Tarik Skubal (2/$10), who is currently in the plans to be retained. Skubal was marred by the home run ball in 2021, with a 5.5% rate that was second only to Mike Foltynewicz. A 25.9% strikeout ration against a 7.4% walk rate have him notched on many sleeper lists for 2022 with control through the 2023 season on a $10 deal.
- GM Tony Guglielmi faces some of the toughest calls for any Front Office Executive in the RDBL before the Keeper Deadline. Activation candidates Josiah Gray, Triston McKenzie and Brandon Marsh all appear ready for Opening Day roles while the looming decision on the 3/$43 option for Francisco Lindor hangs over the roster.
- The Falcons received good news on Max Muncy (2/$17) who is expected to be ready for at least DH duties on Opening Day but were hit with unfortunate news as both Ranger Suarez (visa issues) and ace Zack Wheeler (shoulder) are unlikely to be ready for Opening Day. Tanner Houck remains a name to watch in the rotation as well but Alex Cora might have poured water on his value Sunday as he said the right-hander is not a lock for a spot in the Red Sox rotation to start 2022.
- The Hops are closely monitoring the Yankees moving pieces as Luke Voit (3/$8) tries to avoid being the odd man out in New York. The Yankees were able to bolster their infield without giving up any prospects in Sunday's trade, so the team is in position to acquire a left-handed hitting first baseman via trade or free agency (potentially Matt Olsen or Anthony Rizzo). If that occurs, Voit could be the odd man out in the team's infield since DJ LeMahieu should also see time at first base. The 31-year-old appeared in 68 games for the Yankees while battling injuries last year, and he hit .239 with 11 home runs, 35 RBI and 26 runs.
- Maulers star Ronald Acuña, Jr. (3R/$5) is not expected back until early May according to sources close to the outfielder. The report came out Sunday afternoon as Acuña works his way back from a ACL suffered in July.
- The Mt. Diablo Devils are wrestling with the looming decision on 2021 activation Alec Bohm (2R/$3) who struggled so much that he was sent back to Triple-A in 2021. The Phillies are reportedly interested in dealing for Athletics third baseman Matt Chapman, with Bohm at least rumored as a potential return candidate to Oakland. While losing Bohm could hurt, GM Jason Watson retooled the Devils Farm System which could produce as many as five Opening Day activations led by budding star Wander Franco.
- As Reserve Draft prep begins for many clubs, a look at the top prospects for this season's MLB Draft will likely lead to a piqued interest in High School second baseman Termarr Johnson. GM Michael Tirabassi will be quick to let you know he's taken as the likely Top 3 selection in July was a 10th Round pick of the Spokane Fightin' Fish in 2021. He hopes to join 2019 12th Rounder Julio Rodriguez as major Draft Day wins for Tirabassi in future seasons.
- The Jokers added a trio of Keeper Roster assets last week as Michael Brantley, Yu Darvish and Jon Gray boosted a roster in need of an injection of talent. GM Rick Steen doesn't appear to be finished as they look to further strengthen their core group. Idaho Taters catcher Mike Zunino (2FA/$5) could emerge as a strong fit to replace Omar Narvaez who was sent to the Alamo Short Stacks along with picks for the above trio.