Here's my take on the team's lineup and positions. It's a speculative assessment, and I'd love to hear what others think.
Projected Starting Lineup:
Catcher (C): Helfrick (R)
First Base (1B): Anderson (R)
Second Base (2B): Kozeal (L)
Shortstop (SS): Aloy (R)
Third Base (3B): Iredale (R)
Left Field (LF): Souza (L)
Center Field (CF): Davalan (L)
Right Field (RF): Thomas (R)
Designated Hitter (DH): Diggs (L)
Bench:
Peppi, Maxwell, Boles, Fraser, Robinett, Peterson
Lineup Thoughts:
Green Positions: I believe these spots are set. With Diggs and Kozeal (two left-handed batters), Iredale should secure 3B.
Yellow Positions: These are more contested, but likely starters given their roles in 2024.
Red Position: Right Field is highly contested. Thomas has an edge due to his defensive skills and speed, complementing the roster's power. Boles and Maxwell are close seconds, reminiscent of last year's Jones/Lovich/Edmundson scenario.
Blue Bench Players: These players will likely see midweek action, similar to Lovich/Edmundson's role last year.
Fraser could surprise, much like Souza in '24. Peterson will provide occasional rest for Helfrick while keeping his bat in the lineup.
Overall:
The outfield remains a concern. While the depth and quality have improved, there isn't a clear standout. Diggs is a wildcard post-surgery. Davalan's spot is based on defense and versatility, though his offensive performance is still a question mark (see Cape stats). Despite this, the offense looks poised to outperform last year's.
Projected Batting Order:
1. Davalan (CF) - L
2. Aloy (SS) - R
3. Kozeal (2B) - L
4. Iredale (3B) - R
5. Helfrick (C) - R
6. Diggs (DH) - L
7. Anderson (1B) - R
8. Souza (LF) - L
9. Thomas (RF) - R
Pitching Rotation and Bullpen:
Friday Starter: Gaeckle (Top 10 draft pick in '26)
Saturday Starter: Root (Potential 1st round pick in '25)
Sunday Starter: Beidelschies (An improved version of Molina)
Midweek Starters:
Tuesday: McGuire
Wednesday: Wiggins/Davis
Starters Thoughts
Best rotation in baseball. Two first-rounders and a Top-50 pitcher in D1 from 2024.
Bullpen (In order):
Right-Handed Pitchers (RHP): Jiminez, McEntire, Bybee, [McGuire], Carter, [Wiggins], Davis, Dossett
Left-Handed Pitchers (LHP): Dietz, Coil (2x Cape All-Star), Gibler (high potential), Fisher (status uncertain), Holland
Set-Up: Wood
Closer: Foutch
Bullpen Thoughts:
The bullpen's left-handed pitching is a potential weakness. Dietz, Coil, and Gibler have high potential but also significant variability. Control issues in the bullpen could also be problematic.
Projected Starting Lineup:
Catcher (C): Helfrick (R)
First Base (1B): Anderson (R)
Second Base (2B): Kozeal (L)
Shortstop (SS): Aloy (R)
Third Base (3B): Iredale (R)
Left Field (LF): Souza (L)
Center Field (CF): Davalan (L)
Right Field (RF): Thomas (R)
Designated Hitter (DH): Diggs (L)
Bench:
Peppi, Maxwell, Boles, Fraser, Robinett, Peterson
Lineup Thoughts:
Green Positions: I believe these spots are set. With Diggs and Kozeal (two left-handed batters), Iredale should secure 3B.
Yellow Positions: These are more contested, but likely starters given their roles in 2024.
Red Position: Right Field is highly contested. Thomas has an edge due to his defensive skills and speed, complementing the roster's power. Boles and Maxwell are close seconds, reminiscent of last year's Jones/Lovich/Edmundson scenario.
Blue Bench Players: These players will likely see midweek action, similar to Lovich/Edmundson's role last year.
Fraser could surprise, much like Souza in '24. Peterson will provide occasional rest for Helfrick while keeping his bat in the lineup.
Overall:
The outfield remains a concern. While the depth and quality have improved, there isn't a clear standout. Diggs is a wildcard post-surgery. Davalan's spot is based on defense and versatility, though his offensive performance is still a question mark (see Cape stats). Despite this, the offense looks poised to outperform last year's.
Projected Batting Order:
1. Davalan (CF) - L
2. Aloy (SS) - R
3. Kozeal (2B) - L
4. Iredale (3B) - R
5. Helfrick (C) - R
6. Diggs (DH) - L
7. Anderson (1B) - R
8. Souza (LF) - L
9. Thomas (RF) - R
Pitching Rotation and Bullpen:
Friday Starter: Gaeckle (Top 10 draft pick in '26)
Saturday Starter: Root (Potential 1st round pick in '25)
Sunday Starter: Beidelschies (An improved version of Molina)
Midweek Starters:
Tuesday: McGuire
Wednesday: Wiggins/Davis
Starters Thoughts
Best rotation in baseball. Two first-rounders and a Top-50 pitcher in D1 from 2024.
Bullpen (In order):
Right-Handed Pitchers (RHP): Jiminez, McEntire, Bybee, [McGuire], Carter, [Wiggins], Davis, Dossett
Left-Handed Pitchers (LHP): Dietz, Coil (2x Cape All-Star), Gibler (high potential), Fisher (status uncertain), Holland
Set-Up: Wood
Closer: Foutch
Bullpen Thoughts:
The bullpen's left-handed pitching is a potential weakness. Dietz, Coil, and Gibler have high potential but also significant variability. Control issues in the bullpen could also be problematic.
