1. Minneapolis Millers, 162-0*
Key Losses: SP Madison Bumgarner, SP Gio Gonzalez, 1B Paul Goldschmidt
Key Additions: CL Sean Marshall
Prospect To Watch: SS Trace Loehr
Outlook:
After changing basically their entire starting rotation at the trading deadline last season, the team decided there weren’t a whole lot of moves to make this off-season. The team returns basically the entirety of the league’s best offense from a year ago, and adds 2015 batting champ Elvis Andrus after he missed most of last season with injuries.
Sean Marshall was brought in to anchor an already solid bullpen. The team seemed to lack a dominating presence at the very back end, and by acquiring the lefty the team was able to move former closer AJ Ramos to a set up role, somewhere they’re more comfortable with him.
Bumgarner underwhelmed a year after posting a 2.51 ERA, and he was shipped to a new division rival in Vancouver. The team may have acted too quickly, as Bumgarner is a prime bounce back candidate this season. If he returns to his top tier form, Minneapolis will regret sending him anywhere, let alone to a division rival.
Trace Loehr, acquired in the Masahiro Tanaka trade, had an impressive first season with his new organization. While his batting averages leave a lot to be desired, the young middle infielders power has been impressive at each stop. He also projects as a plus plus defender, which means the bar for his bat is even lower. Sources around the league believe Loehr could make his debut at some point this season, and if he starts hot in the minors, Elvis Andrus might be traded to make room. Minneapolis is very high on this kid.
