@chibob
BORDERLINE/REPLACEMENT LEVEL
- these are players that one could reasonably expect are available in free agency or in the minors. While these aren’t obvious releases, they may be considering the rest of ur team. Obviously you have to have a full team, so it’s possible these guys are, if they are on the minimum, the best choice.
Marc Rankin, RP: Rankin did not have a great showing in his debut, but he could get better. If he did, he’d be above replacement level (currently he’s below).
Dinh Toai, RP: he got called up but couldn’t crack the September rotation - which is saying something. He’s 26 and pitched a total of one inning above AA.
Tony Johnson, RP: same as Toai, he couldn’t get on the pro mound. 25 years old, MY MOTHER GOD REST HER SOUL. Actually he’s 25 and never pitched above AA, and wasn’t even good in AA.
Jorge Arroyo, RP: he was decent in 2070, and not so good this year in limited time. He’s the very definition of replacement level, with 331 innings pitched in the pro’s and a career WAR of .2. With an arbitration estimate of $950k, he’s easier to release than a minimum player.
Stan Bryant, RP: Bryant is the former #3 overall pick who, unfortunately, looks like a bust. When he’s played over the last two years, he’s been replacement level. There’s the possibility that he could get slightly better, but he’s also coming off a torn flexor tendon and won’t be ready until late summer next year.
Roberto Figueroa, RP: Figueroa has a decent amount of room to grow, although at nearly 24 it’s unlikely he’s going to reach his full potential. Still, compared to the other options, his potential is worth keeping around.
Ken Young, C: Young is another great example of a replacement level player. You’ve got five catchers currently under contract, although Losorata is leaving and you should cut Gutierrez (see above). So Young might be worth keeping around as ur third/“AAAA” catcher.
So for pitchers, you currently have 20 under contract. 2 are currently set to be released (FYI, Monfre Braves would be worth resigning if he’s interested, I can you give more info on that if you want). Not looking at ur minors, I don’t see any reason to keep Hernandez, Ulma, Rankin, Toai, Johnson, or Arroyo. That still leaves you with a full 12 man staff, although Bryant (and Gramsci) will miss the start of the year. Sign 2-3 above replacement level players, probably at least one of which is a starter. If you want to be super cheap, keep Rankin and Arroyo and don’t sign anyone.
For batters, currently 20 under contract. Releasing the six from above, combined with the three leaving (Auguiano is definitely worth bringing back), takes you down to 11. But, you probably have a full lineup in there. Get some above replacement level backups (who may be in the minors) and you should be okay.
Lopez, Sandoval, and Provoost are all all-star quality. Mavrokordato and Apollonio may be too, but they haven’t shown it yet. Good core to build around though.