MLB: Fixing Holes on Struggling Contenders
There are quite a few teams that were expected to contend this year in the MLB that are struggling. What do these teams need to do in order to get back into contention?
At the beginning of the season, there were several teams expected to contend this season in the MLB. After all, these teams were in contention last year, and with various moves they made or with the general weakness of the division, they were expected to be a part of the postseason once again.
But, you know what they say about the best laid plans. Even those teams that addressed their perceived weaknesses have had issues in those areas, or have seen problems in areas that were expected to be strengths. This is why, as the saying goes, championships are not won based on what a team looks like on paper. Those games still need to be played.
Now that we’re about a fifth of the way through the season, it is a good time to take stock of where each team stands. It is also a good time to get an idea as to what areas may need to be improved, in an attempt to turn around a season before it is too late.
So what areas do these teams need to focus on? Let us take a look at a few expected contenders that have struggled out of the gate thus far in 2016.
Next: American League East
Toronto Blue Jays: Bullpen
The Toronto Blue Jays appeared to be a team on the rise. After reaching the ALCS last season, the Blue Jays were a trendy pick to not only win the American League East, but to be the AL representative in the World Series.
However, the Blue Jays, after their beating last night at the hands of the Rays, are sitting at 19-21, six games out of first. The biggest reason for that may be a bullpen that just has not lived up to expectations this season, particularly with the setup men.
The Blue Jays overall 3.56 ERA, the eleventh best mark in baseball, belies the problems they have had. Toronto relievers have a combined 3-13 record this season and a .259 batting average against, 23rd in the MLB.
Those struggles have been primarily from their setup men. Brett Cecil was a key part of the Blue Jays success last year, but has produced a 5.23 ERA and a 1.935 WHiP, allowing 17 hits in 10.1 innings. Even worse has been key offseason acquisition Drew Storen, who had a 8.25 ERA and a 1.833 WHiP, allowing 19 hits in 12 innings heading into last night’s action.
For the Blue Jays to salvage their season, they either need to hope that Cecil and Storen get back to being the pitchers they have been in the past, or they will need to address that aspect of the bullpen. Otherwise, the season could get away from Toronto quickly.
Next: American League Central
Kansas City Royals: Starting Pitching
Last year, the Kansas City Royals won the World Series despite having the fewest innings of any team in the MLB from their starting rotation last year. The Royals bullpen had been a true asset, making up for those issues with the rotation.
Even though the Royals lost Johnny Cueto in free agency, the acquisition of Ian Kennedy was expected to be a suitable replacement. Yordano Ventura was being counted on to take that step forward and to develop into the ace that Kansas City needed, and Chris Young and Kris Medlen would be an upgrade at the back of the rotation.
While Kennedy and Edinson Volquez have been as expected, the rest of the Royals rotation has struggled. Medlen and Young are on the disabled list, and Ventura has lost his command of the strike zone. Those struggles have led to Royals starters posting a 4.71 ERA, 21st in baseball.
Currently 18-19, 5.5 games out of first, the Royals are likely going to need to have those improvements come from within. After depleting their farm system to acquire Cueto and Ben Zobrist, they do not exactly have much left to pursue an upgrade. If anything, they may need to hope that Kyle Zimmer can stay healthy and be that needed boost later in the season.
The Kansas City Royals need to get more from their starting rotation, but their options are limited. Any improvement from the Royals will likely have to come from within.
Next: American League West
Houston Astros: Center Field
One of the surprise teams in baseball last season, the Houston Astros were expected to take that next step forward and to potentially represent the American League in the World Series. Instead, the Astros have been one of the worst teams in baseball with a 15-24 record, 7.5 games out of first.
Seemingly everything has gone wrong in Houston this season. The starting rotation has struggled, their biggest offseason acquisition, Ken Giles, has been an utter disaster, and the offense has been, for the most part, thoroughly anemic. To be perfectly honest, the Astros could use help in any number of places.
However, the biggest issue facing the Astros may well be in center field. Last year, Carlos Gomez was brought in to help solidify the Astros defense while providing another solid bat to the lineup. This year, he has been a black hole, producing a meager .182/.238/.248 batting line and a horrendous OPS+ of 36.
A free agent at the end of this season, Gomez’ awful start could also be costing himself a solid payday. As it stands, the Astros have brought up Tony Kemp, who could end up seeing playing time in center. While Kemp, at 5’6″, is not the ideal size for an outfielder, he is a tremendous athlete and has hit at every stop in the minors. Should he hit the ground running, it may not be a surprise for Kemp to start to receive the majority of the playing time in center going forward.
The Houston Astros may not have a lot of time left to wait before making moves, and have already begun shaking up their roster. If Carlos Gomez continues to slump, he may not have a chance to get back to his usual level of production.
Next: National League Central
St. Louis Cardinals: Second Base
The St. Louis Cardinals were expected to be in contention again this year, especially since they always seem to find a way to be one of the top teams in the National League each season. However, at 20-18, eight games behind the Chicago Cubs, they are in danger of being left behind.
While there are a few disappointments on the Cardinals thus far, perhaps the biggest one is second baseman Kolten Wong. He has produced a .229/.313/.313 batting line, and has also struggled defensively, having cost the Cardinals three runs thus far. It may be fair to wonder how long St. Louis can keep inserting him in the lineup.
Unfortunately, the Cardinals do not have many options right now. Jedd Gyorko is the backup infielder, and while he has hit four home runs, is only producing a slightly better .213/.276/.400 batting line. Do the Cardinals want to trade Wong’s ability to get on base for Gyorko’s pop?
This may not be a question for long however. Jhonny Peralta is expected to be back by the beginning of June, which would cause a bit of a logjam in the middle infield. Aledmys Diaz could play second base, and Matt Carpenter could theoretically slide over from third when Peralta returns, letting the former shortstop man the hot corner.
Of all the issues facing those disappointing contenders thus far, this may be the easiest fix. All the Cardinals need to do is to tread water until Peralta comes back, and their offense may well get the lift it needs.
Next: National League West
Los Angeles Dodgers: Bullpen
Considering that the Los Angeles Dodgers are only 1.5 games out of first, it may seem odd to qualify them as a disappointment. However, they are 20-19, essentially riding Clayton Kershaw to remain relevant in the National League West.
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The biggest problem for the Dodgers have been their bullpen. While Kenley Jansen has continued to be dominant thus far, it is questionable as to who else can be trusted in the Dodgers bullpen. Adam Liberatore has yet to allow a run in his ten innings of work, but only three of his 13 appearances have come in Dodger victories.
Aside from Liberatore, the Dodgers best relievers have been Louis Coleman and Joe Blanton, two names that should not inspire confidence. J.P. Howell, who has been a solid reliever over the past few years, has continued to struggle with a 9.00 ERA and a 1.778 WHiP, despite a FIP of 3.54. Chris Hatcher, meanwhile, has been made one hold their breath whenever he enters a game, posting a 5.51 ERA and a 1.714 WHiP, numbers that could actually be much worse.
For the Dodgers to separate themselves from the rest of the NL West, that bullpen will need to be addressed. They did attempt to strengthen the relief corps during the winter, coming close to acquiring Aroldis Chapman before his domestic violence situation came to the forefront. Perhaps, now that his suspension is over, he can once again be on their radar.
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The Dodgers have the money and prospects to address their bullpen shortcomings, but they may need to make a move sooner rather than later. In a close division, where any of those teams could get hot and run away from the pack, they cannot afford to hope that their relievers figure things out.