Optimistic me:
- Offense is just as good or better, especially with Grissom and an improved Casas.
- Defense is MUCH improved, which helps the pitching.
- Bullpen is solid, and will add plus arms like Fitts during the season.
- Rotation is better because (1) Pivetta truly figured something out last year, (2) Houck with improved velocity becomes a plus starter, (3) Bello takes the next big step towards being an ace, and (4) Crawford turns out to be pretty good and gives them more positive innings than last year.
Pessimistic me:
- Story has another injury-plagued season and continues to struggle with off speed stuff down and away.
- Casas ultimately becomes a total stud but in 2024 takes a step back as the league adjusts.
- Duran's 2023 was a mirage and he goes back to being not so good.
- Defense is fine but not great.
- Offense on the whole isn't nearly as good as last year.
- Bullpen struggles as Jansen is unmotivated, Whitlock and Houck's move to the rotation weakens the pen, and nobody else steps up.
- Rotation is a catastrophe as Bello does ok, Pivetta goes back to being bad Pivetta, and the other guys struggle.
- Offense is just as good or better, especially with Grissom and an improved Casas.
- Defense is MUCH improved, which helps the pitching.
- Bullpen is solid, and will add plus arms like Fitts during the season.
- Rotation is better because (1) Pivetta truly figured something out last year, (2) Houck with improved velocity becomes a plus starter, (3) Bello takes the next big step towards being an ace, and (4) Crawford turns out to be pretty good and gives them more positive innings than last year.
Pessimistic me:
- Story has another injury-plagued season and continues to struggle with off speed stuff down and away.
- Casas ultimately becomes a total stud but in 2024 takes a step back as the league adjusts.
- Duran's 2023 was a mirage and he goes back to being not so good.
- Defense is fine but not great.
- Offense on the whole isn't nearly as good as last year.
- Bullpen struggles as Jansen is unmotivated, Whitlock and Houck's move to the rotation weakens the pen, and nobody else steps up.
- Rotation is a catastrophe as Bello does ok, Pivetta goes back to being bad Pivetta, and the other guys struggle.