I usually don’t do this. Not afraid to predict but usually find the thread either severe depression or homerism.
I think we will have a good year with at least 90 wins. Position will depend on how much the other teams have improved and I have not followed them enough to predict.
We have the top defense in the game and solid hitting power except we have a pitcher’s ball park.
We potentially have a lights out bullpen with Hicks, Gallegos, Cabrera, Helsley Pallante (real sleeper but great upside), and the vets.
Starters depend on a healthy effective Flaherty and Hudson. Mikolas, Matz and Waino will be steady. Expect Waino to be more 50/50 this year. Woodford a sleeper.
Hitting will be inconsistent again with coach Alberts loft and pull strategy. I believe Arenado and DeJong will alter their approache a bit and be more productive. Albert who seems to be an emotionally driven guy should have some good moments particularly in the first half. Dickerson a solid utility guy. Expect some help from the group of Nootbar, Gorman, Walker, Donovan and Yepez. Sosa, Edman and DeJong should be at least adequate in the middle and above average defensively. Expect Goldy, O’Neill and Bader to be close to last year. Could get something of a breakout from Carlson.
Don’t think we have the horses to win it all, short of a very hot spell at the right time. Mo will not make the moves to put us over the top. He will go for the Happ, Lester types and will not be as lucky as last season.
I think Marmol will do fine. How much real authority he has is now a question in my mind. Didn’t feel that way with Shildt but obviously was wrong when a winning guy gets fired because he wanted a different batting coach. Think we will always be just above average with Mo in charge.