#11/12 Seeded Teams
#12 2016 Minnesota Twins
Original Season Record: 59-103, .364, last place, AL Central
Star Attractions: Ervin Santana was the one good pitcher on the team with a 3.38 ERA and 1.22 WHIP in 30 starts and 181,3 innings. Brian Dozier played a strong second base and powered the offence with 42 HR, 99 RBI and 104 runs scored
Also Featuring: Very little else, as you might expect from a team that topped 100 losses. Miguel Sano hit 25 homers and Brandon Kintzler was a solid, if unspectacular closer with 17 saves and a 3.15 ERA.
Potential Pitfalls: Pitching, pitching and more pitching. The team ERA was north of 5 with an unimpressive, patchwork of hurlers contributing to the problems. Team defence was also a major issue with way too many should-be designated hitters masquerading with gloves in the field. The hitters severely lacked in discipline, striking out at an outrageously high rate.
#11 2016 San Diego Padres
Original Season Record: 68-94, .420, last place NL West
Star Attractions: Before being shipped out at the trade deadline, southpaw Drew Pomeranz had produced a sterling 2.47 ERA and 1.06 WHIP in 17 starts and 102 innings. Wil Myers led the offence with 28 HR and 28 SB, plus 99 runs.
Also Featuring: While the starting pitchers struggled, a couple of lefty relievers had standout seasons. Brad Hand led the league in appearances with 82 and produced an excellent 2.92 ERA, while Ryan Buchter was less of a workhorse, but managed an even better 2.86 ERA and an impressive 1.03 WHIP.
Potential Pitfalls: The Padres were just mediocre all around. Neither their pitching nor offence was abysmal, but both were well below average. You could say San Diego lacked a defining identity or those two or three superstar level players who could elevate a team to greater heights. They may not wind up as the worst or even second worst team in the league, but their is little reason to believe they can resemble anything close to a competitive outfit.
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