A Very Darrelly Dynasty League

[z3r0s]

Draft is coming up quickly. Anyone want to do a bit of content for the DDL Dispatch, might get people in the mood to draft!

[Spanky99]

[z3r0s]

 

State of the Franchise; Saskatchewan 54’s

Owner: L54

2024 Season;

The Saskatchewan 54’s put together an utterly dominant season in 2024. Although it ultimately culminated in a gut wrenching finals defeat, you’d be hard pressed to find a more thoroughly excellent season of fantasy play. The 54’s ranked second overall with the sticks, placing in the top five of almost every offensive category. Somehow the pitching eclipsed the offensive, ranking first in an amazing THREE categories and leading the league overall. In fact, it would be easier to count the categories that the 54’s did NOT rank in the top five of (spoiler, it was 3). Despite residing in the strongest division in the league, the 54’s managed to play even better in their neighbourhood than they did against the league overall. 

Final Standing; 2

Batting Stats; 2

Pitching Stats; 1

Combined; 1

Roster Analysis;

Position Players;

Catcher

- William Contreras

- Yainer Diaz

The word stacked is thrown around a lot these days… but this is pretty much the definition of a stacked position. Two top 4 catchers is just absurd, and ho-hum one of them also qualified as a top ten first baseman (and just squeaked into eligibility for 2025). There is youth on the side of both of these guys as well with both players entering their prime. This tandem is the envy of the league. 

Verdict; Catcher will be elite in 2025.

 

First Base

- Yanier Diaz

- Yandy Diaz

- Alec Burleson

- Zach Dezenzo

The aforementioned Diaz is likely to be the preferred starting option at first base, but the depth will not be an issue when his catchers workload pushes him to the bench. Yandy Diaz had a bit of a down year regarding pop, but was still very serviceable (with considerable upside). Alec Burleson is likely to patrol the grass for the 54’s in 2025, but offers further depth at the position. 

Verdict; First Base will be above average in 2025.

 

Second Base

- Jose Altuve

- Otto Lopez

Altuve had a down year by his standards, only finishing SECOND at the keystone. The 54’s are counting on the ageless wonder to continue his clockwork elite production for another season, as the depth at the position is a bit iffy with Otto Lopez being the only other player on the roster with eligibility for the 2025 season. 

Verdict; Second Base will be elite (though thin) in 2025.

 

Third Base

- Junior Caminero

- Ramon Urias

- Miguel Vargas

It seems a bit unfair that a team this loaded has not only one, but two excellent prospects at a position that was thin in 2024. Neither Caminero or Vargas have found their stroke at the MLB level, but it seems improbable that at least one of them will hit their stride in 2025. The 54’s have at the least, put themselves in a position to succeed at the hot corner. 

Verdict; Third Base will be average to above average in 2025. 

 

Shortstop

- Francisco Lindor

- Tyler Fitzgerald

Francisco Lindor was once again a top flight option at the six, ranking as the third most valuable shortstop and sixth most valuable hitter for 2024. He missed putting up a second consecutive 30-30 season by a single stolen base, and filled up every offensive category while hitting in a potent Mets lineup. Fitzgerald is a serviable backup with some useful positional flexibility. 

Verdict; Shortstop will be elite in 2025.

 

Outfield

- Yordan Alvarez

- Kyle Tucker

- Alec Burleson

- Jake McCarthy

- Tyler Fitzgerald

- Miguel Vargas

Yordan put up yet another monstrous season in 2024 and just as importantly put up the healthiest year of recent memory. Kyle Tucker battled some injuries hampering his overall production, but when he was on the field he played some of the best offensive baseball of his career. Alec Burleson parlayed a favorable position in the lineup into a great year by filling up most of the counting stats while batting for serviceable ratios. There are some concerns with center field eligibility here, but there are plenty of depth options that have some upside and flexibility. 

Verdict; The Outfield will be above average in 2025

 

Offense Overall; 

This offense is loaded with elite performers at almost every position, most of whom are in their prime. There is a case to be made that the lineup will be better this coming season with improved health from Tucker and an overdue breakout from Caminero. There is simply no reason to think this offense will not be at or near the top of the league for 2025 and several years beyond. 

 

Pitching

Starting Pitching

- Zach Wheeler

- Shota Imanaga

- Logan Webb

- Ranger Suarez

- Tylor Megill

- Merrill Kelly

- Trevor Bauer

The anchor of this rotation is still bonafide Ace Zach Wheeler, but newcomer Shota Imanaga sure gave him a run for his money. The import put up a truly impressive rookie campaign, ranking as a top 15 player overall. Legan Webb logged another steadily excellent campaign, giving the 54’s three pitchers inside the top 20 starters. Ranger Suarez also put together a very strong year and is looking like an excellent middle of the rotation arm while playing on a strong offensive Phillies team. The 54’s are hoping to squeeze another productive season out of Merrill Kelly, who wasn’t able to take the bump consistently enough to have much of a year. He is however only a year removed from some excellent play. The depth tails off after that (until Trevor Bauer returns! :p), but that already makes for a very formidable rotation. 

Verdict; The Rotation will be above average in 2025.

 

Relief Pitching

- Kirby Yates

- Raisel Iglesias

- Kevin Ginkel

- AJ Puk

- Tyler Kinley

- Joel Payamps

- Blake Treien

- Chris Martin

Kirby Yates simply shoved this year, unexpectedly ranking as the 6th most valuable reliever for the year, creating a two headed monster with long standing stud closer Raisel Iglesias. The 54’s filled out the rest of their bullpen with very productive hold collecting pitchers. There were no wasted spots in this group which received above results from top to bottom. The only slight knock here is the relative ages of the relief core. If you are going to be old, the bullpen is the place to do it!

Verdict; The Bullpen will be elite in 2025.

 

Pitching Overall; 

The staff of the 54’s was the best in the league in 2024, fielding players that punched above their weight for their spots in the rotation / bullpen. This resulted in a rotation that is both excellent and extremely deep, making them dangerous and resistant to an injury derailing their season. This staff is poised to challenge for tops in the league for 2025. 

 

Farm Strength;

Top 100 Prospects

- Josue De Paula (48)

- Jacob Misiorowski (80)

Notable 2025 Draft picks - 19, 39

Verdict; The farm recently graduated a top 5 prospect in Caminero, and retains a few mid-range Top 100 players who really have the potential to really jump up the rankings this year with strong play. The 54’s have also managed to keep most of their draft picks, which will help to replenish the farm in a strong draft year. The cupboards certainly aren’t bare considering the strength of the big-league roster, but the farm is not currently a strength.

 

Activity; L54 is a fairly active general manager, working more on the waiver wire than the trade block in 2024. He did however pull off one of the larger trades of the year acquiring both Wheeler and Altuve mid-season. 

 

Conclusion; 

The Saskatchewan 54’s are the class of the league at the moment, fielding a team that has very few weaknesses and an enviable stable of elite performers all over the diamond. They will contend for both a DDL Championship and Prime Minister’s Trophy in 2025 and beyond. 

 

[z3r0s]

anyone have access to the BP top 100 list?

[Dr. Dinger]

I do but I’m not sharing it before the draft. :D

[jaysblue]

22 hours ago, z3r0s said:

anyone have access to the BP top 100 list?

If I signed up, would you go halfsies? 

[L54]

On 1/16/2025 at 8:37 AM, z3r0s said:

 

State of the Franchise; Saskatchewan 54’s

Owner: L54

2024 Season;

The Saskatchewan 54’s put together an utterly dominant season in 2024. Although it ultimately culminated in a gut wrenching finals defeat, you’d be hard pressed to find a more thoroughly excellent season of fantasy play. The 54’s ranked second overall with the sticks, placing in the top five of almost every offensive category. Somehow the pitching eclipsed the offensive, ranking first in an amazing THREE categories and leading the league overall. In fact, it would be easier to count the categories that the 54’s did NOT rank in the top five of (spoiler, it was 3). Despite residing in the strongest division in the league, the 54’s managed to play even better in their neighbourhood than they did against the league overall. 

Final Standing; 2

Batting Stats; 2

Pitching Stats; 1

Combined; 1

Roster Analysis;

Position Players;

Catcher

- William Contreras

- Yainer Diaz

The word stacked is thrown around a lot these days… but this is pretty much the definition of a stacked position. Two top 4 catchers is just absurd, and ho-hum one of them also qualified as a top ten first baseman (and just squeaked into eligibility for 2025). There is youth on the side of both of these guys as well with both players entering their prime. This tandem is the envy of the league. 

Verdict; Catcher will be elite in 2025.

 

First Base

- Yanier Diaz

- Yandy Diaz

- Alec Burleson

- Zach Dezenzo

The aforementioned Diaz is likely to be the preferred starting option at first base, but the depth will not be an issue when his catchers workload pushes him to the bench. Yandy Diaz had a bit of a down year regarding pop, but was still very serviceable (with considerable upside). Alec Burleson is likely to patrol the grass for the 54’s in 2025, but offers further depth at the position. 

Verdict; First Base will be above average in 2025.

 

Second Base

- Jose Altuve

- Otto Lopez

Altuve had a down year by his standards, only finishing SECOND at the keystone. The 54’s are counting on the ageless wonder to continue his clockwork elite production for another season, as the depth at the position is a bit iffy with Otto Lopez being the only other player on the roster with eligibility for the 2025 season. 

Verdict; Second Base will be elite (though thin) in 2025.

 

Third Base

- Junior Caminero

- Ramon Urias

- Miguel Vargas

It seems a bit unfair that a team this loaded has not only one, but two excellent prospects at a position that was thin in 2024. Neither Caminero or Vargas have found their stroke at the MLB level, but it seems improbable that at least one of them will hit their stride in 2025. The 54’s have at the least, put themselves in a position to succeed at the hot corner. 

Verdict; Third Base will be average to above average in 2025. 

 

Shortstop

- Francisco Lindor

- Tyler Fitzgerald

Francisco Lindor was once again a top flight option at the six, ranking as the third most valuable shortstop and sixth most valuable hitter for 2024. He missed putting up a second consecutive 30-30 season by a single stolen base, and filled up every offensive category while hitting in a potent Mets lineup. Fitzgerald is a serviable backup with some useful positional flexibility. 

Verdict; Shortstop will be elite in 2025.

 

Outfield

- Yordan Alvarez

- Kyle Tucker

- Alec Burleson

- Jake McCarthy

- Tyler Fitzgerald

- Miguel Vargas

Yordan put up yet another monstrous season in 2024 and just as importantly put up the healthiest year of recent memory. Kyle Tucker battled some injuries hampering his overall production, but when he was on the field he played some of the best offensive baseball of his career. Alec Burleson parlayed a favorable position in the lineup into a great year by filling up most of the counting stats while batting for serviceable ratios. There are some concerns with center field eligibility here, but there are plenty of depth options that have some upside and flexibility. 

Verdict; The Outfield will be above average in 2025

 

Offense Overall; 

This offense is loaded with elite performers at almost every position, most of whom are in their prime. There is a case to be made that the lineup will be better this coming season with improved health from Tucker and an overdue breakout from Caminero. There is simply no reason to think this offense will not be at or near the top of the league for 2025 and several years beyond. 

 

Pitching

Starting Pitching

- Zach Wheeler

- Shota Imanaga

- Logan Webb

- Ranger Suarez

- Tylor Megill

- Merrill Kelly

- Trevor Bauer

The anchor of this rotation is still bonafide Ace Zach Wheeler, but newcomer Shota Imanaga sure gave him a run for his money. The import put up a truly impressive rookie campaign, ranking as a top 15 player overall. Legan Webb logged another steadily excellent campaign, giving the 54’s three pitchers inside the top 20 starters. Ranger Suarez also put together a very strong year and is looking like an excellent middle of the rotation arm while playing on a strong offensive Phillies team. The 54’s are hoping to squeeze another productive season out of Merrill Kelly, who wasn’t able to take the bump consistently enough to have much of a year. He is however only a year removed from some excellent play. The depth tails off after that (until Trevor Bauer returns! :p), but that already makes for a very formidable rotation. 

Verdict; The Rotation will be above average in 2025.

 

Relief Pitching

- Kirby Yates

- Raisel Iglesias

- Kevin Ginkel

- AJ Puk

- Tyler Kinley

- Joel Payamps

- Blake Treien

- Chris Martin

Kirby Yates simply shoved this year, unexpectedly ranking as the 6th most valuable reliever for the year, creating a two headed monster with long standing stud closer Raisel Iglesias. The 54’s filled out the rest of their bullpen with very productive hold collecting pitchers. There were no wasted spots in this group which received above results from top to bottom. The only slight knock here is the relative ages of the relief core. If you are going to be old, the bullpen is the place to do it!

Verdict; The Bullpen will be elite in 2025.

 

Pitching Overall; 

The staff of the 54’s was the best in the league in 2024, fielding players that punched above their weight for their spots in the rotation / bullpen. This resulted in a rotation that is both excellent and extremely deep, making them dangerous and resistant to an injury derailing their season. This staff is poised to challenge for tops in the league for 2025. 

 

Farm Strength;

Top 100 Prospects

- Josue De Paula (48)

- Jacob Misiorowski (80)

Notable 2025 Draft picks - 19, 39

Verdict; The farm recently graduated a top 5 prospect in Caminero, and retains a few mid-range Top 100 players who really have the potential to really jump up the rankings this year with strong play. The 54’s have also managed to keep most of their draft picks, which will help to replenish the farm in a strong draft year. The cupboards certainly aren’t bare considering the strength of the big-league roster, but the farm is not currently a strength.

 

Activity; L54 is a fairly active general manager, working more on the waiver wire than the trade block in 2024. He did however pull off one of the larger trades of the year acquiring both Wheeler and Altuve mid-season. 

 

Conclusion; 

The Saskatchewan 54’s are the class of the league at the moment, fielding a team that has very few weaknesses and an enviable stable of elite performers all over the diamond. They will contend for both a DDL Championship and Prime Minister’s Trophy in 2025 and beyond. 

 

Thanks for the write up zeros, need a W one of these years 

[Laika]

Class of the league with no hardware? Pfffft

[z3r0s]

Lots of ways the top of the draft could go. I'm a bit outside at 5, but I can't imagine I'll be disappointed with whoever drops. 

Any hints on how the first 4 picks will go Org, Eze, TCA, FTD?

[The Cats Ass]

6 hours ago, z3r0s said:

Lots of ways the top of the draft could go. I'm a bit outside at 5, but I can't imagine I'll be disappointed with whoever drops. 

Any hints on how the first 4 picks will go Org, Eze, TCA, FTD?

I’m going Japanese guy no matter what. I need more diversity on my team. 

[z3r0s]

Sorry, Asian guys don't count for diversity points anymore

[Jimcanuck]

8 hours ago, z3r0s said:

Lots of ways the top of the draft could go. I'm a bit outside at 5, but I can't imagine I'll be disappointed with whoever drops. 

Any hints on how the first 4 picks will go Org, Eze, TCA, FTD?

After the first few there is a tier of several guys.  Expecting a lot of surprises in this draft.

[Dr. Dinger]

On 1/27/2025 at 9:52 AM, z3r0s said:

Lots of ways the top of the draft could go. I'm a bit outside at 5, but I can't imagine I'll be disappointed with whoever drops. 

Any hints on how the first 4 picks will go Org, Eze, TCA, FTD?

I think there is a pretty clear cut 1st pick, then I have 5 position players in the next tier. I tried to trade up into a Top 7 position without any luck, however there are about 17-18 available prospects who are getting consistently ranked Top 75 on the current lists, so I’ll be happy with what I get at 13-14-15, and will obviously hope for some of my favs to fall into my lap. 

[Jimcanuck]

8 hours ago, Dr. Dinger said:

I think there is a pretty clear cut 1st pick, then I have 5 position players in the next tier. I tried to trade up into a Top 7 position without any luck, however there are about 17-18 available prospects who are getting consistently ranked Top 75 on the current lists, so I’ll be happy with what I get at 13-14-15, and will obviously hope for some of my favs to fall into my lap. 

We need you back in LOD.  A great team can be yours.

[z3r0s]

9 hours ago, Dr. Dinger said:

I think there is a pretty clear cut 1st pick, then I have 5 position players in the next tier. I tried to trade up into a Top 7 position without any luck, however there are about 17-18 available prospects who are getting consistently ranked Top 75 on the current lists, so I’ll be happy with what I get at 13-14-15, and will obviously hope for some of my favs to fall into my lap. 

I think there is a clear #1 as well, but it sounds like mine is different from yours. 

[Jimcanuck]

There is an overwhelming industry consensus on #1.  Then there are those who as a matter of principle will never pick such a player #1.

[z3r0s]

everyone ready to draft!?!?!? WOOOOOOOOO!

 

[Spanky99]

What I don't understand is why is the draft starting at 7PM EST on a Saturday night?

 

[Laika]

Doesn't really matter when it starts does it?

I don't think the time was even picked 

[Jimcanuck]

1 hour ago, Laika said:

Doesn't really matter when it starts does it?

I don't think the time was even picked 

Make it noon?  Saturday after all

[Spanky99]

10 minutes ago, Jimcanuck said:

Make it noon?  Saturday after all

Agreed, Jim, you're up in the LOD.

 

[Dr. Dinger]

I’m pumped, let’s do this! This is the most analysis I have done going into a draft since probably year 1. 
 

Start it at noon!

[Laika]

Fine we will start early 

[Dr. Dinger]

Chalk picks at #1 and 2, now the draft gets interesting. 

[Orgfiller]

TIL Carlos thinks Nick Kurtz is the next Freddie Freeman.

[z3r0s]

I hope he's right! :p

[JG34]

Can anyone post the draft results so far? I like comparing. 

[Laika]

Round	Pick	Ov Pick	Pos	Player
1	1	1	SP	Roki Sasaki
1	2	2	SS	Kristian Campbell
1	3	3	2B	Travis Bazzana
1	4	4	SS	JJ Wetherholt
1	5	5	1B	Nick Kurtz
1	6	6	3B	Cam Smith
1	7	7	2B	Christian Moore
1	8	8	SS	Jesus Made
1	9	9	OF	Zyhir Hope
1	10	10	1B	Jac Caglianone
1	11	11	SP	Chase Burns
1	12	12	OF	Braden Montgomery
1	13	13	OF	Charlie Condon
1	14	14	SP	Quinn Mathews
1	15	15	SS	Konnor Griffin
1	16	16	SP	Brandon Sproat
1	17	17	SP	Hagen Smith
1	18	18	SS	Emil Morales
1	19	19	SP	Alejandro Rosario
1	20	20	SS	Franklin Arias
2	1	21	2B	Luke Keaschall
2	2	22	SS	Bryce Rainer
2	3	23	2B	Demetrio Crisantes
2	4	24	SS	Cooper Pratt
2	5	25	SS	Angel Genao
2	6	26	OF	Robert Calaz
2	7	27	CF	Carson Benge
2	8	28	SP	Trey Yesavage
2	9	29	OF	Griffin Burkholder
2	10	30	2B	Michael Arroyo
2	11	31	1B	Deyvison De Los Santos
2	12	32	SS	Welbyn Francisca
2	13	33	SS	Alex Freeland
2	14	34	C	Agustin Ramirez
2	15	35	2B	Payton Eeles
2	16	36	OF	Ryan Waldschmidt
2	17	37	SP	Moises Chace
2	18	38	OF	Colby Thomas
2	19	39	CF	Aidan Smith
2	20	40	C	Drake Baldwin
3	1	41	SP	George Klassen
3	2	42	SS	Elian Pena
3	3	43	OF	Eduardo Beltre
3	4	44	3B	Eric Bitonti
3	5	45	SS	Yairo Padilla
3	6	46	1B	Tre' Morgan
3	7	47	SS	Josuar De Jesus Gonzalez
3	8	48	SP	Cam Caminiti
3	9	49	1B	C.J. Kayfus
3	10	50	SP	Braxton Ashcraft
3	11	51	SP	Jonah Tong
3	12	52	SP	Brody Hopkins
3	13	53	SS	Yoeilin Cespedes
3	14	54	SP	Tomoyuki Sugano
3	15	55	SP	Winston Santos
3	16	56	SP	Jackson Baumeister
3	17	57	SP	Logan Henderson
3	18	58	CF	Brandon Winokur
3	19	59	SS	Seaver King
3	20	60	CF	Braylon Payne
4	1	61	C	Blake Mitchell
4	2	62	SS	Jefferson Rojas
4	3	63	OF	Brailer Guerrero
4	4	64	2B	Hyeseong Kim
4	5	65	SS	Luis Pena
4	6	66	C	Rainiel Rodriguez
4	7	67	SP	Brandon Young
4	8	68	SP	Braylon Doughty
4	9	69	SP	Yoniel Curet
4	10	70	2B	Caleb Durbin
4	11	71	SP	Drue Hackenberg
4	12	72	SP	Nolan McLean
4	13	73	SP	Matt Wilkinson
4	14	74	CF	Theo Gillen
4	15	75	SS	Caleb Bonemer
4	16	76	CF	Chandler Simpson
4	17	77	C	Eduardo Tait
4	18	78	SP	Luis Perales
4	19	79	CF	Jhostynxon Garcia
4	20	80	SS	Tyson Lewis
5	1	81	SP	Gary Gill Hill
5	2	82	SP	Ryan Sloan
5	3	83	CF	Cris Rodriguez
5	4	84	OF	Henry Bolte
5	5	85	SS	Jesus Baez
5	6	86	SP	Michael Forret
5	7	87	SP	K.C. Hunt
5	8	88	SP	Charlee Soto
5	9	89	3B	Eddie Rynders
5	10	90	SP	Trevor Harrison
5	11	91	SP	Emiliano Teodo
5	12	92	C	Carter Jensen
5	13	93	RP	Craig Yoho
5	14	94	SP	Noah Cameron
5	15	95	SP	Parker Messick
5	16	96	SP	Andrew Morris
5	17	97
5	18	98	SS	Chase Meidroth
5	19	99	UT	Dustin Harris
5	20	100	CF	Yorger Bautista
6	1	101	SP	Jaden Hamm
6	2	102	OF	James Tibbs
6	3	103	SS	JD Dix
6	4	104	2B	Ryan Bliss
6	5	105
6	6	106	SP	Jurrangelo Cijntje
6	7	107
6	8	108	SS	Josh Adamczewski
6	9	109	3B	Kale Fountain
6	10	110	OF	Alan Roden
6	11	111	SP	Logan Evans
6	12	112	OF	Tirso Ornelas
6	13	113	1B	Jack Costello
6	14	114	1B	Will Simpson
6	15	115	SP	Owen Wild
6	16	116	3B	Kyle Karros
6	17	117	CF	Dante Nori
6	18	118
6	19	119	1B	Jonathon Long
6	20	120	CF	Slade Caldwell

[Dr. Dinger]

Here are your DDL Farm Power Rankings heading into the season. 

For my methodology, I used the BP Top 101 Dynasty Rankings and assigned points for each owned prospect in reverse order, i.e. #1 Roki Sasaki earned 101 points and #101 Trevor Harrison earned 1 point. 

Team	Points
DD	610
FTD	459
ZRO	430
TCA	420
JC	391
RBG	370
HVK	329
GB	303
CD	268
ORG	268
L54	234
STG	221
SPG	199
EZE	174
BTS	135
AG	127
TCBN	86
NJH	84
SPK	43

[Dr. Dinger]

Here is the BA Top 150 Dynasty version:

TEAM	POINTS
DD	1240
ZRO	1142
FTD	897
JC	793
TCA	765
CD	706
RBG	685
HVK	633
GB	611
ORG	548
EZE	500
STG	458
AG	437
L54	434
SPG	374
BTS	320
NJH	225
TCBN	213
SPK	176
UNOWNED	164
ABM	4