2022 Set -- Los Angeles Dodgers

 We're back in the NL for the next team -- the 111 win LA Dodgers, who somehow improved on 2021's 106 campaign... and failed to win the World Series either year. This year, the Dodgers cruised to their incredible win mark due to depth at.... well, basically every position, even sans Max Scherzer. Let's just keep the refrain going -- another year, another "Dodgers would win 120 games and the World Series with me as the manager" post!

Nevertheless, the squad could always have found a space for "robbed of a Cy Young" Grienke

Let's check out the squad!

Lineup: The Dodgers having EIGHT hitters with OB 8 or higher in the lineup immediately jumps off the screen. It starts with 400 pt Mookie Betts, who's still got 17-20 HR power to go with xbh at 13. He's an interesting case for drafting -- the positional flexibility may be enticing, but it also means you're paying for that 2B+3 AND the LF/RF+1 -- so unless you're planning to use him at second (and admittedly thin position), I'd pass. That said, it's another year that I'm all in on SS Trea Turner. He had a down year by his standards and still put up a great, affordable card with A speed, plenty of xbh pop and singles starting at 7 in a premium position. I'd take him over Correa any day. Of course, the star of the bunch and their prize free agent last offseason hits third and Freddie Freeman did not disappoint in Dodger blue: OB 10, 16-18 double, keeping a B speed... he's honestly right on Goldy's heels card wise and a great value at 470 points to be a #2 hitter for your squad. A pair of OB 8, 18-20 HR guys are next, although Will Smith is MUCH more enticing as a +8 catcher with a lot more "put the ball in play" potential. Justin Turner and Gavin Lux keep the train rolling... tbh I may rather spend 140 pts less to take Lux as my 2B than Betts, although I'm sure I'll be regretting that when I get an advantage down 2 in the ninth, runners on first and second, and inevitably roll a 17. Shockingly, Trayce Thompson is my pick for "first Dodger hitter drafted" -- OB 8 with a great chart and CF+3 for only 360 pts... dude is going to be sought after early in a 12 team draft! Rounding it out is Bellinger, and it's frankly depressing. Here's hoping he gets his consistency back in *checks notes* Wrigley Field and a Cubs lineup where Dansby Swanson is his best protection? Yikes.

Bench: Obviously Chris Taylor can easily take over for Cody here, and with a 2B +5 rating, put him in and slide Lux to take Belli's place in the OF. Year and year, I fall in love with a Chris Taylor OB 7 and I'd draft this guy in a heartbeat. Joey Gallo is a super fun "three true outcomes" guy with a real fun twist thanks to a 14 triple! Honestly may be worth the flier as your 8 hole hitter but I know how much the community detests an OB 6 who can't play elite defense or give elite speed.

Rotation: THE best rotation in baseball belonged to the Dodgers in 2022. Off the cuff, Clayton Kershaw further cemented his legend and Hall of Fame status with yet another Tier 1 campaign. He'll be an early draft target for many managers with that Control 6 card. However, Tony Gonsolin and his 0.845 ERA (2.14 ERA, 16-1 record) get a Pedro-like card for a video game-like season. That gives LAD two Tier 1 pitchers off rip, and they're not done since 0.96 ERA Julio Urias comes in next with a Control 3, on at 19 with no doubles Tier 2 card! Aaaaand then Tyler Anderson, out of nowhere, brings out another Tier 2 card. Rounding it out is a guy by the name of Walker Buehler -- while injuries undoubtedly limited his year, he's still a solid Tier 3 and should be in line for a big 2023 bounce back.

Bullpen: This is a fascinating bunch. Similar to Knebel in Philly, we've got a Tier 3, Control 5 closer. Again, that's fine and all but I'd be concerned about letting a David Cone-clone shut the door on teams. That's why more managers will turn to 220 pt Evan Phillips, a TIER 0 with Control 6. Honestly, may be best "bang for your buck" player in the set. Then there's Phil Bickford, a Tier 1 Control 6 that gives up a double at 19 and homer at 20..... WDR is already licking his chops! David Price rounds out the bullpen with a solid Tier 3 card for 140 pts, which may get him drafted to round out someone's pen.

WHEW... 20 players, 6620 points! I expect this will come in as the most expensive team, as expected. After all, this WAS the best team in baseball on paper (arguably best team "on paper" since the '01 Mariners, whom they seemed to share more similarities with when the going got tough than they did with the '98 Yankees). 

But yeah, this team has no overt weakness, as Taylor should easily slide into Bellinger's slot in a full set, "team vs team" league.... honestly, tempted to pull a "Matt sees how the 1995 Cleveland squad would do in modern day" approach to this one and try to prove that I could improve on Dave Roberts.