While
this article is mostly an evatluation of the contributions of rookies to each team in 2013, it has some good comments on the importance of depth and a bench.
After discussing the Blue Jays and the impacts of injuriesand down years from expected contributors, Hulet notes:
Some big league organizations can easily rebound from catastrophe that was the Jays’ 2013 season. The Cardinals, for example, reached the World Series in ’13 while regularly utilizing seven rookies. The Dodgers reached the National League Championship Series despite injuries to key veterans Hanley Ramirez and Matt Kemp, thanks to strong contributions from June call-up Yasiel Puig and Korean import Hyun-Jin Ryu.
Strong depth is imperative for clubs looking to remain competitive for an entire 162-game schedule. Some clubs are better at squeezing every ounce of juice out of their minor league system than others. Minor league depth is also cyclical and varies for each organization from year to year. Miami utilized 23 rookies in 2013 but, with many of those graduating from their freshman status, it’s hard to envision the organization trotting out anywhere near that many first-year players in 2014.
He rates rookie contributions based on WAR, innings, at bats, and raw number of rookies on the roster. He ranked the Nats 18th.
The sixth overall selection of the 2011 draft, Rendon (1.5, 394) finally put forth a relatively healthy season. No other first-year hitter compiled more than 50 at-bats. On the mound, two under-the-radar arms had positive impacts: Tanner Roark (1.4, 53.2) and Taylor Jordan (0.7, 51.2).
More generally, he observed:
Six of the top seven teams came from the National League. Clearly, teams can be successful heavily relying on inexperienced players or veterans. Five of the 10 playoffs teams ranked among the Top 12 teams while the other four post-season-bound clubs ranked among the bottom 10. The final club, the A’s, fell smack in the middle of the ranking at 15th.
After so many graduations in 2011 and 2012, last year was sort of a breather for the system. The impact of that on the team was that, when the bench faltered, there was not much of a pick up from call ups.
One important area for this team is to add depth to its high minors and bench so that we have adequate options for when the inevitable injury happens. Maybe that means retaining an Espinosa to be Desi's back up, and playing Walters every day in AAA to be available if Rendon or RZ goes down, and bringing in veterans for the last couple of bench slots (or maybe shuffling Eury / Kobs on and off the roster and bringing in a vet). Sign as many viable bullpen arms as you can. Play the rotation depth by ear again.
No big trades.
