Capricorn 2021 Batters
Now that we’re done with the leaders of the four elemental divisions, it’s time to start moving down the standings. While Capricorn finished behind Virgo in the Earth Division, they had the third-highest point total overall, at least as far as their optimal starting lineup is concerned. But for this post, I’m going far beyond just their top nine batters, with an in-depth look into the 2021 Sea-Goats offense.
The top-scoring Capricorn catcher also contributed on defense, as Jacob Stallings won a Gold Glove award in 2021. The recently-traded Tucker Barnhart technically finishes second in fantasy points behind the dish, but if we were setting a lineup for a hypothetical offseason tournament, I might hand the catcher spot to Mitch Garver (health permitting), who had the highest points-per-game total among Capricorn backstops. Next on the depth chart is Rockies rookie Dom Nunez, who brings another left-handed bat to the table. Other veteran options include Dodgers backup Austin Barnes, impressive 2020 performer Austin Nola, and defensive specialist Roberto Perez.
C.J. Cron was hitting for power even before signing with the Rockies, but Coors Field really elevated his game. Colorado’s top brass agreed, bringing him back for another season, which marks the first time in five years that Cron won’t change teams during the offseason. At this point in his career, Albert Pujols is little more than a bench bat who can start occasionally at first against lefties. But his pedigree as one of the game’s best all-time hitters and track record as a great teammate make him a clear asset to have on the roster. Beyond rookie John Nogowski and journeyman Jose Marmolejos, Capricorn’s first base depth comes from other players’ secondary positions.
Ozzie Albies won the National League Silver Slugger award at second base in 2021, and he earned it, hitting 40 doubles, 30 home runs, and driving in more than 100 runs. Behind him on the depth chart is Nick Solak, who had displayed some versatility earlier in his career, but seemed to have stuck at the keystone with the Rangers. The only other Capricorn primary second baseman is Stevie Wilkerson, who didn’t even break 50 fantasy points with the Orioles in 2021.
Capricorn has a logjam at third base, but luckily both of the top candidates qualified at other positions. In fact, Kris Bryant played every position except second base, shortstop, and catcher in 2021, and the best alignment has him patrolling center field, despite lacking official eligibility there. Eduardo Escobar qualified at second base, and also played a little first base, but as you can see above, those positions are both spoken for. Matt Duffy has re-emerged as an infield option for the Cubs, while Breyvic Valera will be relegated to the fantasy astrology minor leagues.
Not only did Fernando Tatis Jr. win a 2021 NL Silver Slugger award, but if he hadn’t missed time with a shoulder problem, he might have had a shot at scoring the most fantasy points in the league. His injury did have a silver lining, in that the Padres gave him some time in right field to minimize strain on his arm. In the event that Tatis does move to the outfield, J.P. Crawford of the Mariners is next on the shortstop depth chart. Jose Iglesias was acquired by Boston during the season, but he came over too late to qualify for their playoff roster. Former Rule 5 pick Richie Martin and the well-traveled Andrew Romine round out the shortstop depth.
The 2021 Capricorn player pool doesn’t include a single player whose primary position was left field, so I’m jumping right into center fielders. Odubel Herrera was another Rule 5 pick who settled in as the regular center fielder for the Phillies, but he was not tendered a contract for next season. Kevin Pillar was formerly known as a defensive whiz, but he settled into a reserve outfielder role with the Mets in 2021. Tigers rookie Derek Hill is the only other center fielder to score more than 100 fantasy points last year, with Wyatt Mathisen, Skye Bolt, and Dustin Fowler also in the picture.
Capricorn’s top two right fielders will occupy the outfield corners, with each having the possibility of spending some time in center as well. Kyle Tucker is finally starting to grow into his prospect pedigree, and he even showed that he can handle center field in a pinch during this year’s World Series. Mitch Haniger has more of a track record up the middle, with 87 career games in center field. LaMonte Wade Jr. played both corner outfield spots and first base for the surprising 107-win 2021 Giants. Garrett Cooper has also played his share of first base for the Marlins. Stephen Piscotty has been derailed by injuries in recent seasons. Daz Cameron’s father Mike was himself a fixture in Capricorn’s center field mix for most of the 2000’s.
Next time, we’ll look at the Capricorn pitchers, a traditionally deep group, which this year is steeped in controversy. Tune in to find out!