Ladies and gentlemen, we’ve done it. We almost finally have had a full 2020 baseball season. It’s been a long road to get here with negotiations going back and forth but we finally did it. The World Series is here and it’s up to either the Tampa Bay Rays or the Los Angeles Dodgers.
But as the season comes to a close, we’re itching for some more baseball content. Seeing the Astros lose in game 7 of the ALCS just wasn’t enough for us. Then it hit us, about if there was a team solely fielded by past players' kids? Think about it, there are so many players within the league currently that are not the first generation to play within their family. Some of these families just bleed baseball.
Let us introduce you to the 31st MLB franchise and what we like to call the Next Generation team.
Let’s get started, shall we?
It’s draft day, we just watched Money Ball and we’re putting on our Billy Beane executive hat. We’re ready to fill those roster spots.
Big Guns - Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Vladimir Guerrero
With the new universal DH rule running league wide, we’re going to honour this decision and start off the bat by naming Vladimir Guerrero Jr. our team’s designated hitter. Following in his father Vladimir Guerrero Sr.’s footsteps by representing the true north strong and free within America’s pastime, Vladdy Jr. is an absolute powerhouse at the plate. With a career .269 BA / 24HR / 102 RBI we can confirm it will be home run derby’s for days with this kid.
First Base - C.J. Cron, Chris Cron
While we had a few contenders for this position, we have to go with C.J. Cron at first base. C.J. has racked up a WAR of 7.5 amongst four different American League teams. Though this issue may cause an uproar at the next Cron family reunion with C.J.’s brother Kevin being on the Diamondbacks’ 40 man roster, we’re confident Chris Cron’s experience playing first base throughout his professional career has worn onto both of his sons. But for the sake of this team, we’re taking C.J.
Second Base - Robinson Canó, José Canó
Even though we’ve been given several talented infielders, this is a no brainer. Filling second base duties, the best person for the job is none other than Robinson Canó. Being a part of the Phillies World Series roster in 2009, having eight All-Star game appearances, and winning two Golden Gloves and five Silver Sluggers, it’s safe to say Robinson has already outshined his father José who pitched one season with the Houston Astros.
Short Stop - Fernando Tatís Jr., Fernando Tatís
Alright our decisions are getting slightly more difficult as we move around the infield. On one hand we have the pun man himself Bo Bichette and on the other we have Padres young gun Fernando Tatís Jr. And while both rock a mean headband, we have to go with El Niño. Having a successful second season with the Padres and having a strong playoff run, the rookie has definitely made a name for himself apart from his father’s. Having a career combined .301 batting average, 39 home runs, and 98 RBI’s, with 27 stolen bases, we hope our decision to play Tatís Jr. comes with lots, LOTS of bat flips. Sorry Unwritten Rules.
Third Base - Cavan Biggio, Craig Biggio
This is where we make a HUGE executive decision. Call it a hot take if you will. There are so many talented players that are suited for this roster spot but we’re basing this off of how the season has unfolded. We have two Blue Jays who would be perfect for this spot along with Pirates Rookie Ke’Bryan Hayes, but we’re going to go with our Most Versatile Player, Cavan Biggio. Taking after his father and Hall of Famer Chris, Biggio can do it all. Currently leading the American League with 99 times on base and a career total .368 OBP, we’re proud to say Biggio is our guy. With Bichette’s recent stance on not wanting to shift over to third base, he’s getting the bench for now.
Catcher - Austin Romine, Kevin Romine
Surprisingly there aren’t too many second generation players that are catchers within the game currently, but we’re taking Austin Romine behind the plate. Romine has had quite the cup of coffee within the league serving as the backup catcher on the Yankees for ten years before stepping in as the starter for the Detroit Tigers. The baseball blood runs deep in this family as Romine’s older brother Andrew is currently a part of the Ranger’s 40-man roster.
Right Field - Joc Pederson, Stu Pederson
We’re going to have a pretty solid outfield if we’re being honest. Not only can Joc Pederson play RF, he’s able to play LF as well if needed. Joc currently shares the corners of the outfield with Mookie Betts and AJ Pollock plus hey, he's World Series bound baby. He currently sits at 4th for postseason HR’s for the Dodgers and is an absolute weapon.
Centre Field - Cody Bellinger, Clay Bellinger
The easiest decision we’ve made this entire article. We don’t even think we need to explain this roster slot, but we digress. The kid’s in the World Series, is a two time All-Star, National League Rookie of the Year in 2017, and National League MVP in 2019. Need we say more? Maybe collecting World Series titles can be a fun hobby for Cody and his father Clay, who has won two titles with the Yankees.
Left Field - Michael Brantley, Mickey Brantley
We’re going to clear the air on this one, even though Michael Brantley currently plays for the Houston Astros he was not apart of their 2017 World Series scandal. All good? Perfect. Playing ten years with Cleveland and two with the Astros, Brantley has had four All-Star game appearances and was the 2014 AL MVP. His father Mickey on the other hand played four seasons with the Mariners and was actually a coach for the Blue Jays in the mid 2000s. We swear we’re not trying to make this a Blue Jays article.
Pitching Rotation
This is the area that is a bit tricky. Other than Lance McCullers Jr., the rest of the bullpen doesn’t have all that much experience in the majors. The confidence may not be entirely there yet on the grounds of the bullpen but we think there’s potential.
Lance McCullers Jr., Lance McCullers
Our main man on the mound has been able to make a name for himself too apart from his fathers. Following in his father’s footsteps of pitching, McCullers Jr. has become a main piece of the Astros pitching rotation going 32-25, with a career ERA of 3.70. McCullers Jr. also had an All Star Appearance in 2017 and gained a World Series ring the same year.
Cal Quantrill, Paul Quantrill
Would ya look at that, it’s a GOOD OL’ CANADIAN BOY. Are we biased to put him in the number two spot? Maybe, but the kid is actually pretty good. The Port Hope native was recently a part of the trade that sent Mike Clevenger to the San Diego Padres in return for himself and fellow Canadian Josh Naylor. Within this past season, he posted an ERA of 2.25 and has gone 2-0 with 31 strikeouts in 32 innings pitched. We’re positive Cal will make not only us, but father and All-Star Paul Quantrill proud.
Cam Bedrosian, Steve Bedrosian
Okay so this may be a stretch to put in a reliever in the starting position, but like we said, our team’s bullpen isn’t our strongest asset. With his father Steve being a part of the 1991 Philadelphia Phillies World Series squad and being the NL Cy Young winner in 1987, we’re confident in Cam’s ability to take after his father. Within seven years with the Los Angeles Angels, Cam has gone 17-13 with a career ERA of 3.70 with 290 strikeouts.. Also his middle name is Rock, that kind of energy goes HARD for our squad.
Dereck Rodríguez, Iván Rodríguez
Having three major league seasons with the San Francisco Giants, Dereck sits at 12-15 with a 4.27 ERA following 221.1 innings pitched with 162 strikeouts. We’re positive some serious pitching/catching was going on between this father and son duo considering father Ivan Rodriguez is a 14 x All-Star catcher and 2003 World Series Champion.
Jonathan Hernández, Fernando Hernández
Though his father Fernando didn’t have a long time in the major league’s with two registered games, the Rangers pitcher has been able to collect 50 strikeouts in 47.2 innings pitched, going 7-2 across with a 3.40 ERA in his two seasons within the league.
Rest of the bullpen
Hunter Harvey, Bryan Harvey, Two seasons in MLB; 3.00 ERA / 15.0 IP / 17 SO
Luke Farrell, John Farrell, Four seasons in MLB; 5.00 ERA / 63.0 IP / 68 SO
The bench crew
Dee Strange-Gordon, Tom Gordon, Second Base, Shortstop, Centrefield
Bo Bichette, Dante Bichette, Shortstop, Second Base
Travis Shaw, Jeff Shaw, Third Base, First Base, Second Base
Kevin Cron, Chris Cron, First Base
Chad Wallach, Tim Wallach, Catcher
José Martínez, Carolos Martinez, First Base
Ke'Bryan Hayes, Charlie Hayes, Third Base
Andrew Romine, Kevin Romine, Shortstop, Second Base, Third Base
Adalberto Mondesi, Raúl Mondesí, Shortstop, Second Base
Delino DeShields Jr., Delino DeShields, Centrefield
There are definitely some roster spots that could be adjusted or positions shifted over, but we’re liking where we’re at with this. Imagine if there was some sort of exhibition game with this roster vs. their fathers in a friendly match up? Honestly, sign us up.
