I know it is late in the season but better late than never. Didn't think I was ever going to be feeling better or be able to concentrate on writing but here goes. My advance scouting is a little weak so here goes nothing.
1. Louie James- Washington: He looks disappointing as a SS or CF. Maybe 3B/2B at the ML level. Hitting looks pretty decent though could be a little weak against righties. Having a rough go at the Low A Level.
Grade: A
2. Elston Cooper - Arizona: I like his durability/stamina and pitches, will it be enough to cover the weak control and splits for a strike out pitcher?
Grade: B
3. George Atkins - NY Mets: What is not to like, has all the ability needed and I had him ranked as the best pitcher in the draft. Might be the best pick for the Mets ever.
Grade: A+
4. Tony Lansing - Seattle: His projections could be tough to reach and may need a very good PC catcher at the ML level. I am not sure whose projections to trust but could be a "RED HERRING" for a top 5 pick. Should be a very good pitcher just maybe not great.
Grade B+:
5. Peter Brock - New Orleans: Projects to be a top end SS if projections are met which could be tough or at least take a while. Where to put him in the line up could be tough also, has lead off speed and 3 spot power, what a combo.
Grade: A+
6. Jacob Nixon - Oklahoma City: I see a lot of complete games from this kid and has the control and splits to get him there but a PC catcher may be order with a relatively weak stable of pitches.
Grade A:
7. Wesley Hewson - Toledo: A highly touted shut down closer and should not disappoint.
Grade: A+
8. Joel Mays - Texas: A weak defense SS, better suited for 3B in the end maybe. But another with big power and speed.
Grade: A+
9. Joel Mays - Omaha: Another near SS with speed although the big power is not present but could make a dandy lead off hitter.
Grade: A
10. Frank Brand - Vancouver: A pitcher that has everything going for him but control and that could be his demise for being ML pitcher. Could my scouting be that far off?
Grade: C
11. Dusty Ingram - Florida: Could become a very good long relief pitcher in time.
Grade: B+
12. Lance Barnes - Cleveland: Decent attributes for a pitcher but not quality for a starter with those pitches.
Grade: B
13. Del Lowrie - Tampa Bay: Like Barnes, has decent attributes for a pitcher but quality is lacking.
Grade: B
14. Daniel Ray Holt - Florida: With their second pick already, they chose a catcher and the only one in the first round. Not exactly robust defensively but good enough with his hitting abilities will assure him of a long ML career.
Grade: B+
15. Shayne Marte - Syracuse: unsigned and totally unknown
16. Sadie Richardson - Boston: A 1B/DH that could find his way onto the ML lineup in either category. His name has already been the butt of many jokes and has already garnered the nickname "Hawkins".
Grade: A+
17. Storm Wallace - Dover: Pretty weak as a CF and COF could be a stretch. Has speed and some pop in his bat but those splits could may make him just so-so at the plate.
Grade: B
18. Quilvio Franco - Las vegas: Could pan out to be a very good closer if projections are made.
Grade: B
19. Bucky Metzger - Austin: They were surprised he dropped so far, the big reason is his low durability. (I thought they were gonna cut out the ridiculous ratings?) Getting him to projections could be very tough. As a starter he might be able to pitch every 10 days. As a closer, he could pitch three or four days in a row then may need to take three or four off.
Grade: B- may work out
20. Hank Harding - Tampa Bay: This pitcher could be a mixed bag, like throw great one outing and get shelled the next. Still this late in the draft a good pick.
Grade: B
21. Craig Waters - Washington: Weak defensively for a 2B and could wind up in RF. Weak eye and power but has decent splits and makes contact most of the time. Could wind up a career minor leaguer.
Grade: C
22. Gerald Offerman - Milwaukee: May not have the range for a SS. His speed and power is lacking but is not all that bad at the plate.
Grade: B-
23. Eric Stanley - Atlanta: Could make a nice setup man in the future with an outside chance as a closer.
Grade: B
24. Roger Metzger - Toronto: Could be a great defensive SS that slaps righties around. Considering his health, it could be problematic to make projections if he becomes a habitual DLer. And before you ask, Bucky is his cousin, think problematic health concerns run in the family.
Grade: C+ worth the risk
25. Louis Matthews - Kansas City: A stretch to play LF and may consider 1B as an alternative. Relatively weak against the right-handed persuasion but has the ability to pound the lefties.
Grade: B-
26. Jimmy Ingram - Chicago: A little weak in the glove for a 2B but basically over/under qualified for anyplace else. Could be pretty awesome at the plate in Wrigley as the fans cheered their approval for this pick. Could his makeup be his downfall?
Grade: B+
27. Benny Calero - Chicago: josepaco tripped running to the podium to make this selection after their previous pick (must be nice having two in a row). They couldn't believe this potential long reliever was still available. He should one day strengthen the bull pen for sure and maybe make a couple starts in his spare time.
Grade: A
28. Corey Collins - Trenton: Could play 2B with the best of them, but the plate awareness could be a factor though he makes contact most of the time.
Grade: C
29. Alton Kolb - Pittsburgh: unsigned and unknown
30. Timothy Bailey - Milwaukee: If he makes projections will be a very good 2B. Worst asset is his eye but that shouldn't stop him from a ML career.
Grade: B+
31. Louis Goodwin - St. Louis: Didn't spend much on scouting and it shows as the only person happy about this selection was Louis. Weak gloved and hitting is worse, though he is hitting .308 at the Rookie camp and accidently hit a HR.
Grade: D
32. Fernando Martin - Trenton: A probable long reliever with above average splits, good control and some so-so pitches. This late in the first round beggers can't be choosey.
Grade: B
33. Larry Browning - Durham: For a pitcher this late in the draft, he was a great pick. Has ML potential if he develops.
Grade: B+
34. Eric Marshall - Cincinnati: Has the Reds luck finally run out finding studs late in the first round? Maybe, then again maybe not. Eric can catch the ball, but may have problems getting to it for the long runs. Has some pop in the bat and some above average abilities but lacks consistent contact.
Grade: C
35. Clinton Terry - Houston: Weak defensively for 3B and maybe too weak for RF also. Hitting is not so great, though he does have good splits, just not the eye to go with them.
Grade: C
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Bulls Season Preview
The Bulls hope for a repeat in Season 14, having secured their first World Series title by dethroning the 4-time champs, the Cincinnati Reds. The Bulls return 21 of the 25 members of the S13 squad, which was transformed by several in-season blockbusters last year.
C- Ricardo Gongora will see a good amount of time behind the plate against RHP and as a late-inning defensive replacement who can keep Pedro Martin fresh for the playoffs. Martin's DUR is the only thing that keeps him from being recognized as one of the best C in the league.
1b- Horacio Lopez & Wascar Martinez will split time, with Lopez getting the majority of the at-bats (hopefully 450), with Martinez helping out in LF to get him around 300 Abs.
2b- Two seasons, two MVPs, one WS title – yeah, Albert Johnson was worth the max contract.
3b- Oswaldo Santos took home his 3rd consecutive Gold Glove award with the usual excellent offensive production. Tony Bolivar backs up at 3b, 2b and SS in a pinch.
SS- Esteban Galarraga won the Gold Glove in his first full season and was robbed of the ROY award. He'll hit 9th, score a bunch of runs and play outstanding defense as he grows and matures.
LF- Rafael Almanzar signed to provide some pop as a 2b/LF/1b platoon partner for Martinez & Lopez and a backup to Al's Johnson.
CF- Offensive superstar Ramon Ishida platoons with defensive superstar Albert Gonzales, at least until some kind of full-time option can be procured via trade.
RF- Harold Bonds looks to build on a very good first full season in the majors.
DH- The incomparable Frank Gates returns, his skills slowly eroding and certainly dropping his career OBP below .500. But since he'll still get 200 hits and 100 walks, he'll play until those ratings really start to slide.
SP- Venerable warhorses Britt Swindell , Dwight Johnson and Cam Anderson return to anchor the rotation. Anderson retained enough value after his late-season TJ injury to be-resigned to hold down the 3rd slot. Bobby Ray Fox returns to provide depth and a fresh arm, either in the rotation or as the mop-up man, with Mac Hampton as the “just-in-case” last man on the staff.
SP/RP- Bulls management has a fondness for guys who don't have enough DUR/STA to be starters but would be wasted in some other teams' bullpen from underuse. Chris Koehlert , Roy Little and Chad Sanders will combine to throw 450 innings this season, as tandem starters in the 5th spot, LRAs and SuA.
RP- Mixing & matching parts in the bullpen, the Bulls will look to Moises DeJesus , Raymond Marte Heath O'Brien and Tom Waters in the late innings. Waters will likely earn most of the saves, but Marte is probably the relief ace.
Overall, the Bulls look to be slightly worse from last season's champions. Downgrading from Winston Ulrich to the Martinez/Almanzar/Lopez clusterbuck might costs the team runs scored, while saving a few on defense. Billy Ulrich will be missed for his bat against RHP, as Gongora is not a good hitter. But the hope is the increase in PC and control of the running game on defense will help offset things. The pitching is just a year older...and prone to injury. But if everything goes well, and the young guys continue to improve, there's no reason Durham can't take home World Series title #2 in Season 14.
C- Ricardo Gongora will see a good amount of time behind the plate against RHP and as a late-inning defensive replacement who can keep Pedro Martin fresh for the playoffs. Martin's DUR is the only thing that keeps him from being recognized as one of the best C in the league.
1b- Horacio Lopez & Wascar Martinez will split time, with Lopez getting the majority of the at-bats (hopefully 450), with Martinez helping out in LF to get him around 300 Abs.
2b- Two seasons, two MVPs, one WS title – yeah, Albert Johnson was worth the max contract.
3b- Oswaldo Santos took home his 3rd consecutive Gold Glove award with the usual excellent offensive production. Tony Bolivar backs up at 3b, 2b and SS in a pinch.
SS- Esteban Galarraga won the Gold Glove in his first full season and was robbed of the ROY award. He'll hit 9th, score a bunch of runs and play outstanding defense as he grows and matures.
LF- Rafael Almanzar signed to provide some pop as a 2b/LF/1b platoon partner for Martinez & Lopez and a backup to Al's Johnson.
CF- Offensive superstar Ramon Ishida platoons with defensive superstar Albert Gonzales, at least until some kind of full-time option can be procured via trade.
RF- Harold Bonds looks to build on a very good first full season in the majors.
DH- The incomparable Frank Gates returns, his skills slowly eroding and certainly dropping his career OBP below .500. But since he'll still get 200 hits and 100 walks, he'll play until those ratings really start to slide.
SP- Venerable warhorses Britt Swindell , Dwight Johnson and Cam Anderson return to anchor the rotation. Anderson retained enough value after his late-season TJ injury to be-resigned to hold down the 3rd slot. Bobby Ray Fox returns to provide depth and a fresh arm, either in the rotation or as the mop-up man, with Mac Hampton as the “just-in-case” last man on the staff.
SP/RP- Bulls management has a fondness for guys who don't have enough DUR/STA to be starters but would be wasted in some other teams' bullpen from underuse. Chris Koehlert , Roy Little and Chad Sanders will combine to throw 450 innings this season, as tandem starters in the 5th spot, LRAs and SuA.
RP- Mixing & matching parts in the bullpen, the Bulls will look to Moises DeJesus , Raymond Marte Heath O'Brien and Tom Waters in the late innings. Waters will likely earn most of the saves, but Marte is probably the relief ace.
Overall, the Bulls look to be slightly worse from last season's champions. Downgrading from Winston Ulrich to the Martinez/Almanzar/Lopez clusterbuck might costs the team runs scored, while saving a few on defense. Billy Ulrich will be missed for his bat against RHP, as Gongora is not a good hitter. But the hope is the increase in PC and control of the running game on defense will help offset things. The pitching is just a year older...and prone to injury. But if everything goes well, and the young guys continue to improve, there's no reason Durham can't take home World Series title #2 in Season 14.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Royals With Cheese
This year's Kansas City Royals are largely unchanged from last season's 91 win team. The franchise finally won their first playoff game, but have not won a playoff series yet. The team will feature it's usual strong hitting and defense, with the hope that the bullpen can keep games from being lost in the late innings.
C - Steady Spike Pellow will see most of the action, while defensive specialist Quilvio Martin will help against lefties.
1B - Season 13 HOF inductee Dallas Payton will look to give the Royals a reason to sign him to an extension. At 35 years old, his power numbers will be down, but he will find a way to keep his average and OBP at normal levels.
2B - All-world Jesse Brennaman added a gold glove in S13, as well as another All-Star selection to go along with his ROY and Silver slugger awards in S12. Jesse looks to be a mainstay at 2B, perhaps forcing other prospects to find a different position to break into the majors.
3B - Chun-Lim Satou and Dustan Daneker will compete for playing time. One of these two may find their way to another team if the bullpen does not carry their weight.
SS - Defensive-minded Sammy Saenz will once again patrol the middle of the infield. Backed up by all around utility Esteban Valentin, both can contribute with the glove, as well as knocking in a few runs at the bottom of the order.
LF - Vin Veras signed a 5 year contract that will keep the 3-time GG winner in KC for a long time. With enough defensive skills to fill in all over the field, Vin finds enough challenges to keep the game interesting. Coming off of a career high in HR and RBIs, this 25 year old is looking to elevate his game to MVP levels. Marshall Hunter, the team speed demon will back up Vin, and will fill in at 1B when Dallas needs a breather.
CF - Season 13 proved to be Matt Pierce's breakout year, winning his first Silver Slugger award, along with his 3rd All-Star appearance. Posting 32 HR, 114 RBIs, and a BA of .350, tells us that the future is bright and steady in CF.
RF - Franchise poster boy Lonny Waltman led the team with 120 RBIs and rock-steady leadership. His statistics aren't jaw dropping, but his positive clubhouse influence keeps this team on an even keel.
Starting Pitching
Nicky Sierra - needs to improve on his 5.12 ERA
Vic Lee - The old war horse hasn't declined much, and is looking to impress for an extension.
Fausto Almanza - Time for the youngster to grab the reigns and guide this team to the playoffs.
Carl Baker - Another 34 year old veteran who hasn't seen much decline in his abilities.
Tomas Valdez - Led the team with 16 victories. Another 16 would help this season's march.
Bullpen
Closer - Jeremy Russell led the team with 20 saves and posted a 4.11 ERA. Hardly stopper material.
Alan Raush and Diego Molina lead a mediocre bullpen that may have to be supplemented if the performance does not improve.
My prediction for the Royals is an 88 win season since the pitching staff is too fragile to compete with the power pitching teams in the NL. This team will soon have to look at putting together a rebuild on the bullpen if they do not put together a strong season.
C - Steady Spike Pellow will see most of the action, while defensive specialist Quilvio Martin will help against lefties.
1B - Season 13 HOF inductee Dallas Payton will look to give the Royals a reason to sign him to an extension. At 35 years old, his power numbers will be down, but he will find a way to keep his average and OBP at normal levels.
2B - All-world Jesse Brennaman added a gold glove in S13, as well as another All-Star selection to go along with his ROY and Silver slugger awards in S12. Jesse looks to be a mainstay at 2B, perhaps forcing other prospects to find a different position to break into the majors.
3B - Chun-Lim Satou and Dustan Daneker will compete for playing time. One of these two may find their way to another team if the bullpen does not carry their weight.
SS - Defensive-minded Sammy Saenz will once again patrol the middle of the infield. Backed up by all around utility Esteban Valentin, both can contribute with the glove, as well as knocking in a few runs at the bottom of the order.
LF - Vin Veras signed a 5 year contract that will keep the 3-time GG winner in KC for a long time. With enough defensive skills to fill in all over the field, Vin finds enough challenges to keep the game interesting. Coming off of a career high in HR and RBIs, this 25 year old is looking to elevate his game to MVP levels. Marshall Hunter, the team speed demon will back up Vin, and will fill in at 1B when Dallas needs a breather.
CF - Season 13 proved to be Matt Pierce's breakout year, winning his first Silver Slugger award, along with his 3rd All-Star appearance. Posting 32 HR, 114 RBIs, and a BA of .350, tells us that the future is bright and steady in CF.
RF - Franchise poster boy Lonny Waltman led the team with 120 RBIs and rock-steady leadership. His statistics aren't jaw dropping, but his positive clubhouse influence keeps this team on an even keel.
Starting Pitching
Nicky Sierra - needs to improve on his 5.12 ERA
Vic Lee - The old war horse hasn't declined much, and is looking to impress for an extension.
Fausto Almanza - Time for the youngster to grab the reigns and guide this team to the playoffs.
Carl Baker - Another 34 year old veteran who hasn't seen much decline in his abilities.
Tomas Valdez - Led the team with 16 victories. Another 16 would help this season's march.
Bullpen
Closer - Jeremy Russell led the team with 20 saves and posted a 4.11 ERA. Hardly stopper material.
Alan Raush and Diego Molina lead a mediocre bullpen that may have to be supplemented if the performance does not improve.
My prediction for the Royals is an 88 win season since the pitching staff is too fragile to compete with the power pitching teams in the NL. This team will soon have to look at putting together a rebuild on the bullpen if they do not put together a strong season.
The Little Red Machine season 14
Although the Reds lost several key players to free agency this off-season management is still optimistic about the Reds chances of making the playoffs. Fans however are not so pleased with the new look Reds. Obviously the loss of multiple cy young winner Yamil Pulido as well as impact players such as Jeff Brooks, Lee Coleman and Bruce Kinney will make the Reds a less competitive team this year but if you listen to the front office rumblings they feel they still have a good core of players that can work well together and scrap out some wins.
The line-up for the Reds has an obvious different look.:
C - Chris Duran is back in what may be his final tour with the Reds and while still a potent threat with the bat and an above average defensive catcher he's shown he can't handle the everyday rigors of catching in the bigs so he'll be spelled often by Luis Maduro who by all rights could still be a #1 catcher on many teams. There have been rumors of a one year extension for Duran but so far that is just all talk. Duran may also wind up batting 2nd this year which will be a whole new role for the veteran.
1b - under-used and unproven Bret Perez will likely get a shot as the opening day 1b this year. His .396 average and more than respectable slugging through 101 ab's last year made him the favorite to be one of the power bats the Reds are looking for in the middle of the order. He'll have to work his way up to win that spot though. GM erff isn't overly impressed with Bret's defense but thinks he can ofset what is lacking there with his bat.
2b - Edgardo Castillo is a veteran who was brought in last year and still has a few years left on his contract. He looks like the likely lead-off man at this time, replacing Lee in that role, and if the Reds fall out of it may be the first potential trade candidate.
3b - Young Sam Charles late season injury last year coupled with the Reds new respect for defense (at certain positions mind you) forced a move from SS to third for Sam. The Reds are looking for a little more production at the plate from Sam this year.
SS - Howie Daily, illegitimate love child of Chris Sabo and Ozzie Smith, will likely be the opening day SS this year. He always forgets his bat in the locker and has to use those 18" mini bats but his glove work is to die for. We'll see how this new D at SS theory works out for the Reds.
LF - ROY winner Domingo Jose moves from 3rd to left this year in a move that just made way too much sense for these crazy Reds coaches. Looking for another big year at the plate and far less adventures in the field with him roaming left instead of manning third. He has been quoted as saying he'd like to do a wall climb and high five a fan though ala Manny.
CF - another potential trade candidate if the Reds lose it is Miguel Rodrigo. He'll be moving from second into center this year in an attempt to get a little more range out there in the small park.
RF - Roger Merrick returns to play right field. He also could be moved if needed but as long as the Reds stay in it they expect Merrick to not only put up good numbers but be a leader type for the younguns on the squad.
Bench: other than Maduro the Reds have veteran and HoFer Omar Nixon to roam left and first, Wolf Latham to PH and play a little 1b, Jeff Figga, a late season waiver pickup last year, and Chipper Montgomery, both of whom can play multiple positions well.
The Starting Rotation is what will make or break this team this year. With Yamil and Bruce gone and Reds management deciding to see what one more year would bring a last minute decision to retain the services of one Harry Owen was made. After him it's a little shaky and we all know that Harry's constant guitar playing tires his arm out every time he has to pitch so he can't go that deep.
Rotation:
Harry Owen
Fausto Alomar - needs to step it up
Ismael Azocar - same
Mariano Bourbon and either Victor Chavez or Leonardo Evans (resigned for questionable sentimental reasons)
Bullpen:
either Leo or Victor
Jaime Phillips (option picked up
Jorge Owen (very dubious)
Santiago Mangual ( a stud that will likely be traded if need be)
FA pickups Rigo Piniero and Antonio Wanatabe
and closer Midre Davis who so far has been filling in quite nicely for the traiterous Mitchell Ray.
Look for the Reds to compete but don't look too closely as the shame of defeat will be bitter. Here's to introducing the little Red Machine.
The line-up for the Reds has an obvious different look.:
C - Chris Duran is back in what may be his final tour with the Reds and while still a potent threat with the bat and an above average defensive catcher he's shown he can't handle the everyday rigors of catching in the bigs so he'll be spelled often by Luis Maduro who by all rights could still be a #1 catcher on many teams. There have been rumors of a one year extension for Duran but so far that is just all talk. Duran may also wind up batting 2nd this year which will be a whole new role for the veteran.
1b - under-used and unproven Bret Perez will likely get a shot as the opening day 1b this year. His .396 average and more than respectable slugging through 101 ab's last year made him the favorite to be one of the power bats the Reds are looking for in the middle of the order. He'll have to work his way up to win that spot though. GM erff isn't overly impressed with Bret's defense but thinks he can ofset what is lacking there with his bat.
2b - Edgardo Castillo is a veteran who was brought in last year and still has a few years left on his contract. He looks like the likely lead-off man at this time, replacing Lee in that role, and if the Reds fall out of it may be the first potential trade candidate.
3b - Young Sam Charles late season injury last year coupled with the Reds new respect for defense (at certain positions mind you) forced a move from SS to third for Sam. The Reds are looking for a little more production at the plate from Sam this year.
SS - Howie Daily, illegitimate love child of Chris Sabo and Ozzie Smith, will likely be the opening day SS this year. He always forgets his bat in the locker and has to use those 18" mini bats but his glove work is to die for. We'll see how this new D at SS theory works out for the Reds.
LF - ROY winner Domingo Jose moves from 3rd to left this year in a move that just made way too much sense for these crazy Reds coaches. Looking for another big year at the plate and far less adventures in the field with him roaming left instead of manning third. He has been quoted as saying he'd like to do a wall climb and high five a fan though ala Manny.
CF - another potential trade candidate if the Reds lose it is Miguel Rodrigo. He'll be moving from second into center this year in an attempt to get a little more range out there in the small park.
RF - Roger Merrick returns to play right field. He also could be moved if needed but as long as the Reds stay in it they expect Merrick to not only put up good numbers but be a leader type for the younguns on the squad.
Bench: other than Maduro the Reds have veteran and HoFer Omar Nixon to roam left and first, Wolf Latham to PH and play a little 1b, Jeff Figga, a late season waiver pickup last year, and Chipper Montgomery, both of whom can play multiple positions well.
The Starting Rotation is what will make or break this team this year. With Yamil and Bruce gone and Reds management deciding to see what one more year would bring a last minute decision to retain the services of one Harry Owen was made. After him it's a little shaky and we all know that Harry's constant guitar playing tires his arm out every time he has to pitch so he can't go that deep.
Rotation:
Harry Owen
Fausto Alomar - needs to step it up
Ismael Azocar - same
Mariano Bourbon and either Victor Chavez or Leonardo Evans (resigned for questionable sentimental reasons)
Bullpen:
either Leo or Victor
Jaime Phillips (option picked up
Jorge Owen (very dubious)
Santiago Mangual ( a stud that will likely be traded if need be)
FA pickups Rigo Piniero and Antonio Wanatabe
and closer Midre Davis who so far has been filling in quite nicely for the traiterous Mitchell Ray.
Look for the Reds to compete but don't look too closely as the shame of defeat will be bitter. Here's to introducing the little Red Machine.
Pirates Season 14 preview
After another playoff disappointment last season, the Pirates are ready to do battle in the NL North again. With the Reds losing Yamil, Pirates management feels the team has a fighting chance this year.
Key additions: Bruce Kinney, Don Benson, Clarence Valentin, Brandon Walton, Miguel Chavez, and Dallas Hyzdu
Key departures: Kent Heredia, Brian Baker, Marty Benoit, and Mariano Costilla
Losing Heredia hurts. Hopefully Kinney and Benson can pick up the slack.
The Pirates season 14 opening day roster:
C: Andy Reagan, backing Andy up will be: Happy Hayes
1B: Max Fuentes will start against righties, against lefties Dallas Hyzdu and Tim Roberts will get some at bats
2B: Luis Cruz moves back to 2nd this season to make room for Clarence.
SS: Don Gong backing Don up will be Juan Bonilla
3B: Clarence Valentin gets a shot at 3rd, Oswaldo Guillen will backup at 3rd and the OF
LF: Juan Carrasquel, spelling Juna from time to time will be: Tim Roberts
CF: Bernard Shelley, it's his job to lose
RF: Alex Richardson
Pitching Staff
SP1: Tim Loewer
SP2: Omar Elcano
SP3: Jimmie Torres
SP4: Bruce Kinney
SP5: Don Benson
Mop up: Miguel Chavez
Long Relief: Alex Espinoza he'll get some starts when needed
Setup: Javy Urbina, Albert Villafuerte, Brandon Walton, and Geraldo Rosa
Closer: Andres Coronado
Coming up later on in the season sometime after the all-star break will be: David Gomez. Management will find a spot for him, probably in LF and move Carrasquel to 1st.
Hard to make a prediction for this team, a lot depends on how Kinney does in PNC park. The team needs key contributions from youngsters: Valentin, Shelley, and Walton.
Key additions: Bruce Kinney, Don Benson, Clarence Valentin, Brandon Walton, Miguel Chavez, and Dallas Hyzdu
Key departures: Kent Heredia, Brian Baker, Marty Benoit, and Mariano Costilla
Losing Heredia hurts. Hopefully Kinney and Benson can pick up the slack.
The Pirates season 14 opening day roster:
C: Andy Reagan, backing Andy up will be: Happy Hayes
1B: Max Fuentes will start against righties, against lefties Dallas Hyzdu and Tim Roberts will get some at bats
2B: Luis Cruz moves back to 2nd this season to make room for Clarence.
SS: Don Gong backing Don up will be Juan Bonilla
3B: Clarence Valentin gets a shot at 3rd, Oswaldo Guillen will backup at 3rd and the OF
LF: Juan Carrasquel, spelling Juna from time to time will be: Tim Roberts
CF: Bernard Shelley, it's his job to lose
RF: Alex Richardson
Pitching Staff
SP1: Tim Loewer
SP2: Omar Elcano
SP3: Jimmie Torres
SP4: Bruce Kinney
SP5: Don Benson
Mop up: Miguel Chavez
Long Relief: Alex Espinoza he'll get some starts when needed
Setup: Javy Urbina, Albert Villafuerte, Brandon Walton, and Geraldo Rosa
Closer: Andres Coronado
Coming up later on in the season sometime after the all-star break will be: David Gomez. Management will find a spot for him, probably in LF and move Carrasquel to 1st.
Hard to make a prediction for this team, a lot depends on how Kinney does in PNC park. The team needs key contributions from youngsters: Valentin, Shelley, and Walton.
Monday, November 9, 2009
World Series Bout!
Well, the dust has settled and we have a rematch of last years fight, Durham Bulls vs Cincinnati Reds.
The LCS was quite remarkable as St. Louis couldn't hit and the injury to Everett Hill early in game 3 quickly led to the Tards downfall. So who will win in the rematch? The money lies with the Reds experience and know-how. But lets not forget that the Bulls have been here before and are hungry. The answer will be pitching, can the Reds shut down the Bulls offense. Can the Reds offense score enough runs to come out on top one more time? Stay tuned as this series could be remarkable.
The LCS was quite remarkable as St. Louis couldn't hit and the injury to Everett Hill early in game 3 quickly led to the Tards downfall. So who will win in the rematch? The money lies with the Reds experience and know-how. But lets not forget that the Bulls have been here before and are hungry. The answer will be pitching, can the Reds shut down the Bulls offense. Can the Reds offense score enough runs to come out on top one more time? Stay tuned as this series could be remarkable.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)