1986 Season Previews

[Jake]

Opening Day! Very excited. The opening day lineup for your 1986 Syracuse Slammers...

1. CF Jose Urra
2. 2B Frank Rancourt
3. SS Noah George
4. 1B Maureo Gonez
5. RF Vittorio Samarano
6. LF Curt Halpern
7. DH Teagan Cannell
8. C Mark Jerome
9. 3B Mark Schell

SP: Don Stevens

Tough matchup against LL to start the season, then we head back home for a three day set against Hyundai. We need to get out to a hot start if we want any shot to hang with an improved Indy in the Pilsner.

[Delandis]

Wow. A late night east coaster or a west coaster like myself on.

For me we are starting:

1. CF Mark Mabbett
2. C Alan Starr
3. 3B Graham Tandy
4. RF Joe McKnight
5. 2B Tommy Cirlos
6. LF Larry Headington
7. SS Curt Boyd
8. 1B Pat Washington

SP: Tim Nathan

This is definitely changing into my team as there are only 2 starting fielders left from when I took over Baltimore 2 1/2 seasons ago (Mabbett and Tandy).

This is also the first time in five years that Franklin did not open the season as the #1 starter. I've been reading a lot lately and I came across a quote:

"You win championships with a 25-man roster."

I think that's been Baltimore's problem for a while now. We've built our roster on the backs of a 1-2 superstars with no real depth. We still aren't a REAL contender, but I think the addition of Soto gets us back to our 4/5 tough starters and 1 guy who is one good change-up away from being good. Even with the loss of Hernandez, we still have one of the best bullpens in the league, plus we may have a few surprises for you guys late in the season. Stay tuned....

[Clay]

Opening Day... Opening Day.... Season 9 of the BLB... Damn Impressive!

The Virginia Colonials will roll out with what I think is our best opening day lineup so far offensively...

1 - Dale O'Hegarty (SS) - Quickly becoming one of the premier leadoff men in the IL
2 - Joshua Poling (2B) - .302 with 22 HRs in '85
3 - Wilton Harcourt (3B) - Stout Slugger caliber '85 (.303/.409/.569) with 30+ HR 100 RBI potential
4 - Frank Hamlet (1B) - The DL to IL jump soiled his numbers some, but we're expecting a renewed Slugger in '86
5 - José Llombart (RF) - Major Sleeper! Has all the tools to be an All-Star especially in a ballpark that is custom built for his skill set
6 - Danny Nelson (LF) - Quietly had a great season in '85 (.294 - 26 HRs - 84 RBI - ASG)
7 - Alberto Hernando (C) - Great defensive Catcher (43.7% RTO) and Double Machine (91 2Bs in two seasons)
8 - Ted von Wenckstern (CF) - Beat our Jerry Tracy in ST, but likely won't hold the spot - ++ Speed

Key Bench Players:

Jerry Tracy (OF) - Will start the season on the bench due to injury and a poor spring. Will have to win starting spot back. Has the POP to win it back quickly.
Matt Partin (C) - Joined the team late in ST, but had a great camp. Will spell Hernando, especially on the road and could also get some reps at 1B if the hot hitting continues.

Pitching Staff

Starters:
1 - Yeong-suk Kang (R)
2 - Nate "The Skull" Magness (L)
3 - Joe Arrendondo (R)
4 - Mike Hinchey (L)
5 - Lance Lawson (R)

Delmar Oyos comes back in six weeks and will slide into the #4 spot. Hinchey and Lawson will get a 6 week rehearsel for the #5 spot. Lawson is a huge gamble to start, but he tends to keep the ball down and that made him the best candidate coming out of ST. Big question marks from this staff.

MR:
Joe Negron
Errol Blue
Adrian Boyd (Rookie)
Ash Reed

Setup:
George McSwain
Tim "Vampire" Pardue

Closer:
Martin "Eager Beaver" Carlton

I love my Top 4 in the pen (Carlton, Negron, McSwain and Pardue) - if I can get anything out of Errol Blue and Rookie Adrian Boyd, I should be able to improve from last season.

All that being said... I still see this as a 65-70 win team.

[Guest]

Not the regular season juggernaut I had last year, but still decent.

Lineup

1. Tim O'Fay (CF) - A downgrade from Coker at leadoff, hopefully he gives me something.
2. Joe Nazaire (RF) - beasted in ST...I expect big things out of him
3. Everardo Gremades (1B)
4. Howard Haydon (SS)
5. Johnny Buzzell (3B)
6. Bill Fallon (LF)
7. Pete Hampton (DH) - Rookie, hoping to get similar production from him as I got from McGee
8. Teodor Leal (2B)
9. Bob Clapp (C)

Starters

1. Tajo Delclos (R)
2. Ryan O'Connors (R)
3. Tommy Lang (R)
4. Curt Goodwin (R)
5. Ivan Carrillo (Rookie) (R)

Was planning on having Joaquin Gonzalez too, but he decided to get hurt, so we have to rush Carrillo.

MR
Ed Greenfield
Zhi-peng Zhao
Ted Cargile

Basically a patchwork middle relief, but Zhao has the potential to be nasty.

Setup
Tsunayoshi Sato
Roberto Degarcia

Closer
Vernon Simmonds

I'm very confident in my back end. If we're leading after 6-7 innings, it should be game over.

[Andrew]

1986 Guides:

This should be an interesting year for the Guides. Pittsburgh has taken a step back from last year so, barring injuries, we should be a lock for the division. However, this could be our last big run. Eddie O"Fallon, Amistad Caballero, Joe Cuevas, Wayne van Slyke and Eddie Taylor are all FA's after this season. So far we've been able to retool very well but I'm not sure we can replace that much talent in 1 season, expecially since our high minors is very thin. We are also over budget and stand a good chance of finishing in the red. This will probably mean we need to cut payroll for next season.

Lineup
3B - Charlie Maccabe - Comes back after being out for most of last season.
C - Kyoden Kubota - Great young catcher. OBP machine.
DH - Tom Tilbrook - Should replace Fallons power and some. Expecting big things from Tilbrook.
1B - Eddie O"Fallon - Probably his last year as a Guide.
2B - Neto Bermeo - Bounced back last season after a tough 1984.
RF - Amistad Caballero - Another potential FA
CF - Joe Iliquez - Hoping he can stay healthy.
LF - Joe Cuevas - Another potential FA. Has developed into a much better player than I thought he was when we acquired him.
SS - Clarence Evans - Looking to have a breakout season. Great fielder but hopefully will contribute more at the plate.

Key Bench
Xalbador Medine - Provides OF depth, something we didnt have last season.

Rotation
Teagan Corrigan - The man
Gil OMoore - Ace on most teams but he's been injured every year so far.
Gervasio Dealba - Great 3rd option.
Tino Suarez - Hoping he can replace Brudenells innings but will be asking a lot from him as a rookie.
Clint Waits - Still doing it with smoke and mirrors.

Key Bullpen
Wayne van Slyke - One of the best closers in the league
Eddie Taylor - Rule 5 pick that ended up turning into a huge success.
Hernando Ortiz - Gives us a 2nd lefty and will share the setup duties with Taylor

[Lintyfresh85]

Here's the preview of the California Kodiaks!

The Kodiaks are ready for action this year with a lineup that is pretty similar to how last years ended. Solid in the middle, the Kodiaks have plenty of deep ball threats, but will the OBP be there to convert those HR's into lots of runs?

1 - François Dupuis (CF) - I'd like to hit him 7th or 8th but he gets cranky when moved out of the top spot.
2 - José Compres (RF) - Only 23, I'm expecting .270/8/60
3 - Robby Shannon (1B) - True impact hitter. Finished last year over .300 and mashed the ball this spring. 30+ HR power.
4 - Mark Steward (2B) - .312 avg. 3rd best in the IL last year.
5 - Alberto Grandon (3B) - 75 XBH/117 RBI's last year.
6 - Joe Lavadie (C) - Came into his own this spring. Should bring a stable hand to the catching position.
7 - Odílio Farelo (LF) - No power, but had a solid enough OBP to keep him in the lineup.
8 - Lucio Mendez (SS) - 1985 Gold Glove winner. Not known for his offense. Anything we get from him is a positive.

Key Bench Player:

Florentino Corulla (IF) - Serious pop off the bench. Will be our top pinch hitter.


Pitching Staff

Starters:
1 - Mack McMurdo (R) - The veteran will get the opening day start thanks to his sparkling 2.74 ERA last year and his ability to avoid giving up walks.
2 - Oswaldo Escarcaga (R) - Ace of staff last year; his 13/7 BB/K ratio this spring has me seriously concerned.
3 - Joe Toapanta (R) - Workhorse. Will give the Kodiaks plenty of K's.
4 - Elieis Vizcarra (R) - Two straight years under 4 ERA. Young. Solid.
5 - Victoro Díaz (R) - Rookie of the year candidate. Díaz tore up AAA last year.

MR:
Wayne Smith - One of the most consistant RP's in all of the BLB, the 22 year old Smith has appeared in 74/77 games the last two years. Once again will be the anchor of the Kodiaks bullpen.
Jake Fredrick - Starter turned reliever last year, Fredrick offers the potential to eat lots of innings without having his flaws exposed.
Ernesto Guzma - Guzma is in his contract year. Awful last year, but great in '84, a contract year.

Setup:
Román Magueu - 18 holds were 9th best in the IL last year. The 23 year old brings is a big time strikeout artist and is the perfect set-up man.

Closer:
Bing de-She - The 24 year old will be back as the Kodiaks closer. Posted 26 saves last year and looks to be even better if he can manage to stay healthy.

I look for another sub-par year with the Kodiaks finishing somewhere near 70-75 wins.

[Pat]

This Bats lineup could be the best in awhile. If Latham and Lamberts still have something left in the tank, it could be one of the best in the IL.

Lineup:
1 - Michio Nago (CF) - Only 22, but quickly becoming one of the IL's best lead-off men. My scout still has really high expectations for him, and wants him further down in the order.
2 - Joe Sierra (1B) - Normally a middle of the order hitter. Want to see what he can do out of the #2 spot. Doesn't strike out a lot.
3 - Keita Uchiyama (C) - Great OBP.
4 - Nick Latham (RF) - Leaving a favorable park, but I still think he has 20+ HRs in him.
5 - Miguel Angel Padilla (LF) - .250 with 17 HRs as a rookie.
6 - Chaim Lamberts (3B) - OBP guy. More than capable of 15+ HRs.
7 - Jack Dynes (SS) - Switch hitter who finished the year at .282. One of the best fielders in the game.
8 - R.A. Grounds (2B) - Two-time IL All-Star.

Key Bench Players:
Larry Fitzsymons (OF) - Top 100 prospect. Hit .260 as a rookie. Will eventually hit leadoff.
Brody Whiteley (IF) - Great fielding 3B/SS. Hit .282 in '84 and .262 in '85.

Disabled:
Pete Summers (IF) - 1985 IL Rookie of the Year is out for a month.


Pitching Staff
A lot of question marks. #1-#4 starters are solid, but my #5 is a rookie and my entire bullpen, besides closer Grant Lewis, is all youngsters.

Starters:
1 - Romano Gonzalez - #14 best pitcher in the BLB
2 - Joe Chavarraga - #18
3 - Cristofor Villazon - #19
4 - Joe Rodriguez - My only left starter. Inconsistent, but shows flashes.
5 - Joe Zazueto (ROOKIE) - My scout says 3-5-5, with 7 endurance and 72% groundball. I'll be sure to have a good defense behind him.

MR:
Chad Williams (ROOKIE) - Born on 4-20. This dude loves to party.
Cristian Ramirez (ROOKIE) - Lefty. Pitched 108 innings in AAA in '85.
Julian Lopez (ROOKIE) - 1.71 ERA in AAA in '85.
Wilber Nickerson - 3.80 ERA in 76 BLB IP in '85.

Setup:
Zoilo Lambarria - Solid lefty.
Yuan-zhang Chiu - Had an amazing ST so I had to keep him up.

Closer:
Grant Lewis - One of the games best.

Prospect Watch:
Mike Mudrock (C) - #6 overall prospect. Struggled in ST, likely a summer call-up.
Jody Kurtz and Ryan Vest (SP) - Neither are top prospects, but if Zazueto struggles, or a SP gets hurt, they will be called up.

Season Expectations
Easily a playoff contender. I also have some budget room flexibility.

[Ryan]

Lineup:
Subaru Hiraki CF I would really like to get 550 ab's from Hiraki. That would be tho thuper!1!!
Adrian Acosta 2B The singles machine is back for his first full season. I think he can rack up 200+ hits with his little rubber bat.
Pete Miller C Pete got a ratings increase in a couple of potential categories this year along with increasing his actual ratings in a couple of others. I expect large things from the stern Floridian this season.
Don Alexander RF I'm hopeful for a return to form for Don this year, as last years shittiness just won't cut it with Adron gone.
Anier Tafur SS Anier took some talent hits this off season, so I'm curious to see how he performs this year. Was a big first half star last year, but tailed off in the second half. Still wants a boat load of cash to re-up, so hopefully thats a good sign.
Jim Coker LF I'd really like Jim to continue his streak of 20+ homer seasons. That would only be fair, right? Not sure he belongs this low in the order, but he'll start here for now.
Frank McGee DH Frank's production has tailed off a little of the last three years, but if he can at least put up the numbers he did the last couple of years, I'll be .
Elton Jessie 3B Ahh, Elton. He's got a good chance to strike out a lot and hit for some decent power. His average will suck pretty bad though. Between him and Acosta, I could see a combined 300+ K's for the season.
Currito Laverte 1B Currito took a talent hit in contact this off season, which isn't great considering he wasn't that big of a threat for average to begin with. Hopefully he can still hit for some power.

Rotation:
Akira Abe Not much to say here. If he performs, we win. If not, thats bullshit!
Joe Gauina Hopefully he can replicate last years performance, his first as a full time starter.
Mac Avery My scout has him just about maxed out ratings-wise, with a couple of increases over last year, so we're expecting him to do better this year than last.
Vidal Olbera He pitched really well in 1983. Then he got hurt, missed the entire '84 season, and pitched like a turd in '85. I think we all know whats coming in 1986.
Ralph Dingwall Ehh, whatever.

Middle Reliever:
Dave Beard Dave pitched really well in ST, hopefully a sign of things to come.
Anselmo Altahirano A rule V'er for us last year, pitched much better than his ERA indicates. Should add some real depth for our bullpen.
Raymond Macauley After a couple of shots in the BLB, things finally clicked for Raymond last season. This season will tell us if that was a fluke or not.
George Neilly Didn't perform the way we thought he would, but he was very sporadic. Hopefully he can be a little more consistent this year. For the better.

Setup:
Dave Klaus Dave wants to close, but with McCoy entrenched in the closers role, thats not going to happen. Klaus really does a great job in the setup role though.
Steve Allmark I really like Steve's ratings, and his stats from last year. If he can get his walks down, he could help anchor one of the best back ends of the bullpen in the league.

Closer:
Eric McCoy A potential free agent after the season, Eric is in line for another near dominant season this year.

My (Deep) Thoughts: I like my team a lot more this year than I did at this time last year, though we could really use some depth. I have a couple of guys starting that many contenders wouldn't, namely Jesse and Laverte, so the others will really have to pick up the slack. We'll have more power this year than we've ever had, and our OBP should increase as well.

The rotation is really solid 1-3, but the back end is nothing to get excited about. The bullpen is a question mark. It was a big negative last year, but I feel we've improved this year with the acquisition of both Beard and Allmark. I can see a definite improvement wins-wise for the Clowns this year, possibly in the 95 range.

[Matt]

1986 Batavia Muckdogs

After last seasons 80-82 finish in the Muckdogs 2nd season, expectations were high for the 1986 season. Unfortunately with Batavia only getting older and no significant off season signings many predict 70 wins at most.

Lineup:

1. Steve Bing, LF - Hit .272 last year in his 1st season with Batavia. He also hit 37 doubles and stole 33 bases.
2. Tauro Hidrogo, C - Has improved his batting average .20 each of his three seaons...if he does it again he's around .300.
3. Ferris Slcombe, 3B - Solid 3B, hopefully will hit around .275 again.
4. Roy Finbow, 1B - Hit 21 HR's last season and is our only HR threat.
5. Roy Sizer, RF - Hit .277 last year in his 1st season with Batavia. He is a great RF and a defensive asset.
6. Felipe Miladelaroca, SS - Signed this guy to a minor league contract from Maine and now he's our starting SS. Time will tell.
7. Wilton McClear, 2B - A great young fielder with a bat that's getting better.
8. John Fehilly, CF - Another solid outfielder with a so/so bat. He plays well in AAA but not such much in the BLB. Would love to see him break out.

Pitching Staff:

1. Billy Noke, SP: Last year went 17-12 with a 2.88 ERA, by far the surprise of the season.
2. Nathan Athey, SP: 16-8 with a 3.22 ERA in '85. Would love a repeat.
3. Hernandez Mejla, SP: 11-12 with a 3.80 ERA last year.
4. Cam Mills, SP: An enigma wrapped in a riddle. Has won 7 but lost 22 in two starting season with Batavia.
5. Orlan Coronda, SP: Last season had a 4.21 ERA but 125 K's.

If any of these guys falter look for AAA pitcher and previous #1 pick Sasaki to get a call-up.

Roger Simmonds, CL: 39 saves, 32 the year before. Doesn't walk many but we would love a 3.00 ERA or lower.

[mahoney2]

Starting Lineup

C- Hector Gonzalez - #3 BLB Prospect, hoping for a decent first year.
1B - Ron O'Fallon - Top 100 BLB Prospect, hurt the first 5 weeks of the year, thanks ST!
2B - Tom Isgar - Pawtucket veteran, always solid at 2B.
SS - Hamilton Remy - another youngster. Hit .302 last year in his first year in the BLB
3B - Victor Gonzalez - former #1 prospect, stud, hopefully keeps progressing
LF - Maneul Bernal - move along.
CF - Adam Nickell - 24 years old, hit .316 last year with a 27.7 VORP
RF - Juan Ortiz - tied for DL ROY last year, hit .305 with 28 2B and 9 HR.
DH - Pedro Eires - former BLB HR champ, still good for a solid 25hrs a year.

Pitching
Starters LaRochelle, Cafferty, O'Loughlin & Carpenter - solid group of veterans, all over paid and under performing. Hopefully they put it together this year.

MR - Joe Soca (greedy bastard), Calvin James, Erneas Couteveros, should be pretty good in MR.

Closer - Tsu-wee Xi should have another great year as closer.

[liquidcrash]

1986 Carolina Tobs

Lineup

LF Chicho Ochoa- Has been a solid, consistent player since he came over from Washington. Hit .281 last year, but was right around .300 in the two prior.
CF Will Porter- Longtime Tob, he's a pretty good option at the top of the lineup. Decent contact, some pop and speed.
3B Vincent Nino- One of the game's best. Hits for average and power and is a yearly Glove Wizard winner.
RF Angelo Opio- Entering his third year as a Tob. Slowed by injuries a bit last season but still put up good numbers. We expect another good year from him.
SS Jimmy Joy- One of the IL's best rookies two seasons ago, Joy struggled last year after being suspended in ST and then got injured and missed two months. My scout is still high on him and I expect a bounceback year. He figures to be the SS in Carolina for many years to come.
2B Herb LeFavre- Let go by the hated Windy City Playboys, he's a big upgrade for us at 2B.
1B Kevin Stoltzfus- Playing out of position for the time being as we figure out how our lineup will shake out. Put up good numbers in limited action for Wilmington last season and gives us another LH bat.
C Ramirez Grajeda- Shifts back to his natural position after playing 1B for the past two seasons. Good contact hitter, very little power. Solid catcher.

Bench
C Nevada Guizan- Could make his way into the lineup. Great defensively with good power.
OF Jose Juanpere- Surprising rookie season last year with .831 OPS. If Ochoa or Porter struggle, he could get in the lineup.
OF Nicolas Faurietta- Good power bat coming off our bench.

Key Injuries
CF Dan Hogan- New member of our team will be out for the first month, but should move immediately into the middle of our lineup, as well as be a big upgrade in the field.
MR Hector Solis- Rookie who flew through our system before being called up last year is out for the year. Big loss for our bullpen.
P Saul Soriano- Former IL New Brew Winner figured to factor into the #5 starter or middle relief role, but is also out for the year.

Pitching
1- Ezequiel Parongao- One of the best in the league, career ERA is just above 3. Had a bit of a down year last season but he figures to bounce back.
2- Joe Ponte- After fading a bit in past seasons, Ponte began to return to form last year. His ratings have gone back up a bit and he should make a great #2.
3- Rayford Winchel- Solid lefty, an absolute steal from the Rule V draft years back.
4- Jack Cashan- Made a very nice transition from the bullpen to the rotation last year.
5- Shawn Gates (ROOKIE)- Our top pick in the 1983 draft, Gates is skipping AAA and going straight to the Bigs. This wasn't our plan, but injuries have hurt our rotation and Gates was spectacular in ST. He's ready.

Bullpen
MR Firhun Luwandi- Somehow put up a 12-3 record last season in middle relief. Solid pitcher, nothing spectacular but he's a decent option.
MR Rich Sewell- Left for dead by two organizations before coming to Carolina, he dominated AAA two seasons ago and had a solid year in middle relief last year. We expect more of the same.
MR Matt Rogers- One of the top setup men in the BLB and still only 27. Very consistent pitcher who we're very confident in.
CL Casimiro Cabezas- The best. If we get to the 9th with the lead, it's over.

[Gyrodork]

Small Ball Is Back!

The Owner is expecting a "better than .500" season. It would have been nice if the bastard had let me make a free agent offer that was longer than 1 year! Sadly, Javelinas fans watched 2 coveted free agents go to other teams for less money than the furry pigs' GM was willing to pay. We should be able to generate a few more runs this year. As for pitching; I'm going to the bullpen early and often.

Starting Lineup
1 - CF Dave O'Brien - .349 OBP, 15 HR, 44 SB. Only 65% successful on SB attempts, may have to rein him in.
2 - 3B Amoldo Andradez - .280 AVG, .426 SLG, 65 2B. Only 22 yrs old, but both OSA and my scout say he has peaked. I'll take it.
3 - LF Ken Cahill - .304 AVG, 10 3B, 14 HR, 52 VORP. Our best bat costs only $5.1M/yr. Ugliest, and most loved player on the team.
4 - 1B Vance Miller - .252 AVG, 21 HR, 87 RBI. Could be his last year with us as we can't get the owner to bite on a 2-year contract.
5 - DH John Harbison - .250 AVG, 20 HR, 80 RBI (WAS). Believe it or not, our most exciting FA acquisition. Should be a big help.
6 - C Xever Magano - .300 AVG. Not rated as highly as Iazarry...but waaay better results. Nice find last season. Thanks Batavia!
7 - 2B Isaias Bendana - .226 AVG, 15 HR, 76 RBI. Protecting him more in the lineup this year and hoping for a .250 AVG.
8 - RF Phil Sephton - .263 AVG, 8 HR, 69 RBI. Great clubhouse presence and best fielder on the team. No more potential at 24.
9 - SS John Brenton - .249 AVG (PAW). Managed to get injured 3 times in ST. He's our $770K gamble.

Starting Rotation
Donato Guardamagni - 2.55 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, .225 OAVG, 207 K. Our Ace; and our biggest contract ($14.8M). Just 29 yrs old.
Igor Goderie - 4.03 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, .249 OAVG. His saving grace? 67% Groundballs, lifetime.
Ron MacLagan - 4.07 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, .267 OAVG. Also 67% GB last season. Hoping to cut a half of a run from his ERA.
Andres Letonan - 4.47 ERA, 1.66 WHIP, .236 OAVG. Could loose his spot to Lanny Krieger (AAA) later this year.
Phil Gibson - 3.12 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, .239 OAVG (WAS). Converting from MR to SP. I need 5 to 6 good innings from him per outing.

Middle Relief
Gary Closson - 1.58 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, .205 OAVG. Has Setup/Closer ability; but I need him to put out the fire early.
Elvio Vasquez - 3.38 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, .229 OAVG. Likely to get a BIG pay raise in arbitration. What a screwball!...literally.
Leon Gilbreath - 3.73 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, .245 OAVG (MOR). Late free agent pickup. Decent southpaw winding down an effective career.
Martin Nego - 2.61 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, .217 OAVG (AAA). Rule 5 pick. Should see the least amount of playing time.

Setup
Jerry Kraft - 2.49 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, .222 OAVG, 105 K. "Godzilla" was, indeed, a monster last season. Gave up just 2 HR in 97.2 IP.

Closer
Carl Bell - 2.48 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, .231 OAVG, 30 SV. Picked in the 30th round of the inaugural draft (#596). Great leadership ability.

Rounding Out the Roster
Clint Vanstone - Mop-up Reliever; Chad Petty - OF (Rule 5 pick); Lucio Apresa - Utility IF; Ryan Berose - Utility IF; and Lucero Iaizarry - Catcher.

Coming Attractions
The Boulder City Big Horns won the AAA Championship last season; and there's a few guys from that roster looking to make the leap.
OF - Chan Salguero - May supplant one of my utility Infielders. #55 Prospect was cruising in AAA until he strained a quad.
OF - Cody Owens - .306 AVG and 40 SB (AAA). Excellent fielder too.
SP - Lanny Krieger - Needs at least another half-season in AAA, but the scouts say he's mid-rotation material.

Outlook
The Javelinas figure to plate a few more runs this season. My SP rotation scares me; but I feel very good about the bullpen and I will be relying upon my relievers HEAVILY. Our best chance at the playoffs will be to repeat as Lager Division Champions. But the Dinos figure to be much improved. And Sin City has a very good rotation this year. While IL fans are sure to scoff, the DL Lager Division could be very interesting this year.