*-* 1988 BLB Bold Predictions and Players to Watch *-*

[Clay]

With Monday's sim looking like the start of Spring Training, it's time to bust out the traditional thread.

No holds barred. Put it down. Place your bet. Lock it in.

[Delandis]

Dammit I wanted to start it this year. I should have posted this last night.

[Clay]

Dammit I wanted to start it this year. I should have posted this last night.

You can make the first prediction or bold statement.

[Delandis]

Pat Washington will be #2 in IL All-Star votes for 1st baseman. We'll say
.302, 25 HR, 100+ RBI.

[Clay]

Pat Washington will be #2 in IL All-Star votes for 1st baseman. We'll say
.302, 25 HR, 100+ RBI.

25 and 100 at the All-Star Break??? Wow!!!

Hmmmm... IL 1B... Dani Alvarez.... Robby Shannon... Seagarra now... it will be tough... but I could see it.

[Pat]

25 and 100 at the All-Star Break??? Wow!!!

Hmmmm... IL 1B... Dani Alvarez.... Robby Shannon... Seagarra now... it will be tough... but I could see it.

Eddie O'Fallon likes to be under the radar.

[Clay]

Eddie O'Fallon likes to be under the radar.

Yoritoki Maeda and his 6-8-5-7-8 will meet you under there.

[Lintyfresh85]

Z will select TheLetterZ Rodríguez with his first round pick.

[BradZ]

Yoritoki Maeda and his 6-8-5-7-8 will meet you under there.

Ok, you're on the right thread for this: Go ahead and predict the year for Maeda.

My guy really likes him long term, but I'm curious why those results haven't shown up on the field to this point. His next really good/standout year will be his first at any level. It's probably because he's generally been fairly young for his competition level at each of his stops. No doubt he'll experience a breakout year one of these years, just not sure it will be this year.

[Andrew]

Z will select TheLetterZ Rodrguez with his first round pick.

haha, I'll probably go through and rename all those guys.

[Pat]

Yoritoki Maeda and his 6-8-5-7-8 will meet you under there.

You mean his 5-7-4-6-7....a doubles hitter who doesn't strike out a lot....

[Clay]

You mean his 5-7-4-6-7....a doubles hitter who doesn't strike out a lot....

I'd take even those numbers compared to 6-5-5-5-5 which is where OSA has O'Fallon.

Ok, you're on the right thread for this: Go ahead and predict the year for Maeda.

My guy really likes him long term, but I'm curious why those results haven't shown up on the field to this point. His next really good/standout year will be his first at any level. It's probably because he's generally been fairly young for his competition level at each of his stops. No doubt he'll experience a breakout year one of these years, just not sure it will be this year.

I drafted him at 16. Tried to slow play him as to not bust him. Scout still loves him. He was the #1 prospect as recently as early last season. Believe me, I'd be lieing if I said I wasn't concerned that he may be all ratings and no stats...

However... he played exactly 81 games at the BLB level last season.... he had 80 hits, 41 runs, 20 doubles, 9 3B, 4 HRs and 37 RBI... his Power rating most of last season was 3. He's jumped in all areas and now has power at 4-5 depending on who you ask.

If I get 150 hits... 90 runs... 40 (maybe 50) 2B... 15 3B.... 10 HR... 65 RBI our of my #2 hitter... I'm loving life. I could easily have two of the best triples hitters batting back to back at the top of my lineup.

I don't know... I think his Power numbers will never win him any awards at 1B... but I think by 25-26 he could be a .290/.385 guy with a ton of XBH. I'll take that all day.

[Carlos]

This here patch-em-up staff will once again finish in the DL Top 5 in Starters ERA.

Bullpen ERA not so much.

[Pat]

I'd take even those numbers compared to 6-5-5-5-5 which is where OSA has O'Fallon.

Would you really? For example, if there are two equal players in the draft, and one is 6-5-5-5-5 potential and the other is 5-7-4-6-7, you would take the second player??? No wonder you have so many busts.

I do think Maeda is going to be a doubles machine. If he plays a full season (kinda dinged up a bit as a prospect), and ever reaches that potential, I don't think 50+ a season is out of the question. Great fit as a #2 hitter.

[Pat]

This here patch-em-up staff will once again finish in the DL Top 5 in Starters ERA.

Bullpen ERA not so much.

I'm curious of your thoughts on Rayford Winchel? I got him dirt cheap. Before the injury, he was the best pitcher on your staff.