Tweet
LINK
Red Hot! Pitchers, catchers and newcomers report for duty in the blazing heat of Arizona
Lake Havasu City, AZ - With pitchers and catchers reporting to the Bats Spring Training facility, the 2001 Brewers Baseball season is just around the corner. Spring Training is just a few weeks away and the Bats are eager to get back on the field to defend their Import League crown. So eager, they almost burnt the stadium to the ground, according to multiple eye-witnesses.
As team policy states, not only do pitchers and catchers report to Arizona in February but any new addition to the franchise is required to report early as well. The event is free to the public as well where the Bats saw thousands of fans wearing Stout Champ and IL Champ shirts and caps. Arriving together, a trio of D.C. newcomers showed up holding their uniform from last year's teams in hand. Walked to center field, threw them to the ground, poured gasoline on the clothing and lit them on fire with the match just used to light their three cigars. Yidir Adili's black Morgantown, Ivan Bojorquez's blue Virginia and Clint Johnston's yellow Miller uniform were no more.
Authorities were called immediately and Adili had to explain to firefighters that, “It's a South African-thing.” After getting a few statements from players and explaining that lighting stuff on fire in a public place isn't allowed in the deserts of Arizona, the all female fire staff left, unfortunately.
“I'm just really excited to win some damn games,” said Adili, after years of suffering numerous losses to the Bats. “I would have never thought I'd be on this team and until late the other night, I thought I was going to be a Maine Guide. My agent told me the Bats had made an offer that wasn't the best financially and likely gave them all the leverage, but the chance to play against my former club and in a division I'm very familiar with, made the decision was a lot easier. I'm happy to be here.”
Another surprise arrival was former Colonial Bojorquez.
“Until a week ago, I always hated the Bats. It's engraved in you when you play for Mr. Shaver in Virginia. It starts from the top. This is the best rivalry in baseball. That's honestly why I signed here. I was flattered that they would want me to play for them. Plus, I think the Colonial run is done. I got my rings and now I think I'm with the better club,” stated Bojorquez in between puffs of smoke.
“It's been awhile man....it's been awhile.” Clint Johnston returns to D.C. for the first time in five years. An All-Star in 1990 and 1991, and a DWI SS winner in 1993 and 1994, Johnston had a lot of success in the Nation's Capital. “Unfortunately, I didn't do much winning in Denver and Pittsburgh, so it's really good to be back. I hope the fans will welcome me with cheers and remember how hard I played for the organization.”
After about an hour of socializing with their new teammates, the pitchers and catchers actually went to work, getting ready for the long season ahead. With nothing left to do, Johnston and Adili went into the crowd and signed autograph for Bats fans. After leading the BLB in attendance last year, the crowd for this year's Spring is larger than ever.
“Our GM, Pat McLaughlin told me that if I want that 2002 team option accepted, I'm going to have to sign autographs after every home game,” said Adili. “Maybe I should invest in a stamp.”
---
DEPARTURES-
SP Nakazo “Chuckwagon” Sasaki was the darling of last year's Washington Free-Agency. However, despite his best statistical season since 1993, the Bats elected to decline the $20,000,000 option on Sasaki's 2001 season. After not receiving a lot of offers the soon-to-be 39-year-old is headed North to Pittsburgh to try and lead a Millers staff that was one of the worst in baseball last year.
SP Kel “Fuckin'” Murphy wasn't a popular figure for the Bats but very popular amongst the D.C. diehards. Entering the off-season his arbitration estimate was over $5,000,000 and like with Sasaki, the Bats decided to let him walk and spend that money in other areas. Murphy signed a one-year, $560k deal to play for Batavia. From a statistical standpoint that has to be the best bargain in Free-Agency.
ADDITIONS-
C Doug McMahon was drafted 24th overall in this years Rule V Draft formerly of Indianapolis. Despite being the only Rule V pick by the Bats he is a long shot to make the opening day roster. The 28-year-old has been up and down from the BLB and Triple-A the past three seasons and will likely have to beat out C Doug Briggs who has been Mal “The Crow” Brady's back up since 1998.
OF Yidir Adili has never finished better than 3rd in the Stout in his entire BLB career. That should change as he is now penciled in at the #3 spot in the Bats now dangerous lineup. The signing made headlines not only because Adili will now play for a division rival but also because despite being arguably the most sought-after FA, he signed only a two year deal with only one guaranteed season.
P Ivan Bojorquez, like Adili, is changing teams but not leagues nor divisions. A former 1st round pick and top 25 prospect, Bojorquez never found a permanent role in Virginia. One year he would start. One he would be in the pen. For 2001, the Bats have told him he will be first in line to try and win the 6th spot in the rotation. Armed with a 70% groundball and very high work ethic, D.C. is expecting a breakthrough season.
IF Clint Johnston was originally drafted by D.C. back in 1986 and left the franchise in 1996, his first time as a Free-Agent. A little older this time around, the 32-year-old Johnston won't be a full-time starter like he was in Denver and more recently Pittsburgh. His speed and defense fit the D.C. motto but his .209 average playing for a hitting team like the Millers is concerning.
POSITION BATTLES-
5th and 6th spot in the rotation is up for grabs this Spring. Travis DuFour, Troy Hanback, Tom Downs and Loren Washington all have locks on the #1-#4 spots after phenomenal 2000 seasons. The incumbents for the #5 and #6 spot are long-time D.C. product, Seth Brewer and the aforementioned Bojorquez. Brewer played great down the stretch going 3-1 with a 2.18 ERA in 41 innings last year but questions remain. The potential challengers include 1999 Rule V draftee Seth Schnitzler and off the scrap heap Free-Agent gem Nick Cortes. Schnitzler struggled in his 1999 debut coming from Carolina's Double-A straight to the BLB but in 2000 he settled down in Triple-A to go 14-2. Cortes has been a steady riser since entering the organization and after going 3-0 with a 10:1 K:BB ratio in Double-A, finished the year in Triple-A with a 150 ERA+.
Backup catcher will be at least a little interesting. The addition of McMahon raised a few eyebrows because the Bats have struggled to find at bats in years past having three catchers on the roster. Tyrone Abbott and Artie Walker constantly complained about sitting and with Brady the starter, Briggs and his defensive ability makes it hard to add another player at the position. McMahon is likely just a body to take a few innings behind the plate and will likely only make the roster if there is an injury to Brady or Briggs.
The aging veteran or the up and coming youngster? That's the question at third. Clarence Wetton was brought in late last season in a trade to solidify the hot corner. Tyler McLouth didn't run with the opportunity last year but looks to be much more developed entering this year's season. Wetton is 37, fragile injury history but in 31 games with the Bats hit at a .939 OPS. With his age and fragility however, even if the job belongs to him to start the year, McLouth will give him regular days off.
Free-Agent addition Johnston and IF Yong-koo Lim will battle for the utility infielder spot. After promising Johnston $3M in FA, Lim has his work cut out for him but he has a chance. Remember, Lim was the starting 3B for the first half of 2000 and could flourish in a reserve role.
The Bats can probably only keep one of the following relievers on the roster: C.J. Yount, Jon Vejar, Willis Cavazos, Ron Kimpton and Gerard Champagne. All are “BLB Ready” but there isn't enough open spots with the pitching depth already on the roster. If an injury were to occur this decision would be a lot easier but right now it looks like Yount's job to lose.
Last, the outfield. Seven players. Probably only five spots. Heishu Shiraishi is a lock at CF. Adili will play some LF and some RF, but he's going to be everyday after receiving $20M. B.J. Jobe was the starting LF for playoff run and will turn 25 in March, looking like an everyday player. So those are the starters, who are the back-ups? LF/RF Toby Day eventually wrestled the starting job away from OF Shawn Burton (traded to Pittsburgh in the Wetton deal) and might have to battle for at bats again this year after the Adili signing. He will likely be the #4 OF giving days off to the three starters. RF Miguel Angel Monchez was the starting RF for most of last year until a five month oblique injury cost him his job and left him on the bench for the post-season. That likely leaves last year's OF reserve FA addition, Gene Roberson, on the outside looking in. He had a solid year as a backup, 10 HR in 192 Abs, but is still just 29 and has option years. Unless he has a monster Spring Training, top 100 prospect Dave Miller will also be starting the year in Triple-A.
Red Hot! Pitchers, catchers and newcomers report for duty in the blazing heat of Arizona
Lake Havasu City, AZ - With pitchers and catchers reporting to the Bats Spring Training facility, the 2001 Brewers Baseball season is just around the corner. Spring Training is just a few weeks away and the Bats are eager to get back on the field to defend their Import League crown. So eager, they almost burnt the stadium to the ground, according to multiple eye-witnesses.
As team policy states, not only do pitchers and catchers report to Arizona in February but any new addition to the franchise is required to report early as well. The event is free to the public as well where the Bats saw thousands of fans wearing Stout Champ and IL Champ shirts and caps. Arriving together, a trio of D.C. newcomers showed up holding their uniform from last year's teams in hand. Walked to center field, threw them to the ground, poured gasoline on the clothing and lit them on fire with the match just used to light their three cigars. Yidir Adili's black Morgantown, Ivan Bojorquez's blue Virginia and Clint Johnston's yellow Miller uniform were no more.
Authorities were called immediately and Adili had to explain to firefighters that, “It's a South African-thing.” After getting a few statements from players and explaining that lighting stuff on fire in a public place isn't allowed in the deserts of Arizona, the all female fire staff left, unfortunately.
“I'm just really excited to win some damn games,” said Adili, after years of suffering numerous losses to the Bats. “I would have never thought I'd be on this team and until late the other night, I thought I was going to be a Maine Guide. My agent told me the Bats had made an offer that wasn't the best financially and likely gave them all the leverage, but the chance to play against my former club and in a division I'm very familiar with, made the decision was a lot easier. I'm happy to be here.”
Another surprise arrival was former Colonial Bojorquez.
“Until a week ago, I always hated the Bats. It's engraved in you when you play for Mr. Shaver in Virginia. It starts from the top. This is the best rivalry in baseball. That's honestly why I signed here. I was flattered that they would want me to play for them. Plus, I think the Colonial run is done. I got my rings and now I think I'm with the better club,” stated Bojorquez in between puffs of smoke.
“It's been awhile man....it's been awhile.” Clint Johnston returns to D.C. for the first time in five years. An All-Star in 1990 and 1991, and a DWI SS winner in 1993 and 1994, Johnston had a lot of success in the Nation's Capital. “Unfortunately, I didn't do much winning in Denver and Pittsburgh, so it's really good to be back. I hope the fans will welcome me with cheers and remember how hard I played for the organization.”
After about an hour of socializing with their new teammates, the pitchers and catchers actually went to work, getting ready for the long season ahead. With nothing left to do, Johnston and Adili went into the crowd and signed autograph for Bats fans. After leading the BLB in attendance last year, the crowd for this year's Spring is larger than ever.
“Our GM, Pat McLaughlin told me that if I want that 2002 team option accepted, I'm going to have to sign autographs after every home game,” said Adili. “Maybe I should invest in a stamp.”
---
DEPARTURES-
SP Nakazo “Chuckwagon” Sasaki was the darling of last year's Washington Free-Agency. However, despite his best statistical season since 1993, the Bats elected to decline the $20,000,000 option on Sasaki's 2001 season. After not receiving a lot of offers the soon-to-be 39-year-old is headed North to Pittsburgh to try and lead a Millers staff that was one of the worst in baseball last year.
SP Kel “Fuckin'” Murphy wasn't a popular figure for the Bats but very popular amongst the D.C. diehards. Entering the off-season his arbitration estimate was over $5,000,000 and like with Sasaki, the Bats decided to let him walk and spend that money in other areas. Murphy signed a one-year, $560k deal to play for Batavia. From a statistical standpoint that has to be the best bargain in Free-Agency.
ADDITIONS-
C Doug McMahon was drafted 24th overall in this years Rule V Draft formerly of Indianapolis. Despite being the only Rule V pick by the Bats he is a long shot to make the opening day roster. The 28-year-old has been up and down from the BLB and Triple-A the past three seasons and will likely have to beat out C Doug Briggs who has been Mal “The Crow” Brady's back up since 1998.
OF Yidir Adili has never finished better than 3rd in the Stout in his entire BLB career. That should change as he is now penciled in at the #3 spot in the Bats now dangerous lineup. The signing made headlines not only because Adili will now play for a division rival but also because despite being arguably the most sought-after FA, he signed only a two year deal with only one guaranteed season.
P Ivan Bojorquez, like Adili, is changing teams but not leagues nor divisions. A former 1st round pick and top 25 prospect, Bojorquez never found a permanent role in Virginia. One year he would start. One he would be in the pen. For 2001, the Bats have told him he will be first in line to try and win the 6th spot in the rotation. Armed with a 70% groundball and very high work ethic, D.C. is expecting a breakthrough season.
IF Clint Johnston was originally drafted by D.C. back in 1986 and left the franchise in 1996, his first time as a Free-Agent. A little older this time around, the 32-year-old Johnston won't be a full-time starter like he was in Denver and more recently Pittsburgh. His speed and defense fit the D.C. motto but his .209 average playing for a hitting team like the Millers is concerning.
POSITION BATTLES-
5th and 6th spot in the rotation is up for grabs this Spring. Travis DuFour, Troy Hanback, Tom Downs and Loren Washington all have locks on the #1-#4 spots after phenomenal 2000 seasons. The incumbents for the #5 and #6 spot are long-time D.C. product, Seth Brewer and the aforementioned Bojorquez. Brewer played great down the stretch going 3-1 with a 2.18 ERA in 41 innings last year but questions remain. The potential challengers include 1999 Rule V draftee Seth Schnitzler and off the scrap heap Free-Agent gem Nick Cortes. Schnitzler struggled in his 1999 debut coming from Carolina's Double-A straight to the BLB but in 2000 he settled down in Triple-A to go 14-2. Cortes has been a steady riser since entering the organization and after going 3-0 with a 10:1 K:BB ratio in Double-A, finished the year in Triple-A with a 150 ERA+.
Backup catcher will be at least a little interesting. The addition of McMahon raised a few eyebrows because the Bats have struggled to find at bats in years past having three catchers on the roster. Tyrone Abbott and Artie Walker constantly complained about sitting and with Brady the starter, Briggs and his defensive ability makes it hard to add another player at the position. McMahon is likely just a body to take a few innings behind the plate and will likely only make the roster if there is an injury to Brady or Briggs.
The aging veteran or the up and coming youngster? That's the question at third. Clarence Wetton was brought in late last season in a trade to solidify the hot corner. Tyler McLouth didn't run with the opportunity last year but looks to be much more developed entering this year's season. Wetton is 37, fragile injury history but in 31 games with the Bats hit at a .939 OPS. With his age and fragility however, even if the job belongs to him to start the year, McLouth will give him regular days off.
Free-Agent addition Johnston and IF Yong-koo Lim will battle for the utility infielder spot. After promising Johnston $3M in FA, Lim has his work cut out for him but he has a chance. Remember, Lim was the starting 3B for the first half of 2000 and could flourish in a reserve role.
The Bats can probably only keep one of the following relievers on the roster: C.J. Yount, Jon Vejar, Willis Cavazos, Ron Kimpton and Gerard Champagne. All are “BLB Ready” but there isn't enough open spots with the pitching depth already on the roster. If an injury were to occur this decision would be a lot easier but right now it looks like Yount's job to lose.
Last, the outfield. Seven players. Probably only five spots. Heishu Shiraishi is a lock at CF. Adili will play some LF and some RF, but he's going to be everyday after receiving $20M. B.J. Jobe was the starting LF for playoff run and will turn 25 in March, looking like an everyday player. So those are the starters, who are the back-ups? LF/RF Toby Day eventually wrestled the starting job away from OF Shawn Burton (traded to Pittsburgh in the Wetton deal) and might have to battle for at bats again this year after the Adili signing. He will likely be the #4 OF giving days off to the three starters. RF Miguel Angel Monchez was the starting RF for most of last year until a five month oblique injury cost him his job and left him on the bench for the post-season. That likely leaves last year's OF reserve FA addition, Gene Roberson, on the outside looking in. He had a solid year as a backup, 10 HR in 192 Abs, but is still just 29 and has option years. Unless he has a monster Spring Training, top 100 prospect Dave Miller will also be starting the year in Triple-A.