2018 Team Preview Capsules

[Pat]

Way back during the 2005 season, UMD made a thread like this and it did ok. We ended up with 6 team previews, which is about 3-4 more than we usually get per year. I thought if there was a format laid out and previews started earlier than later, maybe we can get a good turn out. Feel free to preview your own team or another team in the league as the off-season goes along. I know it's very early in the off-season and a lot of signings, trades and roster formation is still to be done...but probably not from me.


One Last Flight: The 2018 Seattle Pilots



What's New? Cohesion and Continuity.

The Pilots entered the off-season with very little money available to bring in big name free-agents and that fits this group just fine. The 2017 Pilots finished 99-63 to shock the BLB world by landing the #1 IL seed in their inaugural season. Despite returning the oldest roster in the BLB, many inside the organization think a better season is possible because familiarity throughout the roster. Last year at this time the expansion draft had just taken place and everyone was packing their bags to move to the Pacific North West. Throughout the season, everything was constantly being changed and tweaked from the Funclown claimed "duct tape rotation" to an outfield that featured a league high eight players getting starts in center field. This group also had over 40 players with BLB contracts throughout the year. This season, the Pilots enter with only 28 on the 40 man roster and shouldn't see much more until September.


Calling Card? The Long Ball.

The 2017 Pilots lead the IL with 193 home runs, 24 more than the next team in Batavia. That identity should continue from a lineup that has a threat to go deep #1-#8. Every projected regular hit at least 10 HRs in 2017, some in part time roles. The group is lead by LF Ethan Stuart who finished 4th in the BLB with 36 bombs. This team has the potential for three players with 30+ a feat no team accomplished in 2017. 2B Rory Gray hit 28 in 503 PA and 3B Zachary Henne hit 27 in 497 PA last year.


Kryptonite? Patience At The Plate.

Ironically, what makes this lineup great is also what could be it's downfall. This team is trying to take you deep from the first pitch to the last. Seattle finished 11th in the IL in strikeouts, 8th in base on balls and 7th in on-base percentage. With the departure of IF David Santoyo and his .391 OBP, this team could be hitting even more solo shots than it did in 2017. Eight projected regulars struck out more than once per start in 2017 and only SS Dave Nelson had more than 40 walks, with a team leading 53. Combined with a league low 37 stolen bases in 2017, this team has only one way to score runs.


In the System? More Power

The Pilots top hitting prospect 1B Dylan Anthony (#96) is getting his 2nd Spring Training invite but will likely spend time at both Triple-A Vancouver as well South on the BLB roster in Seattle. Anthony has hit 47 HRs the past two seasons combined in Double-A/Triple-A in just over 900 PA. The right handed slugger currently rates as 5-5-7-4-4 vs. LH from OSA and will likely see regular ABs against LHSP.


Position Battle to Watch? 5th OF Spot

Veterans Stuart, Zachary Oldham, J.R. Lowe and D.J. Phillips are safe no matter how they perform in Spring Training. However, the final outfield spot is up for grabs between Tom Herlein and Joey Eddy.

Herlein is a natural LF but has shown improvements in CF and RF. The 26-year-old hit .301 in Triple-A last season and .312 in September call-up. Not known for his patience or pop, Herlein does have history of making contact after hitting north of .295 eight times at different levels. The right hander would likely push Lowe for reps in CF vs. LHSP and would provide a nice PH/PR run option off the bench.

Eddy is natural RF but like Herlein has shown improvements at the other two OF positions. Armed with one of the the strongest arms in the organization it would likely be Eddy's defensive abilities that win him the job.

Both should see time at the BLB level as both are on $280K salaries but the Opening Day roster is not yet decided.


Magic 8-Ball Answers: Was last years #1 seed a fluke? Ask again later Prediction: 94-68, #3 WC

While the roster looks almost exactly the same this group has gotten older and more brittle. The Pilots feature seven players "fragile" or "wrecked" and nine players 34 or older as of December. To keep this group healthy there will be a steady rotation of rest and likely a 6-man rotation for the entire year. Despite their efforts to do the same in 2017, the Pilots had two major injuries to starting players, one proving costly in the post-season. Should there be any decline in ability from the older players, the season could nose dive.

The roster is filled with players questioning how long they will be living in the 206 area code. Seven players need to be re-signed, including big names Dave Nelson, Zachary Henne and CL Robby Scriber. Four players are on option years, including Oldham, SP Felipe Vega and RP Ted Self. And five others projected to make big leaps in arbitration salary. The Pilots have been over budget for their first two years and owner Keng Shui's priority on profit, don't anticipate a lot of these names to be brought back.

The IL was down in 2017 with multiple clubs failing to meet predictions. Is this the year Windy City and Los Alamos put it all together? New York is spending in FA and hungry for a playoff spot. The "regulars" Death Valley, Baltimore, DC and Philly aren't going anywhere. Seattle should be right in the thick of things in this groups (maybe) last attempt to make history.

[PaulC]

Great Read Pat!!

California's first attempt at this will be coming soon... Just like their wins potentially.

[Pat]

Great Read Pat!!

California's first attempt at this will be coming soon... Just like their wins potentially.

Even if it's a shorter, less in-depth preview of your team it still adds to the league. I know UMD will probably do a few, hopefully others as well. I'll try and do more as the off-season goes but might be busy in the coming weeks.

[Carlos]

I like it. Will work on mine.

[PaulC]

California Preview

Rebuilding… Again: The 2018 California Kodiaks

What's New? Youngsters (and pitchers finally) starting to develop

The Kodiaks entered the off-season with a pile of money to spend having let most of their big name, and big money players enter the expansion draft or, previously, having been traded away for draft picks. The 2017 Kodiaks finished 51 – 111 to mark their 13th straight losing season. Despite returning a roster devoid of big money talent, California fans are very excited about the development of what is currently the #2 farm system in the BLB. 2B Mike Morla (#1 prospect), and Tom Farber (top catching prospect) are knocking on the BLB door, and are almost certain to see BLB action in the coming season. More importantly, California has four pitchers; P A. Ingle (16th) , P D. Morlan (21st) , P S. Brouwer (60th) , P J. Colovos (66th) in the top 100 that will shortly turn around a pitching staff that has been cannon fodder for their opponents for quite some time.

Calling Card? Unknown.

The 2017 Kodiaks were a time trying to find an identity. At times the offence, led by Filar, were able to mash their way to victories, however the offence, and Filar, and prone to long stretches of poor production. The pitching staff yielded the same inconsistent results, with 6 young pitchers sharing the load. There were flashes of brilliance here (one Collin Robbins shutout), but they were few and far between. With a mean hitter age of 27.0 and pitcher age of 26.8, the bumps were to be expected, but hopefully a thing of the past.

Kryptonite? Consistency.

The 2017 Kodiaks had an offence that scored 7 runs or more 25 times, yet was shutout 16 times. Until the youngsters arrive (Morla, and Farber) and the veterans (Filar and Wescott) become more consistent expect this trend to continue. For now, the team will continue to count on the Filar hot streaks to carry them to wins and a renewed front office philosophy away from drafting mashers that are all hit and no glove. Hopefully the young pitching (all under the age of 30) hasten their development as the team prepares ready to contend as early as 2019.


In the System? More Power

The Kodiaks top hitting prospect 2b Mike Morla (#1) is getting a Spring Invite, but will likely spend more time at AAA. Ownership is impatient about calling up the former #1 pick, but a little more seasoning will help benefit Morla before he gets the call up for good. A late season acquisition for C Tom Farber also has Kodiak management very excited. Although not a highly touted prospect, his offensive ratings (5/5/3/3/8) and solid, if not spectacular defensive skills, are also soon to Position Battle to Watch? Too be determined…

Clearly free agency will play a big role here. California has no discernible ace on their staff. Both, the infield and outfield appear to be likely set, as well as the catcher spot.

It appears as though the pitching rotation will return all of the key pieces from the previous seasons. The only real question is who will take over the closer role from departing fan favourite Jimmy Crook. This looks like a role that will belong to top prospect A.J. Ingle (potential 7/6/6 and a fastball/changeup potential of 8/6) in the future.

The only other items to be determined are which youngsters continue to get more seasoning or which ones finally get their feet wet at the BLB level.

Magic 8-Ball Answers: Are they still a lonely 50 win team? Ask after free agency Prediction: 70 - 92, #11 in the IL.

Hope springs eternal in California and this is hopefully the beginning of the end of a rebuild started in 2014 with the dumping of veterans Flores and Jaime to Morgantown for a bevy of picks that have restocked and rejuvenated the franchise.

[Carlos]

A Decade Later, 2018 Denver Hopes to Right Wrongs in Previous Youth Movement



What's New? Financial Flexibility

The last few seasons have mired the club with the inability to add necessary pieces to compete with the more experienced teams in the league. Adding to the conflict was the team's lack of resources to retain talent fast approaching free agency, most notably, one T.J. Davis.

However, with the trades of Tom Gibson, Robby Aten and B.J. Mulcahy in 2016, the 2017 blockbuster trade of Antonio Banuelos, as well as the necessary decision to not re-sign All-Star defensive catcher Mike Del Rio in the off-season, Denver inched closer to shedding the expenses that kept their finances in the red.

Now with money to spend, the added flexibility this off-season has allowed the team to extend team ace Davis to a 6-year contract worth just under $50 MM (which is essentially a seven-year deal when including the arbitration year he will play under in 2018); as well as extend Zachary Potter whose 2014 return to the minors helped shape a shaky starter with poor control into a fire-balling reliever with 306 strikeouts the past three seasons.

Finally, the team will use the new flexibility to spend their money more wisely. Gone - at least theoretically - are the days of offering $100 MM contracts to aging free agent veterans. Denver will look to hold onto their own players while supplementing the young core with shorter contracts and less financial commitments from year-to-year.

Calling Card? Strikeouts

Since 2015, with the emergence of Zachary Potter as a compliment to then Denver closer R.J. Manning, the franchise has ranked third in total strikeouts in the entire league. In fact, Denver is the only sub .500 team in that time period to sit anywhere close to the Top 10 list of clubs. The focus in the past few years has not always worked: Denver ranks in the top 3 in home runs surrendered in the same time frame. But it continues to be the team's calling card late into games.

This season, Denver hopes to continue the tradition with the 23-year-old 98 mph gun of Pat Benites joining the threesome of Potter (99 Ks in 2017), Threatt (101 Ks) and Salazar (72 Ks) on a full-time basis.

The rotation will also see a boost in strikeout performance with Manny Reyna (9.65 K/9) and Gabby Smith (10.87 K/9) exiting the bullpen to rejoin the rotation after a year and a half away. They will be flanked by Davis (98 mph) and Tom Reed (98 mph) who led the team in strikeouts last season with 187 in 182 innings pitched.

Kryptonite? Youth

While the future appears brighter in Denver than it did a few seasons ago, every GM will tell you how difficult it is to win with inexperience. Denver will try to off-set that with the leadership of Hector Feliciano but one man can't go at it alone.

Expectations are that Denver will look to fill the remaining spots in their 25-man roster with well-liked veteran players, but that remains to be seen.

In the meantime, the franchise is where it wants to be, several players in or around the age of 24, others barely 30. Outside of Feliciano, starting shortstop Chris Lerma is the oldest player on the team and he turns 30 in April. T.J. Davis is the oldest pitcher in the rotation at 29. And Dusty Threatt will stand as the oldest in the bullpen when he turns 29 in May.

In the System? Depth

In the franchise's eyes, many of the players expected to be huge contributors down the road are already in the big leagues, playing in the starting lineup this upcoming season. Across the diamond, Denver has faith in 2B Fred Griffith, 3B Matt Healey, and catcher Daniel Collazo being both offensive and defensive stalemates. Chris Lerma is under-30 and a two-time DWI shortstop. Bob Perkins figures to be a situational 1B for years to come. In the outfield, the team feels well-rounded with everyman T.J. Scott, Ian Coffey at center, and Robby Szymanski and Pat Webb figuring out which corner outfield spot better utilizes their range.

But the pipeline of minor league depth goes beyond T.J. Scott playing Angel in the Outfield. 2018 figures to see catcher Dusty Rearden compete with Jimmy Evans for the backup spot and possibly more? Robby Cashman will look to seize control over 2B from Griffith. And Tom Pelloni might very well become one of the best utility infielders in the league in a few seasons, if he doesn't settle in as the team's primary shortstop.

Deeper down the line, there still awaits Denver's top hitting prospect Jimmy McGraw, a power-hitting center fielder that can play everywhere but catcher. Pat Palmer has climbed the organization's prospect list after hitting .324 as a utility infielder in A ball. Damian Buck figures to continue playing 1B and the corner outfield as he developers his swing. And Ted De Arruda is considered a underappreciated 2B that put up nearly identical numbers in 2017 as his strong A ball debut two seasons ago.

Denver also anticipates that pitchers Dave Gotschall, Jalen Duell and Ted Adamo should be part of a strong young pitching nucleus in the next 2-3 years. And the bullpen has Tom Spalding (recovering from an elbow injury last year) hoping to rekindle his fire in AAA this year, while A.J. Garding adds fire to his rising fastball.

Let's not forget the excitement for surprising former Duke Blue Devil starter Colin Curtis who has burst into the minor league scene as a reliever with a fastball reaching 101 mph and a 13.14 K/9 rate in his sophomore professional year.

Position Battle to Watch? Corner Outfield

Pat Webb's job is safe. Despite an injury that cut short an impressive rookie campaign, Webb received a few Refreshing New Brew votes and catapulted himself into the discussion of potential future impact bats.

Robby Szymanski, on the other hand... Szymanski demonstrated all of the showings of a sophomore slump in his 2017 season. His numbers mostly improved based on games played rather than improved performance. Most glaring was his strikeout numbers which are the curse to his patient gift. Szymanski often finds himself deep in counts, but in 2017 he swung and missed in at-bats he took a walk in two seasons ago.

His competition is T.J. Scott. Though Scott works best as a super-utility outfielder because of his ability to cover all fields (Szymanski is barely able to play his natural position), his bat alone could force Denver's hand if Szymanski continues to struggle.

Denver's leash will be long for Szymanski as they hope to be patient with Robby but also benefit from Scott's ability to provide rest to all three "starters." But, if Szymanski's struggles hurt the team's ability to win baseball games in a over .500 season, the change will be made irrespective of Szymanski's ability to be a true 4th outfielder.

Magic 8-Ball Answers: Will Denver finish over .500 Reply hazy, try again Prediction: 85-77, 3rd in Bock

The youth movement is on, but with it comes a hazy outcome. The benefits of prospective growth and improvement comes with the costs of inexperience and uncertainty.

The signs could point to yes if Denver's young group develops as expected, the influx of more younger players provides exceptional depth when rotating players in the lineup, and the financial flexibility afforded to them this year is used on quality veterans with a hopeful voice. But the outlook is just as good that the organization spends another season out of playoff contention by July and crosses their fingers that Hector Feliciano rides off into the Denver sunset.

[Matt]

The "regulars" Death Valley, Baltimore, DC and Philly aren't going anywhere. Seattle should be right in the thick of things in this groups (maybe) last attempt to make history.

Hey...don't forgot about us. We haven't had a losing record since 2003 and have been to the playoffs 7 times during that stretch!

[Matt]

What's New? Fresh New Stars and Old Vets

Welcome Tom Ackers (RF) and Fred Frederick (1B/LF) to the offense. The 2016 1st and 2nd round picks are ready for the show. Both of them have shown the ability to crush pitchers, especially RHP since they are both lefties. Ackers will start at RF opposite of Stu Stark and Frederick will split time between 1B and LF. Also a big welcome to CF Al 'Refund' Anguiano. The 2007 1st round pick has bounced between Washington, Philly, and Death Valley before being acquired by the Muckdogs for a pick and several prospects this offseason. He will anchor the top of the lineup and play CF. He is a hard worker and is one of the most beloved players in the BLB, a true asset and team builder for the youngsters.


Calling Card? Offense

On a team built for pitching Batavia somehow led the league in runs scored and was second in HR's and OBP. A lot of that has to do with Stu 'Lord' Stark who won the Stout Slugger and DD award last season by hitting .298/.349/.580 with 49 HRs and 127 RBI's. Add in C Zach Fowler who has been selected to back to back All-Star games and 1B Milt Stoll (who's been dodging trade rumors all off-season) and they have some power. Now add in Ackers, Frederick, and Anguiano who were previously mentioned and if Ervin Ventura can get back on track and hit .300/.400 like scouts think he can...watch out!


Kryptonite? Slow Starts and Patience

The team has been horrendous the first half of the season for years before turning it up and winning in the second half. This season was no different as they were sub-.500, sold off some salary, then went 41-19 in August, September, and October. Two of those players traded might have propelled them to the Brewmasters. One, can Batavia actually play decent ball out of the gate and two, can the GM show some patience before trading away key players for peanuts.

In the System? Not Much

Batavia traded away Erik Parham and a 1st to Morgantown last year for Baisden and this year saw Vigueras and Fontenot say goodbye in the trade for 'Refund'. With Ackers and Frederick coming on up to the BLB that leaves 3B Tony Mireles as a lone hitting prospect. The 20 year old 2015 1st round pick though had a heck of a year in A ball as he hit .301/.370/.487 with 16 HR's. The organization is excited to see what he can do down the road.


Position Battle to Watch? Backup IF and OF

Batavia signed Travis Krummen and have several other offers out to possibly backup IF's. So far Jaime Roberts and Pat Oravec seem to have the #4 and #5 spots filled in the OF but the Muckdogs have been recently rumored to be seeking trade partners to upgrade that as well.

Magic 8-Ball Answers: Was last years run a fluke?

The Muckdogs are hoping not. By adding in Anguiano and bringing up Ackers and Frederick they seem to want to win and win now. Stoll might be traded to bring in another asset but overall the SP and RP are strong. Batavia pitching coach Manny Cortez has been adamant about bringing up AAA MR Dave Harmon but there is no room, so he'll bide his time until one of the older guys shows he doesn't have it. Defensively the Muckdogs have phenomenal speed and defense in Johnston at 2B and Perritt at SS. Neither of them can hit but they get hid well in the lineups to prevent any real damage. Add in Anguiano at CF and they are strong up the middle.

Prediction: 100 wins

Batavia for once doesn't start out slow, plays like they can, and takes the Stout. It's been since 2007 since the Muckdogs posted triple digits in the win column, which was also the last time they won the Brewmasters. Fans and management are hoping they can do it again.

[Pat]

Hey...don't forgot about us. We haven't had a losing record since 2003 and have been to the playoffs 7 times during that stretch!

How could I forget about the team that came back from 0-2 to knock us out...

[mike]

Juan Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth can be found in Pittsburgh

What's New? The approach. Every year for the last decade the Millers have focused on "down the road" while remaining competitive and reaching the post season 9 of the past 10 seasons. Usually the team has been laden with many veterans with tons of BLB experience, generally acquired through many moves.

Calling Card? Led by 2017 DL Designated Drivers (2B) Pat Vickers, (3B) Jamie Davis and (GOD) Jamie O'Hearn, Emerging star and former top five pick (1B/LF) Cy Mock, and now (Hard to believe) veteran Miller star (RF/DH) Dave Shook, the team will once again be an offensive juggernaut.

Kryptonite? Youth. The back-end of the bullpen will feature Pat Falvey, Tom Bailey, Wilson Mercado, and Rory Klingberg. All under the age of 25 and less than a full season of experience under their belts. While all possessing great talent, they will have to prove it on a nightly basis. If they do, there could be the makings of a great pen for years to come.

In the System? The young players in the system who are expected to contribute at some time this year include: SS Dave Seibert, LF Dave Gurley, 1B Dave Kendrick, RF Mat Marcus, SP's Jamie DeShon, Jimmy Stough and Ivan Van Gorder and SS Johnny Skolfield.

The biggest wildcard in the system is Brendon Lanoie who will be making his organizational debut in AA this year. The former first round pick of the Baltimore Bulldogs was acquired in the trade that saw Johnny Talley pack his bags. The extremely talented outfielder is the prize of the Millers system offensively, and has pure five tool talent that is rare to find. It's rare to see a Miller prospect be labeled as untouchable, however he certainly fits that billing. There's an outside chance he could see time in the BLB if things click for him.

The Millers also have quite a bit of teenage talent way down in Single A. 17 1st rounder Malik Clark has been progressing well, and sees himself with an outside chance to pitch in late August. He along with Jamie Gardner, Joey York and newly acquired Dave Girard headline the under 20 crowd.

Position Battle to Watch?
SS - Kroll, Shiffman, Seibert, Skolfield
RF - Cleto, Marcus, McKay
LF - Gurley, Gonzalez, Cleto, Lacks
CL - Bailey, Falvey, Mercado

Magic 8-Ball Answers: If Jamie O'Hearn stays healthy, the Millers will win 90 games. After being completely ignored and downright disrespected following his absolutely incredible age 23 campaign, O'Hearn looks to savagely abuse the DL this upcoming season. Barring any changes, this looks to be a fun year with the kids in the burgh

[umd]

What's New? Youth and Marquee Players

Since 2005, the Scorpions have averaged 97 wins, won 8 division titles, made the playoffs 12 out of 13 seasons, and lost 2 Brewmasters Series.

Over that time, the team has gone through several transitions where old franchise cornerstones leave such as: RJ Manning, Danny Salcedo, Colin Cash, Brendan Lindsey, and Gil Brummett and new ones arrive: Willie Rosales, Travis Kemp, Adrian Pulido, Willie Fajardo, Dave Honea, Tom Wright, Willie Lara, Al Anguiano, Tom Estes, Jimmy Morosco, Wil Perez, and Troy McCarley. Once again, the team faces a transition.

Since the beginning of last season, Death Valley has stuck to the blueprint of maintaining a playoff caliber roster while dealing away marquee players for younger assets.

The time is now for the Scorpions as management has put a lot of trust that the next batch of Vegas stars is already on the roster. LF Bobby Marrero who was acquired last offseason, made strides towards his ceiling as a superstar in 2017. The team is counting on him to stay healthy and continue his rise. SS Erik Jackson will need to elevate his game in year three as the starting SS. JP Knappe takes over for fan favorite Al Anguiano in CF. OF Jarrod Brown is filled to the brim with potential, but struggled mightily as a rookie. Jamie August will learn from one of the best at 1B in new acquisition TJ Dunn.

Willie Fajardo and Alex Torres are the last men standing of the old guard in the rotation. Dave Calvert and Aidan Gay established themselves as viable starters in 2017. Dave Stephens and Jimmy Maggio will look to finally crack the rotation in 2018 as part of the new guard. The big splash in free agency was the signing of 23 year old Taiwanese SP Siu-Chung Zhang to a six year $144 million dollar contract. Zhang will get an invite to Spring Training but with the depth of the rotation could find himself as the $25 million dollar man at AAA Reno.

The front office went out and addressed several holes created by inexperience and trades, signing LMR John Carlson, IF Enrique Zurita, veteran C Erik Gault, and adding future HOFer TJ Dunn at 1B.

Calling Card? Pitching

The one common thread in the success of the Scorpions has been a top 5 rotation and a top 5 bullpen. That should continue as the front office has made a conscious effort to create a flexible rotation and bullpen full of swing type pitchers.

Willie Fajardo remains the face of the rotation. Alex Torres and TJ Dunn will provide consistency, while Dave Calvert builds on a terrific rookie season where he established himself as a mid rotation caliber starter.

The bullpen adds Carlson to top flight closer Sean Williams on the backend. Options abound in the rest of the pen as Zack Wallace, Hector Perdomo, Pat Matson and Dave Stephens headline a group with nice production but limited name recognition.

Kryptonite? An Unstoppable Force

The 2017 version of Death Valley excelled because it's role players were excellent. Outside of Bobby Marrero, no other player considered by the front office as a having the potential as a dominant force stepped into that role.

The roster is littered with potential players ready to hoist the team on their back and carry them to another division title and possibly a deep playoff run. Willie Fajardo, Erik Jackson, newly acquired TJ Dunn, the much discussed in trade negotiations Travis Kemp are all possible candidates to have explosive seasons. Who takes the reins?

In the System? Endless Options

In dealing many of their veterans, the Scorpions have reloaded their picks, their budget flexibility, and their system.

Aidan Gay (26), Dave Calvert (24), Jimmy Maggio (23), and Dave Stephens (24) are all former Top 100 pitching prospects now with the BLB club in Vegas. Big money Zhang (23) debuted at #42 on the Top Prospect list joining 21 year old Dante Vigueras from Batavia (#52) and 25 year old free agent signee Steve Squires (#81).

The line-up has begun to reap the rewards of holding onto key prospects as OF JP Knappe, 1B Jamie August, 3B JD Harper, 2B Tom Ragosta, 1B Zach Lawrence, OF Jarrod Brown, OF Dave Malden, OF JJ Stampone, and OF Robby McGowan will all be competing in Spring Training for a shot at the 25 man roster.

Top prospects 1B/OF JR Rhoads, CF Joey Kane, IF Pat Decker, and RF Ian McCallister will debut at AAA Reno this season. They'll be followed quickly by IF RJ Marshall, C Rylan Fontenot, and IF JD Bumgardner.

Position Battle to Watch? RF and Bottom of the Rotation

With JP Knappe transitioning full time to CF in Spring Training, right field remains temporarily vacant as the front office pursues veteran power options in free agency and trade discussions. If Death Valley enters Spring Training without a sure-fire veteran starter, expect a surprising Dave Malden, potential star Jarrod Brown, journey man Pat Hartzell, to join Robby McGowan and JJ Stampone in a brawl for the Opening Day start in RF.

In the rotation, veteran TJ Dunn who lit up Vegas after his waiver wire acquisition from rival Seattle, will fight to hold off Siu-chung Zhang, Jimmy Maggio,and Dave Stephens to remain the #5 starter in a six man rotation.


Magic 8-Ball Answers: Is the run over? Hazy Prediction: 92 wins, #4 WC

The team has the talent to notch another 90 win season. Youth and age could result in a downtick in wins if the youngsters don't take the anticipated next steps and the veteran glue guys like Erik Gault, Stephen Pierce, Travis McCrory, TJ Dunn, the other TJ Dunn, John Carlson and Enrique Zurita have below career average seasons.

If everything comes together the potential is there for another 100 win season, but this is an uncharacteristically volatile roster for Death Valley. That volatility makes an unpredictable division harder to predict. Does Seattle begin to pay Father Time his dues? Do Los Alamos and Windy City make the long expected jump? Does Denver?

[liquidcrash]

2018 Washington Bats Preview

More of the Same?

What's New? Nothing? Consistency?
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Despite some thoughts of shaking things up a bit in the offseason, the 2018 Bats will look remarkably similar to the 2017 version. Seven of the starting position players from last season’s Opening Day roster return to their roles, while all 5 starting pitchers are also being carried over for another run. The bullpen has been reshuffled a bit, but this team is very much the same core that won 96 games last season. Age is a concern as the players are a year older and still just as brittle as ever in some cases, but there’s a good amount of talent here. The lineup will still be led by Jamie Urmson, and the team will hope for bounce back seasons from either Israel Morales or Hidetoshi Haraguchi. Dave Lippert is coming off a career year in the rotation, while Israel Rodriguez remains one of the league’s top closers.


Calling Card? Lineup Depth
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The 2017 Bats led the IL in many offensive categories, including batting average, OBP, OPS, hits and extra base hits. From spots 1 through 8 in the lineup, there aren’t many teams in the IL who can boast the hitting talent that will fill Washington’s lineup most games. What the Bats lack in home run power, they seem to make up for with their ability to put the ball in play and avoid striking out, while still managing good walk numbers. It’s a good lineup, though some more timely hitting (or some power) would go a long way in making it the dynamic force that the team was hoping for in 2017.<o:p></o:p>

Kryptonite? Inconsistency / Injuries / Fielding

Going into the 2017 season, Washington’s pitching ranked near the top of the league on the positional strength report, both in the rotation and the bullpen. But, results didn’t match the ranking, as the team finished in the bottom third of the IL in ERA in both areas. Was it the fielding? Was it bad luck? Inconsistency plagued many of the team’s arms in 2017, whatever the reason was.
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Of course, with an aging core, there’s a risk for injury with the Bats, as several of the top hitters are injury prone. This risk popped up at the wrong time, as Morales and Haraguchi were both injured near the end of the 2017 season, possibly costing the Bats the all-important home field advantage in their series loss to the Freedom.
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Looking around the league, it seems fielding has become increasingly important in the BLB universe. The Bats don’t figure to be a great fielding team, so they had better hit.


In the System? More Depth
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Given how many holdovers remain from last season, there might not be a ton of opportunities for the team’s prospects to make a big impact this season. However, there are several guys knocking at the door, potentially taking some spots from the veterans. 3B Jarrod Sanders is coming off a big season in AAA and will likely get time at the position in the BLB, with Tom Abrams becoming more of a utility man. The team’s top prospect, Roger Villasenor (OSA #8), might be ready to pitch in the BLB and could figure into a 6-man rotation. Fellow 2016 draft pick CJ Turnbow (OSA #50) could factor into the mix at 1B, platooning with Robby Castro.


Position Battle to Watch? Catcher<o:p></o:p>

The only position without an incumbent starter is behind the plate, as longtime catcher Wayne Nelson has moved on to greener pastures. Tristan Moody was brought in midway through last season to fill this spot, but he’ll spend the first few months of the season on the disabled list, so there is a huge question mark here. Willie De Jesus failed in his first BLB action in 2017, but he’ll get another chance, as will new signee Antonio Gonzalez. Both guys are capable defenders, but might be black holes at the plate. <o:p></o:p>

Magic 8-Ball Answers: Can the Bats fend off Father Time for one more season and contend in the IL?
<o:p></o:p>
Signs point to yes. Maybe it’s just blind optimism, but the Bats still think their team looks pretty good on paper and should be a playoff team. Of course, the Stout figures to be the toughest division in the league again this season, and it might take 90+ wins to get in the playoffs. Injuries could derail their hopes, but the veterans appear to have held up well through the offseason and should be expected to perform at a high level one more time. If they stay healthy and some of the young guys (Ed Carroll? One of the rookies mentioned earlier?) can step into a starring role, the Bats should find themselves in the pennant race again in 2018.<o:p></o:p>

[Pat]

I think this is the year for the Ed Carroll breakthrough.

[liquidcrash]

I hope so. I thought last year would be a big jump for him, but it was a struggle. Still, the talent is there and his ratings suggest he's ready to pitch at a high level. If he makes the leap, then I really like my rotation. Particularly if Villasenor is also ready at some point this season, we'd be tough 1-5 in the rotation.

[BradZ]

I think this is the year for the Ed Carroll breakthrough.

I've been watching him closely because he's the perfect test case for what true impact LOAs have on future projections.