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2035 California Kodiaks
What's New? The offence
Calling Card? Old Dingers
For years the Kodiaks have struggled to score runs. This year, that will hopefully change, as the Kodiaks added Stout Slugger Johnny Swope, long ball threat Josh Wright, and one of league's premier shortstops in Dusty Schmidl. These players add a whopping 107 home runs to a lineup that routinely has difficulty hitting the ball for power.
Kryptonite? Age and Injury
The Kodiak spending spree, that saw the team spend almost $300 million this off-season, includes the aforementioned offensive players, but also includes starting pitchers Dave Payette, Dusty Borchers, and Zion Jackson (acquired through trade) to round out the rotation. All of these players have had success in the BLB, but load management will be key this season, as the average age of the new additions is north of 30 years old.
In the System? Lot's of hitting, and... Harold Valentine
After having a very rough last few seasons, and acquiring a lot of draft capital, the Kodiaks have the #4 system in the BLB. It is very top heavy with hitters, starting of with last year's #1 pick in centre fielder Joey Robertson. After great Springs, 3B Logan Jacobi, and 2B Brendan Santoro seem ready to make the jump to BLB by season's end. The lone bright spot on the pitching side is last year's #3 pick, Harold Valentine, who is still trying to find his footing in Rookie ball.
Player(s) to Watch? Johnny Swope and Dave Payette
Both players were acquired to anchor their respective sides of the ball. With a lot of young position players on the roster, Swope will be counted on heavily to set the tone for the rest of the lineup. Likewise, in the rotation, Payette will look to take some of the heat off of 23 year old Tony Ramos. If these two players have solid seasons, the Kodiaks should be in for a large improvement over last years 69 wins.
Magic 8-Ball Answers: Does California have the team to make the playoffs? If the old guys hold up... Yes! Prediction: 91-71, second in their division
What's New? The offence
Calling Card? Old Dingers
For years the Kodiaks have struggled to score runs. This year, that will hopefully change, as the Kodiaks added Stout Slugger Johnny Swope, long ball threat Josh Wright, and one of league's premier shortstops in Dusty Schmidl. These players add a whopping 107 home runs to a lineup that routinely has difficulty hitting the ball for power.
Kryptonite? Age and Injury
The Kodiak spending spree, that saw the team spend almost $300 million this off-season, includes the aforementioned offensive players, but also includes starting pitchers Dave Payette, Dusty Borchers, and Zion Jackson (acquired through trade) to round out the rotation. All of these players have had success in the BLB, but load management will be key this season, as the average age of the new additions is north of 30 years old.
In the System? Lot's of hitting, and... Harold Valentine
After having a very rough last few seasons, and acquiring a lot of draft capital, the Kodiaks have the #4 system in the BLB. It is very top heavy with hitters, starting of with last year's #1 pick in centre fielder Joey Robertson. After great Springs, 3B Logan Jacobi, and 2B Brendan Santoro seem ready to make the jump to BLB by season's end. The lone bright spot on the pitching side is last year's #3 pick, Harold Valentine, who is still trying to find his footing in Rookie ball.
Player(s) to Watch? Johnny Swope and Dave Payette
Both players were acquired to anchor their respective sides of the ball. With a lot of young position players on the roster, Swope will be counted on heavily to set the tone for the rest of the lineup. Likewise, in the rotation, Payette will look to take some of the heat off of 23 year old Tony Ramos. If these two players have solid seasons, the Kodiaks should be in for a large improvement over last years 69 wins.
Magic 8-Ball Answers: Does California have the team to make the playoffs? If the old guys hold up... Yes! Prediction: 91-71, second in their division