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1989 Philadelphia Freedom Season Preview - Position Players/Bench

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  • 1989 Philadelphia Freedom Season Preview - Position Players/Bench

    We’ve made a concerted effort to get young, talented position players in our organization over the last couple of offseasons. We had one of the oldest rosters in the league during my first year in Philly (1987), but we’ve systematically churned the roster in an effort to build something that can sustain a certain success level over the near future. We expect to field a competitive team this season, while making no promises about the ultimate result. The fact that we managed to shed net payroll of $20mil+ positions us to be a much healthier (financially) organization going forward. No doubt the new 100% luxury tax penalty rule put into place this offseason got our attention after three straight years of exceeding the old, less punitive threshold.

    We feel we’ve made ourselves a much deeper, talented offensive team this offseason. The past two seasons we were very limited in our abilities to absorb significant injuries because once you got past the starters, the roster was incredibly thin. We are hoping this new depth will allow us to weather storms that pop up during the season.

    Catchers

    C - Tex McLerlan - Age: 27 - Brought over just prior to the Rule V draft from Windy City. Our scout thinks he is ready to play and we’re going to give him a shot to do so. He had success in limited action in AAA last year (217 AB) and but for a paperwork snafu in WC, would not have been available to join our organization.

    Infield

    1B - Joe Seagarra - Age: 27 - If he can provide a season similar to 1988, we’ll take it. If he can produce an entire season similar to the second half of his ’88 season, we’ll love it. His uneven 1988 has been well documented and it will be interesting to see if he follows the same pattern again this year.

    2B - Geoff Scott - Age: 23 - The best player on our team. He makes the transition to 2B from SS to make room for Raul Carbajal who was acquired in the offseason. He’s highly rated at both positions, so we’re worried about the switch. He put together one of the best seasons in club history in ’88 and we look forward to him building on that success as he matures into an even better hitter.

    3B - Jim Newlin - Age: 29 - Last year’s 2B moves over to 3B to make room for Geoff Scott. He had what is probably a career year last year at the age of 28, setting the club record for RBI at 126. We can’t expect him to duplicate the success he had all year last year, but something close to it would be welcomed.

    SS - Raul Carbajal - Age: 26 - Brought over in the Aurillo deal with Syracuse. Despite several successful years in the minors, the first game he appears in this year will be his first taste of the BLB. Injuries suffered in 1987 derailed his rise through the Slammers’ organization, but he’ll finally get his chance in Philly. Worst case scenario as we see it, he hits .240 | .300 | .380 and provides stellar defense at the SS position. Anything above that is pure gravy.


    Outfielders

    LF - Orinosuke Takahashi - Age: 24 - We couldn’t have been more pleased with O.T. during his first season in Philly. I take that back. I REALLY wish he hadn’t been hurt at the end of the season and missed the playoffs. Not sure if he makes a difference in a 7 game series with Washington, but it would have been nice to have our full compliment of players available to us for that series. When he was in the lineup last year he played an important role in our offense, mainly batting in the leadoff spot against RHP (against whom he posted a .380 OBP).

    CF - Steve Bing - Age: 34 - Carries is AARP card out to CF. We think he’ll be productive while healthy, but the question is, how many games will he play? He might find it hard to fit in around the clubhouse considering the next oldest starting position player on the team is a full 5 year’s younger than him (Newlin).

    RF - Dave Ibison - Age: 26 - This is a spot that seems to be very fluid in our OF. We’ve wanted Ibison to grab on to this spot for the last couple of seasons, but he was injured early on in ’87 and never got his season going that year. Last year was a bit of re-entrenchment year for young Ibison, so we’re hoping he is able to build on that moderate success level. Either way, as a starter or off the bench, he’s a great piece to have on hand because he can adequately play all three OF spots. The one truly maddening thing about him is his SB%. Is ratings would appear to indicate that he would be a somewhat decent stolen base threat, but he gets thrown out at a ridiculous %. We’ve essentially given him the stop sign at this point.


    Bench

    C - Victor Alveraz - Age: 23 - Suffered some growing pains last year as he was thrust into the everyday lineup before he was truly ready. He showed some more growth in the offseason, so we won’t hesitate to go with him if McLerlan struggles early. He can also play a little 1B if we need to give Seagarra a break here and there.

    IF - Pete Summers - Age: 27 - A key piece added this offseason to strengthen one of our weakest areas: our bench. He’ll be a super sub and see time all over the infield.

    OF - Jose Urra - Age: 33 - He’ll see a lot of playing time against LHP. He had a fine season in ’88 . . . .defensively. He struggled at the plate, but turned things around in September. He’s more suited at this point to his new role as 4th OFer/starter vs. LHP.

    OF - Raul Velez - Age: 25 - Rule V pickup that we were surprised was available to us at our selection. Perfect 5th OFer type. He can play around the OF and won’t kill us with the bat, he might even excel.


    Stay by the Phone - Minor Leaguers

    OF - Pat Gibson - Another pickup right before the Rule V draft. We like this kid a lot. We could easily see him up on the big league team before the season is over and he’ll definitely get the first call if there are any injuries around the OF, which let’s face it, is not out of the question considering who we have roaming CF this season.

    LINK
    Philly Freedom
    Owner & GM: 1987 - Pres.
    Porter Div. Champs (Mbr '84-'15): 1984, 1985, 1988, 1990, 1991, 2002, 2004, 2010, 2011
    Stout Div. Champs (Mbr '78-'83 & '16-present): 2016, 2017
    IL Wild Card Winner: 1987, 2013, 2018, 2019
    Import League Champs: 1984, 2010, 2017

  • #2
    Love Pete Summers as a super sub. He defensive versatility, great eye and rugged good looks are really, unmatched.
    Wilmington Wildcats- 2057-
    Seattle Pilots- 2017-2041
    Washington Bats - 1979-2013

    Comment


    • #3
      LF - Orinosuke Takahashi - Age: 24 - We couldn’t have been more pleased with O.T. during his first season in Philly. I take that back. I REALLY wish he hadn’t been hurt at the end of the season and missed the playoffs. Not sure if he makes a difference in a 7 game series with Washington, but it would have been nice to have our full compliment of players available to us for that series. When he was in the lineup last year he played an important role in our offense, mainly batting in the leadoff spot against RHP (against whom he posted a .380 OBP).
      Couldn't you have been more pleased if he weren't injured?
      The Great One!

      To many rings to count...

      Comment


      • #4
        Originally posted by Clay View Post
        Couldn't you have been more pleased if he weren't injured?
        I said, "I take that back."
        Philly Freedom
        Owner & GM: 1987 - Pres.
        Porter Div. Champs (Mbr '84-'15): 1984, 1985, 1988, 1990, 1991, 2002, 2004, 2010, 2011
        Stout Div. Champs (Mbr '78-'83 & '16-present): 2016, 2017
        IL Wild Card Winner: 1987, 2013, 2018, 2019
        Import League Champs: 1984, 2010, 2017

        Comment


        • #5
          You dirty scoundrel. I see what you did here by breaking up the previews. :)

          Seriously, you keep us updated on your team and it's one of the few teams I follow closely in this league. I enjoy some Philly articles.
          Denver Bulls

          Comment


          • #6
            Originally posted by Carlos View Post
            You dirty scoundrel. I see what you did here by breaking up the previews. :)

            Seriously, you keep us updated on your team and it's one of the few teams I follow closely in this league. I enjoy some Philly articles.
            Can you buy a jersey or a hat or something? I need more merchandise revenue.
            Philly Freedom
            Owner & GM: 1987 - Pres.
            Porter Div. Champs (Mbr '84-'15): 1984, 1985, 1988, 1990, 1991, 2002, 2004, 2010, 2011
            Stout Div. Champs (Mbr '78-'83 & '16-present): 2016, 2017
            IL Wild Card Winner: 1987, 2013, 2018, 2019
            Import League Champs: 1984, 2010, 2017

            Comment


            • #7
              I think writing season previews before the end of Spring Training jinxes you and leads to an inevitable major injury during ST. Certainly not wishing it on you... just sayin'.
              The Great One!

              To many rings to count...

              Comment


              • #8
                I think writing season previews before the end of ST is the best way to avoid injuries. It's as if the game knows that you have decided a roster/lineup/strategy, cemented it in an article, and they don't want to ruin that.

                With that said, my season preview should be up shortly.
                Wilmington Wildcats- 2057-
                Seattle Pilots- 2017-2041
                Washington Bats - 1979-2013

                Comment


                • #9
                  Originally posted by Pat View Post
                  I think writing season previews before the end of ST is the best way to avoid injuries. It's as if the game knows that you have decided a roster/lineup/strategy, cemented it in an article, and they don't want to ruin that.

                  With that said, my season preview should be up shortly.
                  Disagree... I think it's as good as shooting yourself in the kneecap.

                  On the flipside, I'm a firm believer in the heart-wrenching individual pre-season profile that lays out the expectations and history of an underachieving player. About how tough it was for him coming up. About the team's expectations. That's stuffs OK and usually works.
                  The Great One!

                  To many rings to count...

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Originally posted by Clay View Post
                    I think writing season previews before the end of Spring Training jinxes you and leads to an inevitable major injury during ST.
                    But if we don't put the season previews out early, how will the fans draft their fantasy baseball teams?

                    Originally posted by Clay View Post
                    Certainly not wishing it on you... just sayin'.
                    I believe the intent here is fairly clear and our organization will have to hold you personally responsible for any mishaps suffered during ST.
                    Philly Freedom
                    Owner & GM: 1987 - Pres.
                    Porter Div. Champs (Mbr '84-'15): 1984, 1985, 1988, 1990, 1991, 2002, 2004, 2010, 2011
                    Stout Div. Champs (Mbr '78-'83 & '16-present): 2016, 2017
                    IL Wild Card Winner: 1987, 2013, 2018, 2019
                    Import League Champs: 1984, 2010, 2017

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Originally posted by BradZ View Post
                      But if we don't put the season previews out early, how will the fans draft their fantasy baseball teams?



                      I believe the intent here is fairly clear and our organization will have to hold you personally responsible for any mishaps suffered during ST.
                      WHAT!?!?!? I'm hurt by your accusations, Sir. I would never wish ill or harm on any player or team.... except Washington.... and California.... and to a lesser extent Wilmington..... but all in all NEVER!
                      The Great One!

                      To many rings to count...

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Originally posted by BradZ View Post
                        Can you buy a jersey or a hat or something? I need more merchandise revenue.
                        There are a couple of guys in free agency with "Insignificant" local market popularity that might help with this.
                        Denver Bulls

                        Comment

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