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The year 1989 already promises to be a big year for the state of New York, and especially the Batavia Muckdogs. The main reason is that they will be hosting the 1989 BLB All-Star game. The other reason is that after the Muckdogs '88 mid-summer success the fans are hungry for more...and Batavia is willing to give it to them.
Pitching
SP Nakazo Sasaki - Last year was supposed to be the year for the 6'10 pitcher known as "Chuckwagon", but instead he finished with a 9-15 record, his worst in his 3 year BLB career. He did improve over the spring though and his 3-0, 1.69 ERA spring training debut looks promising.
SP Chet Stephens - The only Muckdog to make the All-Star last year Stephens ended up 13-16 with a 3.47 ERA. A once promising prospect who found the bottle is once again clean and also improved his control during spring training.
SP Orlan Coronda - The 26 year old is in his last year of his contract and his ERA and WHIP have gotten worse the last two seasons. It's time to get paid!
SP Doug Gallagher - Acquired from Indy last season via trade he will be making his 1st appearance in the BLB this season. Suffers control issues and Batavia is hoping their pitching coaches can fix the problem. If they do...watch out.
SP Cam Mills - This guy just seems to stick around the lineup year after year for sentimental reasons. If he falters AAA pitchers Zander Walters and Pat Hamilton might get a shot.
Pitching
SP Nakazo Sasaki - Last year was supposed to be the year for the 6'10 pitcher known as "Chuckwagon", but instead he finished with a 9-15 record, his worst in his 3 year BLB career. He did improve over the spring though and his 3-0, 1.69 ERA spring training debut looks promising.
SP Chet Stephens - The only Muckdog to make the All-Star last year Stephens ended up 13-16 with a 3.47 ERA. A once promising prospect who found the bottle is once again clean and also improved his control during spring training.
SP Orlan Coronda - The 26 year old is in his last year of his contract and his ERA and WHIP have gotten worse the last two seasons. It's time to get paid!
SP Doug Gallagher - Acquired from Indy last season via trade he will be making his 1st appearance in the BLB this season. Suffers control issues and Batavia is hoping their pitching coaches can fix the problem. If they do...watch out.
SP Cam Mills - This guy just seems to stick around the lineup year after year for sentimental reasons. If he falters AAA pitchers Zander Walters and Pat Hamilton might get a shot.
MR Don Jones - Last years Rule 5 pickup started very strong but faltered towards the end. He's young and has a solid work ethic so the scout has high hopes.
MR Mark Melon - Starting a few games last season after being picked up from Indy but wants to play in the bullpen and will play in the bullpen. Another guy from Indy with control problems that Batavia is hoping to straighten out.
CL Ken Bayer - Bayer won the last 2 IL Last Call Relief awards and is hoping for the 3-peat. Snubbed from last years All-Star game he wants nothing more than to represent Batavia in his home park.
The Field
C Tauro Hidrogo - Almost released in the off-season Hidrogo suddenly found his stroke over the winter then proceeded to hit over .400 in spring training. He was promising back in '85, now we have no idea what to think. Twenty-four year old Pat May will probably take back over when he's healthy again.
1B Raul De Jesus - The savior is back at first and Batavia is praying he can continue his success. Last year he only played in 90 games, this year he's the day one starter.
2B Juan Jose Nava - Acquired last season from Dallas this will be Nava's 1st season in the BLB. He has the potential, can he reach it though?
SS Jermaine Ednams - In the huge Davenport/Batavia trade of '87 he was the blue-chip that Batavia wanted to close the deal. Now at 22 years old he's being put into the fire.
3B Robby Crockett - The 3rd player from Dallas to start on this team (C May, 2B Nava) he hit .274 last year in his 1st year in the BLB.
LF Shaw Barnes - A home run threat and strikeout threat all rolled into one. He's just decent in the field but has earned his right to at least start the season.
CF John Fehilly - Last year's horrendous .299 OBP earns him the starting spot in CF...that's not good. Look for CF Roy Gilbert to regain this spot when he's back from injury in a few weeks. If not AAA players Ruben Marin or Wally Ross will get a shot.
RF Jud Cobb - A 1B forced to play out of position due to De Jesus. Last year in 50 games he hit .287/.345/.447 with 5 HR's. He has the power and the tools, unfortunately just not the outfield skills.
Predictions
The owner would like to see this team play .500 ball, which is what he tells the GM every season. If he would like to see above .500 ball then how about he gives the GM some more money! That's for a different article though. The bottom line on this team is that are young. Every starting pitcher and a few of the decent relievers are in their mid 20's. The starting infield with catcher will be 22, 23, 22, 27, and 24.
The bad thing...inexperience, the good thing...Batavia has finally built their own team. It took the GM five years but through trades, Rule 5 pickups, and the draft he has built something that Batavia fans can finally call their own. How it works out, only time will tell.
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