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GM Broadwayevns took over the Killdeer and thought one thing--start the youth movement now. The new GM has had success with his other franchise, making the playoffs 50 percent of the time and saw the talent there to win now. Al Sutton is one of the call-ups and has the makings of a go to closer. Miguel Lopez is the final key call-up as a player who has been up and down for the franchise, but should be there to stay as a competent catcher and big bat.
Position Players
Lopez is a nice part of a lineup which also includes a classic CF contact hitter Erik Graffanino, along with steady bats SS Allen Harris, 3B Ted Haynes, and their best player who has already signed an extension LF Duke Shunick. The Bloomfield, NM native doesn't provide much help defensively and will play in left, but he is a balanced bat with nice speed. Les Clark is really the only power threat in the lineup, but this team is built to play in the wide open spaces of Network Associates Coliseum (-1, -2, -2, -1, -1)
Pitching Staff
The youth movement applies to the pitching staff as well. Vic Cruz is call-up to the rotation, and while he gives up a lot of flyballs he should do okay with the extra room in the ballpark. Oswaldo Franco is also another key starter in the youthanization movement, Franco rates pretty well in GW2 and should see his fair share of innings with the Killdeer. Although the true strength of this team is its international aces Pascual Esposito and Fausto Castillo. The Dominican and Venezuelan are both young and should give division rivals fits seeing them every couple days.
The youth movement applies to the pitching staff as well. Vic Cruz is call-up to the rotation, and while he gives up a lot of flyballs he should do okay with the extra room in the ballpark. Oswaldo Franco is also another key starter in the youthanization movement, Franco rates pretty well in GW2 and should see his fair share of innings with the Killdeer. Although the true strength of this team is its international aces Pascual Esposito and Fausto Castillo. The Dominican and Venezuelan are both young and should give division rivals fits seeing them every couple days.
In the System
While there's not a lot of power in the bigs, there is some sitting in AAA. Randy Stewart was left in the minors to delay his ML service time and will likely be called up sometime during the season. The Hobart, OK native has patiently been bidding his time in the minors for 7 years and should contribute quickly if the Killdeer can find a position for him to play.
While there's not a lot of power in the bigs, there is some sitting in AAA. Randy Stewart was left in the minors to delay his ML service time and will likely be called up sometime during the season. The Hobart, OK native has patiently been bidding his time in the minors for 7 years and should contribute quickly if the Killdeer can find a position for him to play.
Prediction 90-72
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While some GMs like to sit back and try not to over-manage their rosters, GM Morneau33hr loves to tinker. Building his lineup for his first season as GM, he called up six prospects from the system, signed five free agents, acquired three major leaguers by trade, and claimed a player off the waiver wire. He even found time to lock up two of his players to long term deals. Time will tell whether he regrets parting with Albert Gonzalez, but a balanced lineup and strong staff will have the Koa Pu'ali competing from opening day.
Position Players
Louis Sikorski is a great player to have behind the plate, Sikorski has great fielding skills for a player with his bat although he might strikeout more than a manger would like. 2B Chuck Karl, 3B Ron Francis, SS Eduardo Ramirez, and MIF Horacio Rodriguez make up a solid infield for the Koa Pu'ali--all bring good gloves and good bats. The outfield might be a weakness in Honolulu, but not because of Mariano Lee. Lee has tremendous glove and rare power for a center fielder--he'll sure make a lot of plus plays in the field and pound out HRs at the plate.
Pitching Staff
Wilfredo Nunez is the big man out of the pen, but he may suffer from being rushed to the bigs. The rotation is headed by Neil Castillo, Troy Rivers, and Esteban Flores. The trio form a nice potential playoff rotation, although they are all very young and don't have a lot of support after the first five innings.
In the System
The Koa Pu'ali were blessed with a lot of talented middle infielders, and the best might be Ernie Lowell. The Iowan native has played three years of minor league ball and there's no need to rush the young man up to the majors as the five-tool SS develops his fielding to an acceptable level.
Prediction 89-73
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Helena GM Frymaster23 was one of the more active franchises in the offseason and maybe they did enough to make something happen. The franchise brought in five players by trade and seven by free agency.
Position Players
Gookie Michaels is the captain of the infield for Helena and provides a pretty steady bat and glove for GM Frymaster's squad. He has the ability to play all 162 games, but will struggle a bit against righties. Marc Stephens came in a trade during the Anteaters of Irvine Firesale 2009 and should provide solid offensive production in LF for years to come. Zachrey Daniels is a competent bat in the other corner outfield spot and will provide similar production. Scott Lowry might be the team MVP though as he will compete for a gold glove and hold his own at the plate.
Pitching Staff
The problem for Helena will be pitching and the GM knew it coming into the season. Four arms were brought in via trade and seven through free agency, but when Buster Riske is your number one starter there could be issues. Time will tell whether the 13-man staff can keep Helena in the division race, but there's not a lot of sand in the hourglass.
In the System
There are two young arms in the system though worth being patient for to develop. Ruben Alicea has two years under his belt and has some solid stuff coming together this year in LoA. Clint Darnell came into the system at the same time and has the makeup to contribute in the show.
Prediction 80-82
Position Players
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The Belgians are loves of high alcohol beer and their roster. GM Bryanbecker didn't do much to his roster in the offseason adding a CF in the free agent market, but staying away from the trade market and focused on browsing the beer selection at the Four Firkins. Still, the Belgians have enough talent on their roster to be competitive.
Position Players
The Belgians have few quality bats which will hold them back, they have a few good on-base guys, but they lack the slugging guys to get 'em in. 2B Orlando Campos, 3B George Shaw, and free agent signing CF Brian Perry can all get on base. Yet they'll be relying on 1B Jim Rooney to drive them in... time will tell if that lineup can generate enough offense, but this pundit thinks it won't.
Pitching Staff
GM Bryanbecker is going to have some tough decisions come the trade deadline. He's got some good aging arms, but whether they be pitching will enough leads is TBD. Tito Veres and Miguel Herrera are the top two starters for the Belgians and both are steady veteran arms. The strength of the staff is in the bullpen though. Don Murray, Red Reed, and call-up Frank Shigetoshi can all come into tough situations and deliver--so any leads the Belgians happen to have should be safe.
In the System
While they might be faced with having to decide if they're buys or sellers at the deadline, they already know they have at least one player with a great chance at the show. Ted Park looks to develop into a fine option out of the bullpen with some nasty pitches and great movement.
Prediction 70-92
