The New York Carloses made the playoffs for the third year in a row, and management seems content to roll the dice on the same core of players for Season 4. The only notable departure from the team is Jose Gonzales who played admirably last season, in what looks to be his last. He is being replaced with veteran Art Long, who is being asked to take on a utility role for the first time in his career.
The Carloses still return with veterans allstars at catcher, first base and center - but the rest of the offense is young and there are only 3 true veterans on the pitching staff.
That said, the youth has been maturing well and the team should be entering its prime, with 15 players on their active roster who are under 27. The Carloses are gambling on their few veterans being able to act as a bridge until the future stars of Beamon, Singleton, Keller and Fernandez are prepared to take over - this transition season will be interesting to watch.
Showing posts with label Team. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Team. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Sunday, April 29, 2007
The Coil
Always the bridesmaid, never the bride - that best describes the Burlington Squirming Coil. 100+ wins in each of three HBD seasons in Bo Jax, cruising to division titles in the A.L. East each year. An MVP, a Cy Young winner, multiple all-stars, silver sluggers, golden glovers, and some rookie of the year votes along the way. Playing in one of the least friendly ballparks for hitters - with outfield walls stretching nearly across Lake Champlain, the team's strength has always been pitching, a mix of seasoned vets and young bucks on the way up. This year the Coil lost decidedly to Jackson in the ALCS, and even though they won 108 games and will be bringing back virtually the same team next year, there's a definite feeling that they are not getting any younger and their time as an elite franchise will soon be a thing of the past. The pressure's on for a ring.
The offense is a balanced attack focusing on contact, speed, and the occasional 3 run homer. Led by the dynamic IF duo of 2B Eddie Hawkins and SS Jimmy Christensen, the Coil will steal bases, move runners, and present difficulty almost to the bottom of the order. LF Wally McCrae is ready for a breakout year, and will likely bat leadoff. CF Johnny Witt, after a disappointing year 2 season, bounced back last year and hopes to add to his already impressive catch of 2 gold gloves in the year ahead. The team will be looking for a solid DH in his prime after declining the option on 37 year old Christopher Springer. They've got some money to spend, but with McCrae and young C Luis Alvarez up for arbitration and looking for a long-term contract, the priority in Burlington is to tie up those young players for years to come. Lefty Courtney Buck, acquired in a trade last season, enters year 4 as a possible rookie of the year candidate, especially if he can keep his whip totals down and rely on the Coil's impressive defense.
The offense is a balanced attack focusing on contact, speed, and the occasional 3 run homer. Led by the dynamic IF duo of 2B Eddie Hawkins and SS Jimmy Christensen, the Coil will steal bases, move runners, and present difficulty almost to the bottom of the order. LF Wally McCrae is ready for a breakout year, and will likely bat leadoff. CF Johnny Witt, after a disappointing year 2 season, bounced back last year and hopes to add to his already impressive catch of 2 gold gloves in the year ahead. The team will be looking for a solid DH in his prime after declining the option on 37 year old Christopher Springer. They've got some money to spend, but with McCrae and young C Luis Alvarez up for arbitration and looking for a long-term contract, the priority in Burlington is to tie up those young players for years to come. Lefty Courtney Buck, acquired in a trade last season, enters year 4 as a possible rookie of the year candidate, especially if he can keep his whip totals down and rely on the Coil's impressive defense.
Las Vegas Mets
The Las Vegas Mets have been improving every year. After 2 last place finish 64.98 (1), 72-90(2), we finally arrived as a .500 team 81-81 to finish 2nd. Things are looking up in the desert. Anchored by Catfish Hutton acquired in Season 2, has become the ace of the staff, with a 16-5 record, 3.10 era and a whip of 1.10. Pitching a no hitter on April Fools Day against the Florida Juicers. Leading in the bullpen is Damaso Seanez 24 year old closer, who saved 31 out of 32, with 1.96 era and a whip of 0.92. and has been compared to Mariano Rivera in the local paper. These 2 guys helped the Mets to a 21-3 run. Solid at 1st base with 24 year old Stubby Paige, had a great year with 36 HRs and 128 rbi's and .317 avg, played in all 162 games. Geronimo Posada also very solid at short, 29,110 .313. Leading in the outfield is Andres Benitez with a great year as well 34, 123, .245. After acquiring Placido Gutierrez in a trade during season 1, he has been a disaster. Been on the disabled list every year for extended period. His 6 million contract makes him hard to move as well. I will be looking to acquire more pitching as well as a catcher and an outfielder. Gerald Ono is 32 and is making 7.5 million, not sure how much he still has in the tank. Greetings from Vegas, until next time.
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