Sittin' On The Dock Of The Bay - 2054 Preview
Mar 21, 2020 19:38:01 GMT -5
Rich - Former GM, Texas Rangers, and 3 more like this
Post by Tim_GiantsGM on Mar 21, 2020 19:38:01 GMT -5
The team equipment truck has arrived in Scottsdale! Within days, pitchers and catchers will report to begin spring training exercises! Soon after, position players will arrive! Spring is in the air! Within a few weeks, the sweet sound of wood bats striking the ball and leather gloves snagging potential hits will echo through Scottsdale Stadium while players compete in live games. Baseball is back!
In the Bay Area, fans eagerly await the start of the new season. The recent playoff drought of five years has been unusual, but fruitful. GM Ackley and the front office team have strengthened the organization while remaining reasonably competitive, maintaining attendance levels, and earning profits that have been invested in development and scouting. As evidenced by the 86-76 record and an unexpected playoff run in 2053, the rebuilding plan is ahead of schedule. A few of the new wave of talented prospects have already graduated to the parent club. Many more are waiting in the wings. Optimism is the word in the Bay Area.
Pitching Staff
Starting Rotation -- In six weeks, staff leader Mel Lutz is expected to begin rehabilitation work. After eight starts in 2053, Lutz suffered a torn flexor tendon injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the season. We missed him, but survived. We are hopeful that his return will further strengthen the rotation in 2054. Jake Moore pitched well in his rookie season improving as the season progressed. We expect him to continue to be a valuable member of the rotation. These two are expected to produce as the 1-2 starters.
Spring training will feature position battles for the remaining three spots in the rotation. Among the candidates are veterans Luis Morales, a 19 game winner in 2053, and Manuel Perez. Also battling to make the rotation are Wilson Munoz (#9 prospect), Kevin Hendrickson (#63), Ramon "Razor" Hernandez, Pedro Mejia, Rob Garcia, and perhaps others. It will be exciting to see who emerges to round out the starting five.
Bullpen -- In the bullpen, iron man closer Jason Frye will return. At age 35, he shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, he led the NL in saves each of the last two seasons and is fast approaching the 500 career saves mark. Pablo Bloem, who pitched brilliantly in 2053, and Steve Herbella will continue to perform setup duties. Artie DeLamare and Eugene MacKey will lead a talented group of pitchers who will round out the bullpen.
Position Players
Catchers -- Once again, we will platoon Alberto Perez and Manuel Santana. Perez is an excellent defender and handler of the pitchers. Santana is not known for his prowess with the leather, but he provides a strong right-handed bat when we face lefty starters.
Infielders -- Now 24 years old, Alfonso Salgado, our extremely popular team captain, will continue to man the hot corner. Fans fully expect him to again lead the club with his 3rd consecutive season posting a WAR greater than 5.0. Shortstop Dana Brassard, winner of three Gold Gloves in the last four years, is expected to share duties with rookie Raul Ramos with Ramos getting the call when facing lefties. Ramos also will battle with veterans Jose Torres and Kelly Cain, a free agent acquisition, for the nod at second base. Spring training will see Michael O'Neil and rookie Chong-yeol So battle for the starting role at first base. Given that So has pounded pitching at all levels, our scouts project So as a key component of a platoon with O'Neil.
Outfielders -- Peter O'Gowan is an exciting, gifted athlete who can hit, field, and pitch. Last season he split duties as a starting pitcher and a position player. On the mound, he compiled a respectable 7-5 record and a 3.64 ERA in 22 starts. As an outfielder, he blossomed at the plate. Already an outstanding defensive outfielder, O'Gowan improved throughout the summer and in 52 starts blasted 13 home runs, knocked in 36 runs, and registered an .818 OPS. Given our abundance of pitching and our need to add pop to the everyday lineup, O'Gowan now will play every day as one starting outfielder. Lee McGee, who had an impressive rookie year, will return to patrol center field. Bobby Lott and veteran Collin Shafer, another free agent acquisition, will platoon, Lott in left and Shafer in right. Tom Crabtree, a brilliant defensive outfielder, and Ken MacGregor, who blisters right-handed pitching, also will be battling to make the opening day roster.
Summary
We are approaching the new season continuing to emphasize our rebuilding focus. However, we are becoming stronger and stronger more quickly than anticipated. We have depth and flexibility at all positions. The surprising playoff run of last season could be followed by a season in which we once again exceed 90 wins and secure a playoff berth. We are excited that very soon we will be playing baseball. 2054 should be another fun season of PBL action.
Go Giants!
In the Bay Area, fans eagerly await the start of the new season. The recent playoff drought of five years has been unusual, but fruitful. GM Ackley and the front office team have strengthened the organization while remaining reasonably competitive, maintaining attendance levels, and earning profits that have been invested in development and scouting. As evidenced by the 86-76 record and an unexpected playoff run in 2053, the rebuilding plan is ahead of schedule. A few of the new wave of talented prospects have already graduated to the parent club. Many more are waiting in the wings. Optimism is the word in the Bay Area.
Pitching Staff
Starting Rotation -- In six weeks, staff leader Mel Lutz is expected to begin rehabilitation work. After eight starts in 2053, Lutz suffered a torn flexor tendon injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the season. We missed him, but survived. We are hopeful that his return will further strengthen the rotation in 2054. Jake Moore pitched well in his rookie season improving as the season progressed. We expect him to continue to be a valuable member of the rotation. These two are expected to produce as the 1-2 starters.
Spring training will feature position battles for the remaining three spots in the rotation. Among the candidates are veterans Luis Morales, a 19 game winner in 2053, and Manuel Perez. Also battling to make the rotation are Wilson Munoz (#9 prospect), Kevin Hendrickson (#63), Ramon "Razor" Hernandez, Pedro Mejia, Rob Garcia, and perhaps others. It will be exciting to see who emerges to round out the starting five.
Bullpen -- In the bullpen, iron man closer Jason Frye will return. At age 35, he shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, he led the NL in saves each of the last two seasons and is fast approaching the 500 career saves mark. Pablo Bloem, who pitched brilliantly in 2053, and Steve Herbella will continue to perform setup duties. Artie DeLamare and Eugene MacKey will lead a talented group of pitchers who will round out the bullpen.
Position Players
Catchers -- Once again, we will platoon Alberto Perez and Manuel Santana. Perez is an excellent defender and handler of the pitchers. Santana is not known for his prowess with the leather, but he provides a strong right-handed bat when we face lefty starters.
Infielders -- Now 24 years old, Alfonso Salgado, our extremely popular team captain, will continue to man the hot corner. Fans fully expect him to again lead the club with his 3rd consecutive season posting a WAR greater than 5.0. Shortstop Dana Brassard, winner of three Gold Gloves in the last four years, is expected to share duties with rookie Raul Ramos with Ramos getting the call when facing lefties. Ramos also will battle with veterans Jose Torres and Kelly Cain, a free agent acquisition, for the nod at second base. Spring training will see Michael O'Neil and rookie Chong-yeol So battle for the starting role at first base. Given that So has pounded pitching at all levels, our scouts project So as a key component of a platoon with O'Neil.
Outfielders -- Peter O'Gowan is an exciting, gifted athlete who can hit, field, and pitch. Last season he split duties as a starting pitcher and a position player. On the mound, he compiled a respectable 7-5 record and a 3.64 ERA in 22 starts. As an outfielder, he blossomed at the plate. Already an outstanding defensive outfielder, O'Gowan improved throughout the summer and in 52 starts blasted 13 home runs, knocked in 36 runs, and registered an .818 OPS. Given our abundance of pitching and our need to add pop to the everyday lineup, O'Gowan now will play every day as one starting outfielder. Lee McGee, who had an impressive rookie year, will return to patrol center field. Bobby Lott and veteran Collin Shafer, another free agent acquisition, will platoon, Lott in left and Shafer in right. Tom Crabtree, a brilliant defensive outfielder, and Ken MacGregor, who blisters right-handed pitching, also will be battling to make the opening day roster.
Summary
We are approaching the new season continuing to emphasize our rebuilding focus. However, we are becoming stronger and stronger more quickly than anticipated. We have depth and flexibility at all positions. The surprising playoff run of last season could be followed by a season in which we once again exceed 90 wins and secure a playoff berth. We are excited that very soon we will be playing baseball. 2054 should be another fun season of PBL action.
Go Giants!