Gonzalez has decided to make a change at manager for the club. Melvin Sims is a sabermetric-driven manager who has hopes of rallying this team together and bringing out the best in the youngsters and veterans alike. Sims is walking into a team in disarray but that has not deterred him from connecting with many players on the team. Only time will tell but the front office has faith in the 15 years of experience Sims brings to the table.
After parting way with many players during the season and more changes to the team coming, the young guns have been making their way onto the team and making impacts:
- CF Zephyr Orphanides had a hot start to his major league career but a cool down toward the end brought him a .192 BA with 17 HRs and 54 RBI in 239 ABs. The bright spot to start his career shows “The Greek Freak” has the potential to breakout in 2046.
- 3B Roberto Mata played behind star 3B Joey Newhouse most of the season, however, had the opportunity to start when Newhouse was hurt. In 34 games, Mata obtained a .294 BA with 6 HRs and 22 RBI. The Venezuela international’s OPS+ of 125 outshined his starting counterpart meaning competition at third base may be on the horizon.
- LF Gary Currell did well in 64 games earning 9 HRs, 29 RBI, and 8 SBs while hitting for a .235 BA in 200 ABs. This Saskatchewan boy is expected to be a fixture for Baghdad in LF for years to come.
- 1B Sergio Castre did well with a .284 BA, 6 HRs, and 17 RBI in 50 games. Castre made his biggest impact in the field with a .996 fielding percentage, 9.42 range, and 1.046 defensive efficiency. The 25-year-old locked down first base allowing Raul Hernandez to focus on what he does best – hit.
- RP Ramon Arroyo became a reliable relief pitcher for the Kings pitching 64 2/3 innings with a 4.59 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, and 7.0 K per inning. Arroyo is already a staple for the Baghdad bullpen in just his first season.
- RP Elliot Woodger has an amazing year for Baghdad from middle innings to closing out games. In 32 games, Woodger earned a 2.91 ERA and 13 saves at just 17 years old. 17 YEARS OLD! The sky is the limit for this Kiwi.