Shark Tales #2058.3 - (Left handed) Power!!!

[forcarrying]

The Sharks have added some much-needed pop to the lineup with a few free-agent grabs. All specialize against RHP but will ultimately all play a part on both sides of the plate. Let's meet those batters who put pen to paper this off-season (so far)...

First off is first baseman Keaton Guest. He isn't known as much as others when it comes to pop, more so a guy that's going to get on base. Last year his line read .325/.411/.525, and while we all know how old-fashioned this may be. It should excite all of the Shark's fans. While arguably a platoon player at the BBA level, don't be surprised to see a lot of Guest this year, especially with how left-hander-heavy this lineup is shaping up to be. He has decent defense at first and can play right field in a tight spot but also expect to see the 33-year-old DH a significant amount, especially if other FA signings thrive, who are better defensively.

On the topic of first baseman, we have the experienced Sosa Seki. Seki is a very successful GBC pro with 6 years at the Athens and last year at Buenos Aires, where he hit 183 home runs across those 7 seasons. Coming off a down year last year, he's likely going to be utilised at 1st and 3rd base against RHP. Although many wonder if he may just be a bench player this year, with star player Milojica 'Bugaloo' Kraljevic likely to move into first base or DH this year (along with Guest) as well as third base being taken by the ever reliable Mohammed bin Mus'ad, it's likely Seki might resort to a bench position. Still though, a guy on a minor league contract with 183 GBC home runs should be something to get excited about.

Reasons for Kraljevic's move into (or off) the diamond were the 3 left-handed favouring outfielders signed by Williamson. Two serious power threats, and one, well let's just say he's not known for his power.

Let's talk about the power threats first, the most exciting probably being Wasim Ala'. He has platoon splits yes, across his BBA career his OPS against RHP was almost 200 points better (.791 to .593), but his elite corner defense and above-average centre field defense (which is hard to come across in the GBC, especially in addition with a good bat) lead many to believe he could be an everyday player, especially if Jamal bin Majd doesn't live up to his defense expectations in centre (as good as his bat and corner defense was last year).

The other power-first signing was left fielder Topan Adjeng. Another guy with platoon splits, who despite playing 568 games in the BBA, only had 70 PA against LHP. Due to his average defense in left as well, he will almost definitely be a platoon guy with José Márquez likely to take the plate against LHP. However, this isn't a signing to scoff at. He slugged for .485 in the BBA, including a .223 ISO which if this translates in any way to the easier GBC, should give the crowd some balls to catch.

The last outfielder goes by the name Fred 'Little Captain' Madden the former BBA batter is entering his first year in the GBC. He's competent on both sides of the plate but thrives more against RHP, though, in a dense outfield of lefties, he may be more of a pinch hitter when everyone is fit, especially with his uninspiring defense. However, he is an elite on-base option, striking out a tick over 10% and walking over 15% of the time against RHP in his time in the BBA, combined with his above-average speed he's a genuine option as a leadoff, especially as the older outfielders pick up injuries throughout the year.

In other news, of those pitchers who were offered contracts, one was signed on. Bryan Hall has spent his career to date in the BBA minor leagues. He's got an elite movement and good stuff making him a genuine starting option. However, he will more than likely start the season in the bullpen as this is where he has spent his minor league career to date.

Soon the Sharks will hear from over 40 potential minor leaguers for the following season, trying to rebuild a baron minor league system and create some depth to the GBC squad. Unfortunately, most of these will be older players but this depth is crucial to Williamson and we hope to explore the headline names that appear from those signings in the next week or so, but until then, this has been Shark Tales.

[DanGladdenFC]

Sounds like the Sharks are in good hands. Good luck this season!

[Jwalk100]

This is shaping up to be one of the most competitive seasons in the GBC in a while.

[Dington]

Love it!