Johnson League, Pacific Division Analysis and Predictions

[scottsdale_joe]

Johnson League, Pacific Division Analysis and Predictions

Valencia Stars

Valencia has won the division three years running, albeit winning fewer games in each successive year. Interestingly the team lost its hitting and pitching coaches when their contracts ran out in November. They have been without a trainer for awhile. The team hasn’t filled any of those positions. And they have no free agent acquisitions through the start of Spring Training. Is the front office on vacation?

Pitching-wise this team is very strong. There are seven starting pitchers on the expanded roster who could start almost anywhere. Jan Starr, Phil Leftwich, and Devon Hyngary won 46 games between them last year. Joahua Kellogg added another 11. Jim Braunstein saved 42 games although he blew 9 other save opportunities. And the Stars are quite deep underneath those stars although Bob Stephan is coming off a horrible year. Pitching should not be a problem in their division title defense.

Offensively it is another story. Center fielder Gary Barr leads the offense, and six players hit 20 or more home runs led by Bo Jackson’s 40. Ed Pyburn is a quality first baseman who hit .355 and second sacker Caleb Boyette hit .324. However, neither is very good in the field. And there are nagging doubts about possible fragility of several key players. Catching is a weak point offensively although starter Banks Bender is superb defensively.

Hawaii Tropics

The club has some promising starters, but no one who could be classified as a stopper. Todd Swader is the most experienced starter, and Freddy Bilboa and Jose Mijangos have potential. Leo Lopez heads up the bullpen. With 25 pitchers on the roster quantity is not the issue. But are there 12 quality major league arms ready for Opening Day? It sure doesn’t feel like a staff that can contend for the division title.

The Tropics were in the running for several potential all star free agents but fell shot in their contract offers. The most accomplished starter is shortstop Tom McGraw. Dan Fabiano and Silas Camarina lead the outfielders. Both are fine hitters and fielders. Second baseman Sean Feingold is 29 years old and hasn’t lived up to his potential. Infielder Hank Fellicetti is a potential superstar in almost every aspect of the game. But is he ready at age 23?

California Crusaders

Cal signed 26-year-old catcher Oscar Mazzarella to a three year deal and he will probably take over regular duties from home run hitting legend Billy Wilson. Maz is superb behind the plate and a solid offensive performer. Wilson hit 40 dingers last year and isn’t conceding the job just yet. And young Montes Mendoza makes the catching crew even stronger. Bernie Maselli is an all star caliber second baseman and the best infielder on the club. And Jason Grass at third could be a good one. Ian Botham and Ryan Sittler lead a solid young outfield.

The addition of free agent Pedro Martinez strengthens a mediocre bullpen, and he will probably become the closer. Dow Jones was the leading starter last season. Rookie Adam Weisgerber may end up being the number two man. And there are a whole bunch of starters in AAA who have the potential to make the jump this year.

Vancouver Mounties

Free agent Brock Lee brings stability to an infield which has lacked a solid first baseman for several years. Teamed with young Nick Mannerden (.340 last year) at third, rapidly improving Doug Newhouse at the keystone sack, and Matt Brunson at short, he completes a solid infield. The outfield is less impressive. Bobby Bonds hit 35 home runs but struggles to keep his average over .230. J J Janero has over 400 hits at age 21, but questions remain whether he will hit consistently in the future. Sam Hamm is coming off his career year. Can he repeat? Catching-wise the club has improved offensively with the acquisition of Mario Cascio from Des Moines.

Shane Wookey was pitcher of the year in 1997 (20-11, 2.70). Gerardo Grillo had a great first half; Allan Bartlett had a great second half. But the major question mark is Martini Ben Walsh who makes his third try to establish himself as a major league pitcher. Young closer Jason Egan is a superstar in the making. The rest of the bullpen is reasonably solid with the addition of free agent Alfrefo Gutirreiez.

Prediction

Vancouver and California will battle for the division title with Vancouver winning out in a close battle. Valencia has been too complacent in not trying to improve and will fall to third place. Hawaii will be better but not enough to escape the cellar.

[recte44]

Nice to see this division starting to turn it around.

[felipe]

Bah!@

Pitching always wins!

Valencia to the title!

The curse of the forsaken logo begins!

[bschr682]

Boy i like to hear people talking about my team being in contention but personally i think im a year away yet.