2000 Season Preview - Carolina Kraken

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Carolina Kraken 2000 Season Preview

After an off-season of upheaval, the former Hackensack Bulls are hoping that the 2000 season will provide some stability going forward for the team. GM Ben Teague on the move; "While the fans in Hackensack were wonderful, there were ongoing concerns about the stance of city officials towards the team." This statement seems to lineup with the ongoing investigation by the FBI in regards to the kickbacks from stadium amenities to certain city officials. Now named the Carolina Kraken, the team is hoping to rise up from the depths to once again be a contender.

Starting Rotation
Williamson Prushnok has been named the opening day starter, but the remaining starters are all extremely similar to each other, and their springs will determine their order in the rotation. Veteran lefties Washington Jones and John Ross Riles, Jr. appear to have locked up two of the slots, with Marrufo, Mitchell, Nowacki and Ellman competing for the last two spots.

Grade: C
This is definitely not the strong point on the team, but isn't necessarily going to kill them either.

Bullpen
Anchored by Robert Gaiser and Roy Kitt, the bullpen will keep them in games for the most part, but may be overworked due to the lack of quality starting pitching in their rotation. Kitt is the closer at this time, but could surrender the position back to Gaiser should he struggle.

Grade: C
Their workload this season may be a bit much for them to overcome, but they are certainly capable of holding their own.

Catchers
Robert Bloomquist is the starter and certainly has the talent edge over Pablo Aroaujo, although his work ethic has once again been called into question. This should be an interesting season because Aroaujo could overtake him based solely on his defense and staff handling.

Grade: C
Could be an interesting fight for the starter job as the season progresses.

Infielders
The strength of this team lies within it's infielders. Led by Rafael Rodriguez and Larry Sunderland, they are quite possibly the strongest left side of the infield in the entire MBBA. Monty Lynch and Benicio Herrera provide a nice complement on the other side of the infield. With the exception of Ray Moreno, the reserves are all reserve level, but more than capable of filling in from time-to-time.

Grade: A-
Rodriguez and Sunderland will be the keys to the Kraken season...and injury to one of these guys and they will be playing for the top pick in next seasons draft.

Outfield
Jack Robbins, Edward Framaggio and Tom Mohler will anchor the OF, with Mike Kelly getting ample playing time as well. Robbins and Mohler are the two key players, but are not nearly as crucial to this team as the infielders.

Grade: B
Mohler could challenge for the batting title as always, but with only 21 extra base hits last season, he is slowing becoming the prototypical one-trick-pony.

Coaching Staff
New manager Rip Torn is joining the team after 5 seasons in Washington with the Bobwhites. He should make an impact on this team, but what kind is yet to be determined. Okazaki and Jenkins make fine hitting and pitching coaches, and will help boost newcomer Todd Elison who was named Bench Coach in his first pro coaching job.

Grade: B-
Newcomer Elison may be in over his head, but the other coaches on staff including, manager Rip Torn, are top-notch.

2000 Prediction: This will be a tough year for the Kraken, but their new fans should have plenty of fun watching the team go 71-91.