Vancouver Mounties Preview 2000
Posted: Thu Apr 07, 2011 1:58 pm
GM: Joe Geoghegan
1996 to Present
Record: 320-328 (0.493)
Manager: Leo Lyons
Joe took the Mounties to the playoffs for his first time in 1999 and came away as the MBBA Champions.
Key Losses: OF Robert 'Skywalker' Nolan and SP Gerardo Grillo
Key Additions: Dan Druff
The Mounties were not big players in the free agent market due probably to a lack of funds and the fact that there was not much available on the open market to make a real improvement to this otherwise well built team. Let's save the best for last as we take a look at the current roster for the defending champions:
Infield
The infield is anchored by up and coming star 2B Douglas Newhouse. This guy has all of the tools to get it done, including offense speed and a decent glove. Helping him our is a cagey veteran, 1B Brock Lee, who is still trying to prove his worth with his mountain of a contract. The rest of the infield consists of youngsters just like Newhouse, which include SS Matt Brunson and 3B Nick Mannerden. Both are vaccuums at their position, so very few balls get past the righ side of the infield. When it comes to hitting, they can both get on base regularly, so don't look for many home runs out of them. Although, they can find the gap on occasion. Behind the plate is Matt Cascio who is probably the most pedestrian out of the bunch. If any part of the infoeld could have been improved it is here.
Outfield
Another youngster spots in leftfield for Vancouver, as Jimmie Joe Janero is already in his fifth season playing full time. Newly signed Dan Druff starts in rightfield and holding up the middle is CF Bobby Bonds, Jr.. All players are very solid defensively and can get hit a lick as well. Janero is probably the best of the bunch with the ability to hit for .280 to .290 as well as find the gap easily for frequent doubles. Bonds is less likely to get on base very otfen, but watch out if he gets a hold of a pitch. Druff brings stability to the OF, looking to hit about .260, .350 OBP and drive in 60 runs.
Backups
Utility man Michael Diamond is in the twilight of his career but can still field with some of the best. Arturo Gutierrez needs to be in the lineup more often and should probably challenge for the starting 3B spot or learn to play an OF position. Speaking of the OF, 'Slammin' Sammy Hamm is good enough to give the starters a day off when needed while Ewan Olsen is a bit better and could be a good platoon option.
Starting Rotation
Here is what brings in the fans to the Northwoods Outpost. The top three, Shane Wookey, Robbie Sargent and Ben Walsh, provide a formidable trio any team should envy. These three provided for over 50% of the teams wins in 1999. While Wookey may be the frontline starter at the moment, look for Sargent to leap over him in the next season or two. Rounding out the five man rotation is William Govea and Alfredo Guitierrez. These two are pretty much polar opposites. Govea is just starting our his career has agreat pitch selection and can go deep into games. Alfredo, while just making it to the rotation for the first time in his career, will struggle to get some IP under his belt and has a llimkited pitch selection.
Bullpen
The bullpen is made up of mostly veteran players with the exception of a couple. One of those exceptions is CL Jason Egan Egan came onto the scene in 1998 and has been very impressive in his development. Some thought he was a risk to take so high (3rd overall) in the draft in 1997, but he has paid big dividends. Filling the gap between the starting pitcher and his turn is Niles 'Inseminator' Renfork and the likes of Allan Bartlett. While these two may not be 'highlights' in their own right, they can be effective in an inning or two or even fill the 5th spot in the rotation when needed.
The Verdict
The Mounties have a few standouts, and they are in the positions needed, and are overall a well rounded team. That's what carried them to the MBBA championship last season. The JL Pacific is no slouch of a divison with vaunted foes like the California Crusaders and theValencia Stars. TheHawaii Tropics may not be in the race this season but don't ever count them out. The JL is really top heavy overall with a few teams rebuilding so wins can really tally up like last season. Teams have improved overall in the JL, so it looks like Vancouver will end up around 88-74 with a JL wildcard entry.