The Brewster

Marquette Suns 2001 Season Preview



Starting Rotation
Quite possibly the strongest in the league, with Lee, Izatt and Dickson at the top, they have a chance to win every day. Arocha, Guzman and Henderson are all expected to compete for the final 2 rotation spots, with Angel Miranda potentially picking up a few on occasion.

Grade: A+
You are not likely to find a better top to bottom rotation in the league. Just imagine if they had not traded Jeff Kiplinger last season...

Bullpen
While not as strong as their starting rotation, the bullpen is not an area of weakness either. There is some concern at the closer position in Palabra, but they are deep, and have the pieces to replace him if need be.

Grade: C
Nothing spectacular, but nothing awful either. Bullpen performance could make or break their season.

Catchers
This should be the season of Rafael Avila, but when you have a guy like Theo Epstein as your starter, it makes it tough to make that call. We can fairly safely say that regardless of who starts the season behind the plate, Avila will be there at the end of the season.

Grade: B+
Avila is a star in the making, and his time is fast approaching. Expect Epstein to be on the block before too long.

Infielders
One of the best all-around infields in the league when you consider both offensive and defensive ability, they are anchored by perennial All-Star Paul Barfoot. Correia, Guillen and Badgett should round out the rest of the infield, but don't be surprised if Mark Norton pushes for playing time at SS.

Grade: B
Barfoot makes the infield run. He is one of the leaders on this team, and as long as he is hitting, the Suns will go far.

Outfield
CF Morris Pennebaker had a big year for the Suns last year, and they are hoping he can keep it up this season. LF will be patrolled once again by Ian Botham, but RF is still up for grabs, with the most likely candidates being William Noel and Johnny Canuck.

Grade: B-
This is a good outfield, but not great. They need another big season from Pennebaker, as well as a breakout season from Botham if they want to seriously contend.

Coaching Staff
Will all of their staff from last season returning, the heat will be on Manager Hayfu Sobah to turn around last season 81-81 mark.

Grade: C+
Nothing special to write home about, but in reality, the staff could be what helps or prevents them from reaching the playoffs this season. If they struggle early, don't be surprised if changes are made.

2000 Prediction: 89-73
Last season's 81-81 record was disappointing, but you can chalk that up to the loss of Allen Izatt for the season. Expect this team to be better, but still fall short of the playoffs.

Allen Izatt is going to be human this year. The dip in ratings is going to really hurt him I'm afraid, especially the control rating. I'm going to predict he has numbers of a #3 starter this year opposed to those of a former ace.

I don't know Chris, you can still dominate with those ratings, see Lee Plemel from my team last year.

KCCardinalFan wrote:I don't know Chris, you can still dominate with those ratings, see Lee Plemel from my team last year.

You can, but it's just not as likely. I hadn't noticed Izatt's demise. That's honestly too bad.

He could also be Plemel from 1997 too. Those aren't ace stats.

It'll be interesting to see how he does this season.

Well, that year was one bad year the rest of his career has been pretty solid. You make it sound like a "Sammy Bodeen" type collapse, when in reality he can still put up Ace numbers, especially with four very strong pitches. I guess it doesn't matter, he won't have to be the ace on that staff and Brad still has a very nice collection of arms.

KCCardinalFan wrote:Well, that year was one bad year the rest of his career has been pretty solid. You make it sound like a "Sammy Bodeen" type collapse, when in reality he can still put up Ace numbers, especially with four very strong pitches. I guess it doesn't matter, he won't have to be the ace on that staff and Brad still has a very nice collection of arms.

His collapse won't be that bad. I'd take Izatt right now. I just don't think he's going to be the same pitcher he was before the injury. For history's sake, I hope I'm wrong. I don't like seeing elite players get injured in these leagues and watch them struggle.

I agree with that, I guess we have a few hours and we can see how things start to play out!

He's a lot like Ron Burgundy is now, which to me means he's an excellent #2 starter. Oh, did I mention Ron Burgundy is available in trade?

End shameless plug.

Don't call it a comeback...he's been here for years...

You read it here first...Bodeen top JL hurler in 2001!

I did not know he lumped down to a 6 on POTS. DAMN YOU TO HELL IZATT...DAMN YOU ALL TO HELL.