Las Vegas Hustlers 2001 Preview

[jkloes1]

(I apologize in advance for the lack of links, I am having a hard time getting them to work with this new format)

2000 Record: 85-77 (2nd in Frick Pacific - 26 GB)
BA: .282
ERA: 4.00

2000 Review: Having to deal with Calgary winning 111 games last year was not easy for the Hustlers. Though posting a +.500 record, they still managed to fall 26 games behind. The were in the running for the WC until late in the season, finally missing it by a few games to Des Moines, who ended up going to the LM Series.

Key Departures:
MR Dick Spivey
SP Johnny Madorin
CL Marty Powers

Key Additions:
3B Jose Oliva
LF Daniel Kerber
SP Francis Linares

Starting Pitching.

With Christopher Stoller healthy, the pitching staff is complete. A 20 game winner in 1999 had his season cut short last season. Yoo Did a fine job leading the staff as the ace, winning 15 games and compiling a 3.38 ERA. Shane Christian had his best year since 1996, but not expected to be as good this year and in his last year of his contract, maybe expect Recte to move him at the deadline if the Hustlers are struggling again. Lorenzo Morales, a youngster who's been in the league since 1998 had his best season for wins after starting in Calgary and moving to LV mid season (18). His struggles against lefties hurt him bad though. Finally Davey Acheson, this will be his first full season in the league, and after being the #8 top prospect in the MBBA, he looks to prove it. In 111 innings last year and 17 starts he went 7-5 with a 3.63 ERA. It is likely that he may just be a fill in until Ernest Nilson returns from Injury in May.

Bullpen:
Lead by CL Jonathan Sallott, who took over closing duties last year from Marty Powers after he was traded to California, The Las Vegas Hustlers display an aging bullpen. Though talented, with players that include Santiago Colon, Curt Wilson, Eric Sweet, and Francis Linares, and Pedro Martinez, a fan can only hope for the best from this staff. Certainly the biggest weakness of this team and may make or break the entire season for the Hustlers.

Position Players

Catcher:
Desi Stanley- One of the many up and coming catchers in the league, Stanley showcases a nice bat and formidable defense behind the plate. If he struggles expect to see either veteran Hinson or Kuffrey to fill in.

Firstbase:
Chuck Adolph boasted a .331 avg last season with 24 hr and 79 RBIs which was a pleasent surprise from the 31 year old. A career .284 hitter started hitting the cover off the ball after a brief stint in Seattle. (it must of been the altitude?) With no one on the ML club to back him up, his job should be safe, but the Hustlers went and got Kevin Maas and Red Leinenkugel to wait in the wings on the AAA team in Milwaukee, just in case.

Second Base:
Donald Noboru: Lead the team last year in BA (.363) in 108 games, the "Iron Man" from Lincoln Nebraska will bat second and give opposing righ-handed pitchers one hell of a time. 31-year old Brent Gates backs him up for a couple of days off. You'll see him platooning against Lefties most often.

Third Base:
Picked up in a trade last year sending Reginal Harnois to Greenville, along with others, Jake Urban is a perfect Recte type of player, he hits for power, contact, has a great SO to Walk ratio, plays a good 3b, and he's pretty fast. Though he did not live up to his potential in Greenville, the trade hopes to give Urban a change of scenery and a lift to his game. If anyone can get the best out of him, Recte can. Free agent Signing Ossian Fallon is a capable back up for Urban and LaRouche.

Shortstop:
This guy can play anywhere on the field, which on top of his very good bat, makes him even more important to this team. Looking to have a breakout here after a shortened season last year (out for six weeks with torn meniscus to start season), expect Phillippe LaRouche to get a big paycheck this season from LV. One down side his speed and baserunning, he Runs like your mom.

Outfield:
Highlighted by Benjamin Rivero, Daniel Kerber and Jimmy Slizz round out one of the best outfields in the Majors. Much like Urban, Rivero is a multiple threat, plays a solid RF, can run, and hits the snot out of the ball. Kerber in Left is a career .312 hitter, who plays on of the best LF's in the game and his Yogi Zimmer Diamond Glove award proves it. Finally Jimmy "Super" Slizz plays in CF. His modest bat, patience at the plate, baserunning ability, and exeptional Outfield play makes him a dangerous leadoff guy. Off the bench comes Daren McNair and Wilfredo Escudero, both are aging veterans who can handle the bat and the field pretty well.

2001 prediction:
There should be an improvement in the record this year for the Hustlers, 88 wins is likely. The biggest issues are their age, bullpen, and whether or not they can stay healthy. They are a bunch of older guys surrounded by a number of talented youngsters, this should be a recipe for success. The Hustlers will compete for the wild-card and perhaps the division, but if not expect another "Recte Fire-sale" at the deadline.

Final Record 88-74, second in the Frick Pacific, and I'll be optimistic and say Frick WC winner.