9-News: 38.009 – Full Slate Travels to Fool’s Gulch

[RonCo]

“We’re allowed to bring 70, so that’s what we’re doing,” said new manager Bill Inkster as he addressed the press corps for his first public conference since his introduction. “The guys are all settling in and getting ready to go to work.”

Buy the number “70” Inkster was referring to the full slate of his spring roster, which included 30 pitchers and 40 hitters. Some thought that an 80-82 season that saw the club falter on several fronts last season might alter the concept, but Inkster was clear that he was fine with the core idea that Yellow Springs has had in managing their spring fling—that the first two weeks are for prospects to flaunt their stuff, and the last two are for the adults to get in their reps. “That’s a thing that Ron (GM Ron Collins) likes, and if Ron likes it, I like it.”

The comment raised eyebrows, as some have been whispering that Inkster’s general deference to Collins’s wishes might be a little too much, which then makes some wonder if the rookie manager’s signing was about GM control more than managerial skill. But we digress.

As the club heads to Fool’s Gulch this year, several storylines are building.

The question of whether YS9 ace Jose Chavez (7/7/6 Talents) can return to the rotation with any amount of effectiveness is a big one. Chavez waited to have surgery to repair his ruptured finger tendon until it was too late to return last season, and while some suggest his stuff is still good enough to get big league hitters out, others are noting his loss of velocity. “He knows how to pitch,” said pitching coach Kyle Beard. “I wouldn’t bet against him.

Fellow starters Carlos Valle (9/6/8 Talents) and Ernesto Ramos (10/6/7 Talents) are also centers of attention. Both showed moments of brilliance at times, but also struggled in key places. “They just couldn’t get over the hump,” said broadcast voice Melissa Lester. Hope springs eternal in Fool’s Gulch, though. Pitching coach Kyle Beard is certain the Ramos will settle into his second season with a greater sense of confidence. Still, though, assuming Chavez, Valle, and Ramos are solid enough, that still leaves the team hoping that Han-li Kim and probably Luis Colon (7/6/5 Talents) can handle spots in the rotation. Kim has proven in the past to need a sonar to find the plate, and Colon essentially skipped AAA last year to be pressed into service. Given that the club whiffed on acquiring pitchers in the free agent market, Lester, among others, has been reporting that the club may well rely on a 4-man rotation for large parts of the season if they can’t get traction with all five.

Another storyline of interest is rookie third baseman Dong-po Thum (10/10/6/5/9 Talents), who at 20 is showing signs he could be ready, if not now, soon. Thum, a native of China, went to school to work on his English this off-season, and most observers say that it’s clear he’s feeling comfortable. “I got a couple guys teaching me Portuguese and Spanish, too,” he said about his training. “SO pretty soon I’ll be chattering in four languages.” Thum collected 3.5 WAR at three levels of minors last season, and some are wondering if his position is shortstop or third base. He is second in line at third behind veteran Rob Thomas (6/8/7/3/6 Talents), who hits from the left side and just posted a career best 3.5 WAR himself in 2037. The Nine has another young veteran in 24-year-old Miguel Padilla (7/7/1/4/9 Talents) at short stop, who also posted a solid 2.7 WAR last year despite a glove that many considered to be far too leaky. If Padilla can keep his errors closer to 2036’s 24 than 2037’s 37, perhaps he’ll keep his job.

Of course, you can’t be around the Nine’s camp for more than 15 minutes without someone wondering what happened to perennial All-Star Lucas McNeill (8/8/7/7/6 Talents) last year, and hearing whispers that perhaps it was because he and British pop-star wife Mikki Manning are on the outs. McNeill shifted to second base last year, and had a miserable result, dropping from Silk winner to replacement level as quickly as you can sing D-I-V-O-R-C-E. Not that we know anything here. Word is that McNeill will play first base full time in 2038. Perhaps that can save a marriage?

In the same light, the arrival of 36-year-old veteran Alfredo Salazar (6/6/8/9/6 Talents) brought a bit of shock and awe to the prospect-rich collection of spring campers. But while many asked for his autograph, reporters were busy bringing the harsh glare of time down on the crowd with questions about achy knees and sore muscles.

Another line buzzing through the squad rests on second year right fielder Andy McKinney (6/7/6/6/6 Talents)’s shoulders. McKinney’s sizzling rookie tilt came literally out of right field, and won him a Gillstrom Newcomer of the Year Award, as well as garnered him a few votes for Puckett and Silk awards. Pundits are split on whether the ebullient 22-year-old can come close to duplicating a season that saw him club 30 homers to go with 41 doubles.

So, yep, the deal here in Fool’s Gulch is pretty much as expected. Lots of prospects. Lots of competition.

The future is being made.

[Ted]

I would be a big fan of the OOTP devs instituting a more realistic spring training schedule. Split squad games, etc. Let me get more non roster invitees and lower half of the 40 man guys involved. As is, it's really hard to get any useful data out of the limited time guys get.

[jiminyhopkins]

I don't think I've ever had more than 35 in camp.

[RonCo]

I would be a big fan of the OOTP devs instituting a more realistic spring training schedule. Split squad games, etc. Let me get more non roster invitees and lower half of the 40 man guys involved. As is, it's really hard to get any useful data out of the limited time guys get.

That would be nice, but my main approach is geared to keep my major leaguers from getting hurt to much, and to get my kids a month in the same camp as my big league coaches. I have no idea if it makes a difference, but it makes me feel better.

[RonCo]

I don't think I've ever had more than 35 in camp.

Your way may well be better.