Tropics Times Vol. V (01 April, 1998)

[EchoesIE]

Honolulu, HA -- Spring Training has come and gone. The lines are being painted, the grass manicured and dirt watered and tamped...baseball, ladies and gentlemen, is here. The Tropics started the off-season with some question marks, the biggest being the acquisition of not any player, but rather a new General Manager. Josh Cornel joined the club shortly before the Grey Cup and took full responsibility shortly thereafter. Cornel brought in a new attitude, and a new atmosphere, including a banner that hangs across the entrance to the locker-room that reads two simple words: "Play Hard". Cornel is a strong supporter of an age old philosophy -- The Dirtier the uniform, the better.

That strategy has paid off so far for Cornel and the Tropics. Recent signings have proven that not only are the Tropics in the mood to compete soon, but also that they aren't the team sitting alone that no one wants to play for. With a couple big-name additions and some smaller pieces to the bullpen, the Tropics are looking up in the Pacific. The Tropics finished 12-12 in Spring Training, including a 5 game winning streak in which they outscored their opponent 38-15. Spring Training really allowed a few players to step into the spotlight, including 3B Robb Wells who hit .347 with a pair of homeruns and 11 RBI. RF Silas Camarena who hit .361 with an amazing .988 OBP. The Pitching Staff wasn't too shabby either, with RP Alfosno Avalos leading the way, posting a 2.96 ERA in 24.3 IP. Tropics pitching star Freddi Bilbao had a lights out spring-training, with just a 0.45 ERA in 20 IP with just 9 Hits Against.

The Tropics as well as Cornel were very delighted by the showing this spring, "It was good for everyone to get together, play some ball and get to know the ins and outs of Tropic Baseball. The guys had some time to gel, some time to relax and get back into the groove of playing ball. I can tell you now, that the Tropics are going to surprise some people this season, we have the pieces needed to compete and quite possibly make it into the post-season this year."

We can only hope Mr. Cornel.

~~~

Season Preview

Pitching: Freddy Bilbao will once again anchor the rotation. After stellar numbers in Spring Training, he's the real only #1 Option the Tropics have for their opening day starter. Remington Little had a decent Spring Training and will be the #2 Starter. The other's in the rotation are somewhat decided but there can be some leniancy between the 3, 4 and 5 spots. The Tropics went out and spent some money for their bullpen this last offseason, the bullpen will be lead by Mark Dewey who is an experienced arm in the offseason. Closing for the Tropics is Leo Lopez, a fierce pitcher who had 27 saves last season for the Tropics.

Infield: SS Tim McGraw is an attraction in this little-known infield. McGraw has spent 4 seasons with the Tropics, his numbers staying relatively average throughout the years. 3B Robb Wells had a great spring, leading the team in hits and average. With Wells being in a contract year, it'll be interesting to see how the 26 year old plays. C Robin Larker was a major offensive signing this off-season and will be a major part of the team's offense with a projected 20 HR and 60 RBI. The other major off-season signing is 1B David Smurf who is just 5 Homeruns from 400. Smurf is the only player on the Tropics roster to average 35 Homeruns, and 120 RBI.

Outfield The outfield in the trickiest part for the Tropics come this season, with a rotating group of centerfielders. Left Field is manned by Daniel Fabiano who played almost every imaginable position for Hawaii last year. Right Field has 27 Year Old Silas Camarena to patrol its grounds, Silas had a great spring and is looking to carry the momentum into the regular season. Center field will be a hodge podge group it seems, with Clark Devereaux, Mark Gosselaar and Jorge Abad taking turns until a solid starter is found.

The Tropics have some great potential in this group of homegrown stars and free-agent signings. We are expecting the Tropics to finish the season 85-77 and finish 2nd in the Pacific. Good Luck Tropics!

[felipe]

Good luck in 98! If you're looking for bullpen help, I got DiPoto and Olin available for prospects.

[recte44]

Big power additions to the lineup, but the pitching still will be this clubs downfall.

[scottsdale_joe]

Ugh, you won three out of four me in Vancouver.
Stay tuned for revenge.