TVT 2044.7 - Opening Day Roster

[StormZ_23]

It's a new season and there are a few new guys on the roster. Mounties fans are begging for playoff baseball. 2041 seems like it was a decade ago. If the Mounties finish under .500 once again, it's possible that manager Marco Goodwin will be on the way out, despite signing a big extension a couple of seasons ago. Although, this secretly could be a positive thing, since there have been reports that top free agents have refused meetings with the Mounties because they do not like Goodwin. But, we are not trying to be pessimistic. It's a new season and there is a slightly new roster. Let's check it out.

27 Man Roster:

Catchers:
Hank Brewer
Gary Bryant

Brewer is way past his prime at this point and he hasn't been that great recently. But, we're sure he can benefit from sitting at the #8 spot in this lineup. Gary Bryant is out of option years and is reliable behind the plate. That's why he's on the roster.

Infielders:
1B Alejandro Ortiz
1B/DH Emilio Lugo
2B Jose Silva
SS Carlos Martinez
SS Roberto Beltran
3B David Noboru

This is Ortiz' 5th season with the team. In 2043, he played his most games as a Mountie with 145 games played. He's a great fielder and he crushes right handed pitching. Although, if the Mounties are clearly out of the playoff picture by mid-season, don't be surprised if Ortiz is on the trade block. Lugo was brought in recently on a minor league contract. He's not a good fielder, so it seems he was brought in for his bat, likely as a backup DH. Another recent acquisition, this time by trade, is Jose Silva. Silva will likely be the team's starting second baseman. The Mounties have been working a merry-go-round in the middle infield for the past few seasons. Clearly, they needed to bring someone else in. Martinez and Beltran are back too. Martinez had a surprisingly solid season last year, so look for him to be the starting shortstop. Beltran has gotten his chance as hitter, but it's clear he is more valuable as a defensive replacement around the infield. Finally, we have David Noboru. "The Kid" had low expectations in his first full season with the Mounties3. A slump in September brought his WAR under 2.0, but he was a welcome surprise.

Outfielders:
LF Fernando Castillo
LF/DH Brad Parkinson
CF Angel Gonzalez
CF Ricardo Yanez
CF Pancho Copodo
RF Jeffrey Smith

We all know about most of these guys. Castillo is the team leader. 2043 was his best season to date. If the front office wants the fans behind them, they need to make sure they re-sign Castillo. Same story with Gonzalez. While he may never top his incredible 2041 Silk season, he is still a fan favorite for good reason. Smith was just re-signed to a team friendly 6 year extension that starts this season. Like Castillo, Smith impressed in 2043 and will look to do the same for many years to come. Parkinson is the team's top prospect and will be looking to take over the everyday DH role. He has great power and OBP potential. Now, we have a couple new guys. Yanez was traded to the Mounties in 2043 and he performed very well in AA. He can play every outfield position and even some infield positions. He's a decent hitter and can fly around the basepaths. He's the 4th outfielder this team has needed for years. Pancho Copodo is likely the 27th man on the roster. He doesn't have 1 specific tool that scouts marvel over. So, don't be surprised if he's up and down between AAA and the BBA this year.

Starting Rotation:
Lando Klomp
Miguel Ayala
Gustavo Hernandez
Daniel Avila
Richie Vanness

Klomp has one of the most team friendly contracts in the BBA. 2043 was his best season since he was traded to the team. He's not a #1 on a playoff team, but he is reliable. Ayala and Hernandez are pretty similar. Both mid-rotation arms that have held their own in the league, but they haven't been stars. Avila is entering his second full BBA season. The former 1st rounder will look to keep the walks and home runs down and try to bump up his strikeout numberswi. Former top prosepct Richie Vanness will be finally getting his chance in the majors. It has been a long road for Vanness, it's worthy of a documentary. Expect an interview with him sometime this season. Vanness has 4 solid pitches. He doesn't have overpowering stuff and he has average movement and control. But, that should be enough to be successful in Vancouver.

Bullpen:
Raul Silva
Angel Romero
Raul De Jesus
Pepe Flores
Bill Pidduck
Ignacio Castaneda
Raul Garcia
Angel Herrera

This bullpen is not as bad as it has been the past couple of seasons. Silva hasn't stuck in the rotation, so he may be better suited as a long reliever. Same story with Romero. Although, it's more likely the team is giving Vanness a chance in the rotation and is putting Romero in a middle relief role as a result. Romero can definitely still be a valuable asset. De Jesus has been injured so many times at this point it's difficult to keep track. He's a solid left handed specialist, but we will be surprised if he stays healthy throughout the whole season. Pidduck made a big improvement in 2043, so let's hope he continues the upward trajectory. Castaneda and Flores were brought in as low risk free agent signings. The Mounties make these type of signings every year, so let's just hope that one of them can stick. Raul Garcia hasn't lived up to his potential. Once a highly touted prospect, he gives up way too many home runs for how much the Mounties rely on him. Let's hope he can find his footing. Finally we have Angel Herrera. He intrigued Mounties fans with a solid 2043 campaign. He needs to learn to control his pitches, but when he's on, he has some of the nastiest stuff in the league. We're excited to see what he can do this season.

We've been hearing the same story. "They underperformed last year, but this year will be different." Well, it's getting to the point where if this team finishes under .500 again, then some big moves will have to be made. Many experts believe this team has a chance for a wild card spot, but those same experts said the same last year too. Let's worry about that later and enjoy the new season.