Boardwalk Empire - 2046.4 - Season in Review

[Joshua Biddle]

2046 Season in Review - Atlantic City Gamblers

The Atlantic City Gamblers finished the 2046 season 78-84 (.481), finishing 6th of 8 in the Johnson League Atlantic Division. The Gamblers finished 20 games back of the division lead and 7 games out of the final Johnson League wildcard spot. The 78-84 finish is the Gamblers' third consecutive losing season, although they have improved their win total for a second consecutive season (69 wins in 2044, 73 wins in 2045).

Offensively, the Gamblers posted respectable numbers, ranking 5th in the Johnson League in runs scored (763). The team ranked 12th in batting average (.265), 12th in on-base percentage (.320), 5th in slugging percentage (.451), 7th in OPS (.770), 4th in extra base hits (572), 5th in home runs (208), 10th in walks (432), 13th in strikeouts (1,131), tied for 7th in stolen bases (130), and 3rd in baserunning (+8.9). The statistics and rankings imply an ability to score runs, but also significant shortcomings in the ability to hit for average and get on base consistently, which explains inconsistency in the team's overall performance. The team's strengths included extra base hits and power, and therefore, were able to score runs in chunks. Left fielder Juan Rivera (.316/.389/.611, 45 HR, 113 RBI) continued to thrive in the heart of the order for the Gamblers while displaying a Diamond Glove caliber performance in left field; center field Cinema Jones (.288/.338/.500, 27 HR, 74 RBI) continued to show improvement in his third BBA season; and outfielder José Valentín (.280/.349/.499, 17 HR, 55 RBI) provided surprise production after right fielder José Romero was lost with injury for a considerable period of time.

As has become routine in Atlantic City, pitching rankings leave much to be desired, ranking 10th in the Johnson League in runs allowed (776; -13 differential). The Gamblers ranked 10th in ERA (4.50), 10th in starters' ERA (4.60), 10th in bullpen ERA (4.31), 12th in hits allowed (1,581), 12th in opponents' average (.281), 10th in home runs allowed (195), 9th in walks (428), and 7th in strikeouts (1,025). Left-handed starting pitcher Carlos Flores (14-10, 4.18 ERA, 1.19 WHIP) saw an increase in ERA, but continued to show the strikeout proficiency (11.3 K/9) that has made him a fan favorite to watch. SP Thiongo Amir (10-8, 3.83 ERA, 1.41 WHIP) made a successful return to the Gamblers' rotation, and free agent acquisition closer Augate Balum (3-10, 3.94 ERA, 1.43 WHIP) led the BBA with 36 saves.

Of note, the Gamblers' defensive statistics were very concerning, ranking 13th in the Johnson League in defensive efficiency (.674) and 16th in zone rating (-39.8). The metrics are enough to justify questions as to just how much pitcher performance was impacted, and the improvement of the team's overall defense is an apparent priority for the upcoming offseason.

Entering the offseason, the Gamblers have five players set to hit free agency -- catcher Randy Bader (.183/.266/.340, 7 HR, 31 RBI), first baseman António Martínez (.279/.319/.500, 29 HR, 109 RBI), second baseman Keith Dean (.251/.293/.391, 8 HR, 30 RBI), outfielder Stewart Illingworth (.277/.337/.451, 15 HR, 60 RBI), and right-handed relief pitcher Adam Barnard (2-2, 3.46 ERA, 1.31 WHIP). In addition, the team has a $5 million team option for 2047 on right-handed closer Augate Balun (3-10, 36 saves, 3.94 ERA, 1.43 WHIP) and a $7.5 million team option for 2047 on right-handed relief pitcher Norm McConnell (3-3, 5.87 ERA, 1.59 WHIP).