Omaha Off-Season Outlook (2039.1). The Infield

[niles08]

In this 4 part series, we will take an in depth look covering the infield, outfield, starting pitching, along with the bullpen. We will look at what last season held for each of these areas, along with what that means for the off-season and the future of the club.

First, we will look at the infield.

Not a ton of change year over year, with the biggest change arguably being at the catcher position. In 2037, the Hawks had a mixture of Antonio Robles & Hank Brewer playing catcher, while in 2038 they had Dan Clapper start the season behind the plate before trading for all-star catcher John Hale.

The 24 year old Hale will surely start behind the plate for the club in 2039.

First base seems to be a lock with some mixture of Sergio Maldonado and Rafael Gonzalez. Gonzalez will likely find his starts in the DH spot, while Maldonado will flash his glove at first base just as he did in 2037 and 2038.

James Monger is the no-brainer at 2nd base, just as he has been since his debut in 2035, however the club moved him to shortstop for the latter half of the season last year and actually played Jimmy Starks Jr. at 2nd base. This could be the beginning of a domino series if it holds true in 2039 as Jimmy Starks opens center field by moving to 2nd base.

Let’s assume James Monger doesn’t play shortstop next season. This season’s top shortstop Max Hatcher is no longer with the club so one would assume that Jake Williams will be given the nod unless the club finds a shortstop in free agency.

Do we even need to discuss third base? Emilio Morales is as much of a lock as any player in the BBA to start at their position again. It’s a shame Morales wasn’t allowed to play shortstop in the minors because he probably would be there right now for the club. Many forget he was the 2nd baseman for the club his first 3 years in the BBA before Monger was called up in 2035.

So what does the off-season look like?

Well, the club’s need appears to be at shortstop, if you don’t think that James Monger is capable of handling the position. It’s worth noting the club also began prepping Bernardo Boullosa who his .301 and 41 home runs in AAA last season to play some 2nd base, however I think that the club wants Starks. Jr to move there as they have a certain top prospect who is knocking on the door and is an excellent center fielder.

[ae37jr]

Starks playing second should be interesting.

[RonCo]

Is a talented infield nonetheless.

[jleddy]

Starks playing second should be interesting.

It looks like it already has been!



I do applaud the out-of-the-box thinking.

[niles08]

For what it's worth Starks actually has an in game rating at SS of a 6 that for some reason doesn't show up in the HTML. Also for what it's worth...I don't have much intention of playing him there lol. I imagine he will end up shifting to one of the corner outfield spots when the time comes for Ordonez to get called up.

[ae37jr]

It's just odd to see a left handed middle infielder. But I suppose if he hits enough, who cares.

[jleddy]

It's just odd to see a left handed middle infielder. But I suppose if he hits enough, who cares.

Oh shit, there's the problem! I missed that quite-important fact.

if it looks like it isn't supposed to work, it probably doesn't...