Season Preview
Catcher-
Augusto Vargas- In his first year coming over in the Larry Stinson deal (pawning), some thought Vargas might be ready to take another jump forward after his breakout 2047 season. Instead, he leveled off with roughly the same production, which along with his above average defense makes him a serviceable starting backstop.
1st base-
The time is now for uber-prospect Majid Bin Husam. It was a peculiar year last year. In 237 AB's with the big club, Bin Husam could never quite gain traction, which prompted a midseason demotion. It's been clear from comments made this Winter that the plan is to put his name in pen in the opening day lineup and leave it there.
2nd base-
Billy McKay- You've heard of the sophomore slump? What is the reverse called? McKay, perhaps pushed earlier than his time in 2047 during a mediocre rookie campaign, started to show the talent in 2048 which made team officials see him as part of the starting infield for years to come. Perhaps the most telling stat between the two seasons is that the 6'4", 200 lb talent produced 29 more extra base hits than in his rookie campaign. Whether or not he has another production jump in him remains to be seen.
3rd base-
Alfredo Rosas was extended last season in what was a major commitment to the star third basemen. His offensive production has been remarkably consistent, blasting 25+ homers in 5 of the past 6 seasons and 75+ RBI in six consecutive seasons. The 28 year old already has accumulated over 1,000 career hits and will likely pass the 200 HR mark in 2049.
Shortstop-
Ignacio Venegas, like Vargas, also came over for Larry Stinson. Like Vargas, he was serviceable for the Outlaws in 2048. The troubling piece though is Venegas' value and reputation is as one of the league's better shortstop defenders but he posted a zone rating ten points lower than his career high, continuing a trend of four consecutive seasons with decreasing defensive metric stats.
Left Field-
Lucio De La Cruz was the prized acquisition of the Outlaw's offseason, and he brings with him 346 career bombs, with 6 seasons of 40+ on his impressive resume. The corner OF tandem, at least offensively, may just be the class of the BBA.
Center Field-
When Outlaw management traded star outfielder Todd Rice, the only real organizational option was Kratvanga Thirunavu. The 22 year old locked down the position for the immediate future, pounding out 41 extra base hits in just 383 at bats.
Right Field-
The reigning Sawyer Silk and Charles Puckett award winner Pedro Bustamante may have nowhere to go but down after his massive 2048 offensive output of .372/.425/.681 with 41 homers and a career high 101 RBI. At just 28 years old, he may just be entering the prime of his career.
Designated Hitter-
Antonio Martinez exploded upon the BBA scene, averaging 42 jacks over his first three seasons. He has since become a more modest run producer, but still drove in over 100 runs as recently as 2046 and he popped 23 homers last year.
Bench
The backup catcher spot will be an open competition between Johnny O'Rourke and Guo-qing Zhi. Similarly, the main backup infield position will be a battle between incumbent Walton Gomez and non roster invitee Rhys Cripps. Lee Hogan looks to make the jump from A ball to the BBA to become the fourth outfielder, which also highlights the weak organizational depth in the outfield depth.
Rotation-
The duo of Ricardo Rivera and Ruben Vasquez are still at the forefront of the San Antonio hopes, and both pitchers are still relatively young despite their impressive list of accomplishments thus far. The issue is health, and both pitchers have already experienced significant injuries in recent years. A completely healthy season for the two would go a long way to improving the Outlaws hope to return to a playoff spot. Rounding out the rotation will be Juan Marroquin, long on talent but short on production, Marroquin looks to realize his considerable potential. Lefthander Mark Thomas was perhaps the teams second most consistent and reliable starter in 2048 and will return to the rotation. The fifth spot is intriguing. Melvin Simpson followed up two solid seasons in the rotation with a disastrous 2048 which found him demoted to the bullpen. Then there is the young stud Brody Picot. Picot pitched the entirety of 2048 at AAA and impressed. It appears he is ready for the big time, but the Outlaws have the luxury to ease him in out of the bullpen if Simpson can return to form.
Bullpen
The Outlaws bullpen sports a solid mix of above average arms from the right side, but there isn't that one or two elite lockdown options. Gilberto Cruz has 41 saves over the past two seasons and figures to return to the primary closer role. Raul Garcia is another high leverage right hander. There is then a glut of similarly talented guys in Walt King, Gary Powers, Jed Flores, Andres Salinas, Agniruha Gaekwad, and Toshikazu Sardinha. Lefthanders Marcos Rivas and Jorge Quinones will likely vie to be the bullpen's sole lefthander. The bullpen enjoys solid depth but there may not be enough shutdown arms to make up a bullpen capable of carrying a team to a playoff shot.
San Antonio Outlaws-2049
GM: Tim Meseck
Moderator: trmmilwwi
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