On the Lam, 58.3 - Batter of the Year

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The Outlaws finished 74-88 in what was a rebuilding year for their finances. The team started last offseason in deep financial woes and that determined the focus for this season which was to minimize the salaries on the books and bring in some well known players to boost the attendance and marketing of the team. Long story short is winning took a back seat to the long term goals. Having said all of that, there were some great performances by the Outlaws this season.

BATTER OF YEAR

Patrick Strolz

The unquestionable leader at the plate going into this season was Patrick Strolz. The 33 year old left fielder went into the 2058 season as the best batter for the Outlaws since Majid “Big Papi” bin Husam was traded the previous season. Strolz was entering his 7th season with the Outlaws and his 13th overall as a professional. The vet was tasked with concentrating solely at the plate as he was shifted from left field to DH for the entire season. He reacted extremely well and slashed .343/37/118 for easily the best season of his career. He earned 6.5 WAR on the season playing 27 games in the field, 20 at left and 7 at right where he was net plus in both zone rating and efficiency. All in all he played in 161 of the team’s 162 games. Strolz also stole 24 bases in 34 attempts and notched 103 runs, his best total as a BBA player.

SECOND PLACE
CF Shafiq Zahir – Zahir was an offseason acquisition to play center and had a solid first season with the Outlaws. He totaled .223/36/94 and had 17 stolen bases, all career bests for him.

THIRD PLACE
C Paul Hovis – Hovis had a great season as a platoon option at catcher. He totaled .291/17/47 and played his way into serious consideration for the full time position next season.