WHIV 1999 Vol 5- Pos. Players Preview

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The Hustlers did some tinkering in the offseason to try and shore up some weaknesses in their offense. Though they didn't make the "big splash" they expected, these moves should be enough to show an improvement in the offense for 1999.

Catcher:
Veteran Riley Hinson is 31 years old and beginning to fade a bit, but the Hustlers count on him as their team leader. He's now more of a #8 hitter than a #2/#5 guy, and that's the role he'll play. His defense is fading a bit but he can still play the position. Nicolas Kuffrey will get most of the starts against LHP to get his bat in the lineup. After last years breakthrough Kuffrey now wants to be a starting player, which might ultimately lead to a trade. Jean-Claude India is the Hustlers super utility man, and while he remains the third catcher, it appears he'll see more time in the outfield at least until the Hustlers would swing any deals that would allow them more roster flexibility.

Infield:
The Hustlers hemmed and hawed at the decision throughout the winter, but ultimately decided it was high time to give rookie Reginald Harnois a full time job, and they did so by handing him a first basemans mitt. He'll play everyday, and get every chance to establish himself here. His bat gives the Hustlers lineup a bit more pop, which was one of the things that led to their poor one run game record last year and -9 pyth. Brent Gates, 2nd in the Frick in RBI last year, remains the second baseman. However, he's a FA at the end of the season and the Hustlers have been through several series of contract extension talks with him but the two parties remain far apart. There is every chance that Gates could be dealt this year, however it is more likely the Hustlers will keep him for 1999 and let him walk taking compensation picks in return. Sophomore Donald Noboru will play every day at shortstop. He led the Hustlers in batting average in his rookie year, and the Hustlers expect he'll continue to improve. Randy Square has been the Hustlers main power source the past two years, and continues to be entrenched at third base. The strong bench is featured by veteran Jonathan Noon and exciting Rule 5 draftee Lamont Poper.

Outfield:
The outfield is a mix and match affair. The only full time starter is Monty Lynch. Lynch established himself as a left fielder last season, and is slated to split time between left and center at least at the beginning of the season. Dean Rodrigez, one of the MBBA's more underrated players, gets the nod in center field against righties, while last minute addition Dwight Smith will start in right field against righties. To begin the season, Jean-Claude India will play left field against lefties...but this is only until some roster management issues get cleaned up, at which point India will return to a strict utility role. Veteran hit machine Daron McNair starts in right field against LHP, but is also on the trading block.

Depth:
You had 16 HR, 60 RBI, batted .284/.414/.447 last year for the Hustlers and what does that get you? If you're Jose Aguirre, because you had an option year it got you a ticket to AAA Milwaukee. In the same boat was outfielder Jimmy Slizz. He was slated to play CF full time, but Smith's signing changed that. Las Vegas will work to get a roster spot for him so that he can play at least against LHP, moving India back to the bench and Lynch back to LF where he belongs. Jorge Sanchez played awfully well when Hinson was hurt last year, and has a future at catcher in the major leagues. So too does up and coming Desi Stanley, who looks to ascend to AAA this year and will compete with Sanchez for playing time. Phillipe LaRouche is the guy that will make Brent Gates expendable. He's going to get extended playing time at shortstop while in AAA this year, as he could kick Noboru over to 2B when that move becomes necessary. 4C Chuck Adolph failed to establish himself last season, he was waived and unclaimed. His defense is poor, and he's a poor man's Jose Aguirre, and cant hit lefties at all. Lots of warts, but should be able to rake righties and that's 70% of the league, so who knows what his future holds. Could start for half the MBBA if he had a position.

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