64.006 | Five Questions For 2064

[RonCo]

Off Topic

CAN KRILL KOMPETE FOR THE KROWN IN 2064


December 1, 2063 With Winter Meetings approaching, and the buzz of another failed SPET performance fading into the dross, Bikinin fans and pundits are pulling up a seat around the beach fire and taking stock. What, they wonder, will 2065 portend? Can the club repeat their 89-victory season, and, in fact, could this be the year they breach the surface and find their way into the hallowed lands of the '90s? Could this team take the Pacific Division?

Or, are we in line for another yo-yo down year?

At present, we've got five open questions that will likely go a long way toward answering them. Let's take a look at the five:


Question 1: Exactly How Good Is The Rotation?

Does 2064 Find
Worboys an Ace?

During the Klub's hottest month--August, where they 20-9, and looked like they could run away with the crown--the rotation, specifically including precocious rookie Paul Glass, was sizzling. The bats went away for a bit in September, though, and the club faded to second place. Arturo Meza, however, remained rock-solid (finishing the season having risen to #14 on the somewhat dubious Game Score rankings), as did Takashi Nakamura. Paul Worboys looked like a possible star (an idea cemented by a star-making complete game when the season was on the line. Rookie lefty Nelson Williams just stayed consistent all season.

At question, however, is how real was that? Specifically in Glass's case. The man's fastball cannot break a pane of himself. Can he keep getting people out? His ERA in the last three months was 3.38. He finish his the whole season with a FIP- of 93.

One suspects Meza and Nakamura will step back a notch simply because their stretch performance was a bit better than their history suggests. But if Worboys, Williams, and Glass all grow in a normal path, the collective could be better. If not, well ...

That's why this is Question #1.


Question 2: Does the Team Have a Center Field Problem?

AAH's Healthy Return
Would Be Nice

On July 4th, while Americans were busy celebrating the independence they once had, the Bikini fans were greeted with news that their team had a problem in center field. Amin Abdul-Halim cracked his kneecap, and that was that. At the time, AAH was patrolling the outfield with a positive zone rating, blasting homers and doubles, and getting on base at a respectable .319 clip. While not Bayou numbers, it was good enough for 2.0 WAR through that time.

Rookie Ramon Sanz came up from Pasco, and while he had some breathtaking moments, he was clearly not ready.

Doctors say Abdul-Halim is healed now. But (1) is he? And (2) at 26, will he come back to full powers? Obviously, the faithful hope the answer is yes. But if not, the team still has a problem at center field.


Is Felix Moreno For Real?

Will Felix Have
9 Lives, or Just 1?

Probably the most pleasant surprise of the year, 22-year-old Felix Moreno (drafted in the second round of the 2062 draft) burst upon the scene in the middle of the year and set about posting a 2.7 WAR stat line in 78 starts. His defense in left field was above average, his 29 doubles came paired with 6 homers, and a .312/.359/.470 slash. He was versatile enough in the outfield to hold down the CF slot (albeit for very short stints).

His numbers across the minors suggest the kid knows how to hit. But is this real, or was that a flash in the pan?

It's of note that Moreno, who comes from the franchise's hometown of Seattle, is known to be a bit of a head case. Word is that manager Kate Fiscus has taken it upon herself to keep Moreno motivated through the off-season, which makes sense. If the kid hits like that, her job gets easier.

Speaking of which ....


Question 4: Is Fiscus the Manager To Take The Krill Over the Line?

Kate Fiscus made double history when she took the Krill job, becoming the first clone and first female to Field General a BBA team. She's been to the postseason in two of those three years, missing out in a 2062 season that fans consider a debacle. To a player, the team says they love her and that they consider playing with her to be a great perk of being with the team. But is she one of those managers who tease her fans by bringing them right to the edge, but not letting them slip over?

We're going to find out.

Fiscus, who had been in her last year, signed a long-term deal that will presumably relieve any pressure she might have been feeling.

"We wanted Kate to be able to focus on putting the best product on the field," said assistant GM Monica Green. "Now she can keep all her energy on keeping the players happy and loose."


Question 5: Will the Real Bottom of the Bullpen Please Step Up?

Everyone knows the righty/lefty pair of Winston Morris and Enrique Villarreal is going to be among the best relievers in baseball. And if Tony Vasquez's rookie season was any indicator, he's right behind. The problem is that 2063 saw the rest of the bullpen do a good job of playing peek-a-boo. Felix Vidaca lost his mojo, saying he'd prefer to start. Bain Capps got hurt early and never really showed up. Michael Kichida is turning into a personality of sorts, hosting golf tournaments and doing all the schmoozing, but his 5.40 ERA is cause for no little concern. John Hurry was the usual John Hurry, but while eating his innings is helpful, that's not the guy you plan to pin all your hopes on.

Conversation continues about whether to push either Herman Deckard or Steve Truss full-time into the pen rather than use them as swingmen, something that might make sense if Paul Glass is a real starter (or if prospects Jose Guevara or Jacky Lavergne are ready).

If the bottom of the pen can hold its ground, this could be a stellar pitching staff.

If not, well, welcome to the yo-yo year.

[BaseClogger]

First, second, and third base all look like bigger question marks for me than who your manager is going to be.

[RonCo]

I was pretty happy with my 1B by committee approach last year, especially once I went with Swamy as the LHB. I also rolled Mellott to 1B and used Louganis at 2B in the late innings, and that seemed to be pretty good defensively. But I expect Juan Ramos and Felix Moreno to play a lot of games at first again, this year.

Mellott is an offensive question, I guess. But not really. Once I stopped expecting him to be the Pucket winner kind of player, I saw him for the bat he is, which is a solid, slightly above average bat with a .350 OBP, and that plays. If he does his standard 110 OPS+, we're good.

I wouldn't mind finding a thumping LHB who can field at 3B, and maybe Harry Casey will be there by the end of the year. But I still think the Manuel Martinez/Isaac Buggins pair works okay. I figure Buggins has to be better than his -4.7 ZR last year. It's got to be sample-size related, right? Please tell me I'm right? Ultimately, this is where we feel the development loss of Benji Amberman the most.

[RonCo]

If I want to dig a little into the organization, I could see Hector Jimenez playing some first base up from Pasco, too. We'll see. Lots of options.

[BaseClogger]

I didn’t recognize that Ramos/Moreno played 1B so yeah you have a bunch of options there to help clear a crowded corner outfield.

Agreed Buggins will be better although I’m less confident he can become an everyday player than I was last winter. That third base duo is adequate for your weakest position on the field.

I’m convinced Mellott is gonna fall apart soon but I reckon Louganis is better than he played in 2063.

[RonCo]

I hope we need Mellott to last just this year as a useful player.

[RonCo]

In my best dreams Ken Haupt (3B) and Mitku Ndururi (2B) grow like mad this year.

[BaseClogger]

There’s a guy in yer farm for every position, that’s for sure. I’m hoping it takes those infielders a couple of years haha

[Trebro]

Pitching is the real wild card IMO. so much changes year to year. if they hold you're golden. if enough struggle dlr whatever reason it will make it hard to keep up with Hawaii