2062 in Review
W-L: 73-89
Pythag: 83-79
xW-xL: 82-80
Runs Scored: 767
Runs Allowed: 751
Atlantic City was middle-of-the-pack at scoring runs and run prevention and their 2062 record should have been closer to .500. They were 19th in the league in total WAR. Unfortunately for the Gamblers, they played in one of the better divisions I've ever seen in the Brewster and finished seventh in the Atlantic. The division doesn't look any easier in 2063, with the GM of the one team that finished behind them claiming he's going to win 82 games.
BATTERS
ATC brought in a better defensive catcher with their free agent signing of Abid Kakakhel. There's some upside with the 27 year-old switch hitter, as he's a few years removed from a couple of 3+ WAR campaigns. However, current scouting aligns with the recent decline in production. If things break the team's way, they should consider starting the clock on 20 year-old Jesus Durango.
Of last year's approximately 20 position player WAR, about 15 came from their four best infielders. Michael Pedarzolli is now playing in the GBC, which means starting first baseman is up for grabs. Masahiko Harada will get first crack after averaging 28 homers and 92 RBI per season over the last four years with Cape Fear. Veteran OBP specialist Bane McCoy will be the other side of that position's platoon.
The middle infield is the team's strength. Second base is handled by Mr. .812 OPS (his production all three seasons of his career so far) Javier Aguilar, who at 23 years old probably hasn't played his best baseball yet and could easily pop off for 30 or more home runs.
The shortstop is defensive wizard Jafar Seif al Din. The double play duo is pretty much a lock to produce 8+ WAR. While he's still developing, Johnny Lazer is ready to step in if the opportunity comes knocking.
The hot corner is where you'll find Mauro Diaz. He took a small step backwards in 2062, but at 25 years old and no warning signs on the scouting front there's no reason to believe he can't get back to playing 3 WAR baseball. Former Charm City rookie sensation Izz al Din bin Riyad was brought in via trade to back up second base and third base.
The outfield was a mess; that is until Atlantic City acquired Wilson Prieto from Cobble Hill. With a move to left field and protection from a platoon partner there's a reasonable expectation Prieto can get back to being a solidly above average bat for the Gamblers in the leadoff spot.
Vandika Zadoyan will once again spend his sophomore season out of position--his -20 ZR in center field last year wasn't enough to motivate the front office to find a replacement and I don't see any internal candidates. The 22 year-old's bat should improve though and get him above replacement level.
Right field is also a returning player in Carlos Allen. He's still young and he once offered serious home run power but the scouts have cooled on his game and he's better served as Prieto's platoon mate.
When he's healthy Okyay Nisanci will DH. When he's not it presents an opportunity for Bane McCoy to scoop up more playing time. When McCoy is also predictably hurt, the spot could go to still underdeveloped slugger Andres Gonzales.
PITCHERS
The Gamblers' ace is the 2062 Nebraska winner in the JL, Brian Whitford. He's not overpowering for a Nebraska caliber arm but he limits walks and home runs at an elite level. It's the kind of approach that should age well for the 25 year-old.
The number two starter, lefty Dewey McKim, was no slouch last year either. He threw 182 innings of 3.56 ERA baseball. McKim's ratings indicate that may have been a career season, but most BBA teams would be happy with McKim as a MOR starter.
Positioned as their third starter but probably the second most talented is rookie sensation Angel Medina. There isn't a gap in the 22 year-old southpaw's scouting report other than that age and the fact he's untested. Medina was dominant between A and AA in 2062.
The third lefty in four rotation spots is 37 year-old veteran John Avery. He's been a serviceable BOR starter for a couple of years.
The last turn in the rotation will belong to Kent Johnson. He was pretty good in 2061 but has been otherwise mediocre throughout his career. I would push 22 year-old Ray Allard to get ready quickly in case Johnson falters. Like Medina, Allard hasn't pitched above AA. Last year's first round draft pick, Luis Durham, could also be ready by midseason.
The front office must view starting pitching as a strength because they currently have Harry King slated for a bullpen role despite two years as an effective starting pitcher. King should pitch well regardless of his role and it's true the team needs help in relief. Jesus Martinez will return as closer where he's been highly effective despite shaky control. Faddei Popleteev is an arm to watch if he can develop, as are rookies Tom Brothers and (my personal favorite) George Vallis. Former first overall pick Seth Weller might also contribute, although he still has a shot at being a starter if he ever fully develops.
KURT'S PREDICTION: 85-77
It's difficult to imagine the infield not being a highly productive unit once again in 2063. Catcher is a relatively weak position, and while there is some upside the team looks one true center fielder away from having something in the outfield. It would be huge for this team to be able to slide Zadoyan over to right field.
The starting pitching will be great if Atlantic City can quickly figure out if the young guys are ready and give them most of the starts. That should hopefully shift some of the rotation depth to the bullpen to give them an interesting mix of effectively wild youngsters and wily veterans who pitch to contact in front of their great infield defense.
I can't fully trust their lack of outfield depth, so many rookie pitchers, and a modest looking bullpen. This is a good team, but it's going to be an incredibly competitive Johnson League wild card landscape and I see the 2063 Gamblers barely on the outside looking in.
Watch out for these guys in 2064 and beyond though. This is a young team that keeps getting better.
