2042 - California Crusaders

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2042 - California Crusaders

Post by CTBrewCrew » Sun Mar 29, 2020 11:33 am

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By Javaris Jamar Javarison-Lamar | JavarisJamarJavarison-Lamar@3Wolves.net

I got a call from an old friend who I went to college with back at Northwestern. We met in our first class in the school of journalism. She told me she wanted to try something new for her paper the Sacramento State University Press, how could I say no to an old friend? “I’d like to propose we review each other local BBA Franchise, from an outsiders view. Whadda think?" She’s also won 2 Pulitzers’, it would be career suicide to say no. I told my boss at the @3Wolves.net (the online Digital Media conglomerate) and I booked the first flight to Sacramento.

Thanks to the complimentary in-flight Wi-Fi I was able to do some homework on the Crusaders. But where to start? How about at the beginning? California was one of original franchise in the BBA, the BBAs version of the “Original Six”, a franchise that has never moved or renamed in its 70-year history. They have had some great players in their day from the likes of Billy Wilson, Jon McNecirty, the Joe “Secret” Weapon, and Felix “Hurricane” Pan, and continue to have a loyal and ravenous fan-base. Its been rumor the Oakland Raiders famous “Black Hole” originated with the Crusaders back in the 70’s.

But enough about the past, this is about what your California Crusaders are going to do in 2042!

Coming off a 95-67 season, good enough for two games back of the upstart Mounties, the team faced the 3rd place Valencia Stars in the first round of the playoffs. The results were not as Crusaders fans had hoped, dropping the series 3-1. Still a good season, and this team doesn’t need a complete over hall to contend again.

Losing only 3 players in the off-season, none of which were full-time (Coujou to LV, Change CHI, and Martin, who they just turned around and re-signed), GM Shoeless quickly worked the phones to sign on-par replacement players, and a Rule-5 from Brooklyn to boot. Of the signings Wolves fans are very familiar with Dalrymple. A solid player while in Madison, he could never seem to find his place in Vegas, posting a .269/.325/.793 slash in his season and a half, far below his career averages. Yes, he did get a ring in his time there, but both sides decided to part ways soon after. This could be a huge signing if the 29yo comes back to form and improve back to his ~3.0 WAR per year. The interesting off-season pickup is Rule-5 Player CF Sixto Padilla. This kid definitely has some speed to cover the OF 10/11/9 ratings (Rng/Err/Arm) in the bigs.

I don’t think they expect Padilla to produce much this season, but the 22yo Round 12 2038 draft pick has only made it as high as A ball. A career 6.9 WAR in the minors, my hunch is they signed this kid for the long hall. California has enough talent/depth on this roster to let this kid ride the pine and get the occasional start / PH / Def Sub, etc. With last years starter Po-SIn Shi (another player with Brooklyn roots) firmly entrenched, and the offseason signing of Dalrymple this seem more likely. He does fit the Crusader mold for fast, "range-ie" outfielders.
Besides the addition of Darlymple, I don’t see this line-up / starting 9 changing much at all from their 2041 campaign. It was a solid group finishing in 3rd in AVG, tied for 3rd in OBP, and 5th in OBPS in the division.

As for pitching, California has seemed to avoid any major set-backs in Spring Training as far as injuries go. Their 5 starters are back from 2041, Gracia (L), Morales, Ramos (L), Garcia, and Andres (L), three combining for 33 starts each, and all 5 averaging 172 innings. Due to injuries, I don’t see much shake up in this rotation as the season progresses. Plus the fact they contribute a combined 51M towards the cap!

As mentioned earlier Coupe (51.2 IP) wasn’t a big loss. The signing of 29yo Juan Guerrero in FA for 3.6M (175.1 IP in AAA) last season, gives them a suitable replacement in the bullpen and an occasional spot starter if needed. Their closer role will once again be Maro Vitalle’s to lose. Coming off his 19 save outing last season he’s got a pretty good hold on it.

It’s going to be another dog fight in the Pacific this year, with the emergence of Vancouver, and a resurgent Valencia & Seattle. But with the talent this team has (and avoiding any season ending injuries to their starters), I see California winning the Pacific this season, getting a first-round bye and hosting in the Doubleday Series.

My prediction for the Crusaders in 2042 --- 94-68.
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Re: 2042 - California Crusaders

Post by Jwalk100 » Sun Mar 29, 2020 12:04 pm

Stunning banner and even better preview.
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Re: 2042 - California Crusaders

Post by shoeless.db » Sun Mar 29, 2020 12:09 pm

Thanks for the review. Our media team has already printed out numerous copies and taped them all over David Simpson’s locker since there’s no mention of him in it. Hopefully, it adds a little fuel to his fire.
Sacramento Mad Popes (unretired)
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-- BBA Champion 2053
-- Pacific Champs 2040, 2042, 2043, 2047, 2048, 2049, 2051, 2053, 2054
Life is a bit more beautiful when time is measured by the half inning rather than the half hour.

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Re: 2042 - California Crusaders

Post by RonCo » Sun Mar 29, 2020 1:40 pm

The banner is worth the price of admission.
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Re: 2042 - California Crusaders

Post by jleddy » Sun Mar 29, 2020 7:02 pm

RonCo wrote:
Sun Mar 29, 2020 1:40 pm
The banner is worth the price of admission.
To which French yelled down to Simpson "Your mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries!"
"My $#!? doesn't work in the playoffs." - Billy Beane Joe Lederer

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Re: 2042 - California Crusaders

Post by HoosierVic » Mon Mar 30, 2020 5:00 pm

Are you suggesting coconuts migrate?

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