2045 record: 63-99
2045 recap: The Kings struggled last year, especially offensively, but it can’t be easy sharing a division with the powerhouse staffs of the Pearls and Cedars. Raúl Hernández led the offense in most categories, but his defense at first base was so bad, his season WAR was -0.1. The pitching was a bit better, showing some real signs of life toward the end of the season, when 20-year-old Tai Minh bounced back from a torn meniscus to start 11 games for the Kings, posting a 3.36 ERA. Elliot Woodger was moved to the closer role, where he thrived, racking up 13 saves with a 2.91 ERA.
2046 outlook: Baghdad didn’t make as many moves this off-season, and are relying more on the continued development of their young prospects. They expect to get full seasons from both Minh and former first-round draft pick Allan Stallard, which should give them an immediate boost. #42 overall prospect Kyung-soo Yi should have a spot in the rotation as well this season, after a rocky rookie season spent mostly in the bullpen.
Behind them, it will be interesting to see if they give two-way player Fernando Rivera a shot in the rotation. He started five games for the Kings last year with mixed results, but they don’t have many better options for starters.
The bullpen will be held down by the 17-year-old incumbent Woodger, who has proven he can play in the big leagues, but might need to take a couple days off in May to go to his senior prom. Jean Kattenberg is a power lefty arm who can get guys out from both sides of the plate.
The development of their offense hinges on last year’s 2nd overall draft pick, Zephyr Orphanides. Last year was fairly forgettable for “The Greek Freak” — he started hot, but fell into a slump from which he never quite recovered. Critics are saying that he was rushed to the big leagues, jumping from college ball to the UMEBA in a single season, but GM Jose Gonzalez has been adamant that he’s the club’s starting center fielder.
Elsewhere in the lineup, the move of Hernández to the full-time DH role is addition by keeping him the hell off the field. Joey Newhouse will get more reps at first base this season; he and newly-signed shortstop Fernando Rodríguez will work wonders for the Kings’ groundballer-heavy pitching staff. And let’s not also forget that Minh can hit and play second base on days he isn’t pitching — with 6 home runs to his name so far in his young career, he could be an unexpected source of production for the Kings.
2046 prediction: 71-91. Stallard and Minh are big-league ready, but the pitching staff is very thin behind those two. Orphanides might not be ready, but they’re throwing him into the fire anyway. Such blind trust without any real backup plan is admirable in a way, but a little crazy. Best case would be they all shine and lead the team to a wildcard spot. But this could just as easily blow up and send them scrambling to the league cellar.
2046 Baghdad Kings Preview
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2046 Baghdad Kings Preview
Woody Donahue
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Re: 2046 Baghdad Kings Preview
Awesome overview, Woody.
Mike Dunn
Chicago Black Sox (1995-1996) (2049-2054)
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Chicago Black Sox (1995-1996) (2049-2054)
Landis Champion: '95, '96
Edmonton Jackrabbits (2047-2048)
Tripoli Piranhas (2044-2046)
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