Pitching
Its been one year since Carlton Day tore his UCL in the final week of spring training. The talented southpaw was the major piece in the Aaron Haney trade, but is close to a return and Stars fans hope he is as strong as before the injury, however, early reports are his control and stamina have taken a hit. Ken Arroyo is coming off a lackluster 2050 season and his stuff doesn’t seem as explosive as it was just a short time ago, but it still a great pitcher. Harold Newbold looks to be the Opening Day starter and hopes to recover from his sophomore slump and 5.40 ERA. The signing of RHP Dean Stranaghan could be vital to the structure of the pitching staff. He has the ability to start games, but can also be lights out in relief. The bullpen is still anchored by John Olson and Martin Román, although Pacific opponents’ eyes will all be on Pedro Calderon who allowed 4 HR and 10 ER in 1.1 IP last season.
Infield
Kyle Baker will get most of the reps behind the plate after the Stars exchanged him to Charlotte in favor of Roelof Klooster. Yodo Sato couldn’t quite cut in defensively at 2B, so his move to 1B allows the more agile, Prabhu Vogelsang, to cover the middle infield with newly signed SS, Quintin Trewartha. The 24 year-old SS won two Great Gloves while playing with Cairo in the UMEBA and his defensive prowess should translate very well in the BBA. Veteran, Kenan Reis, is entering his ninth season playing 3B for Valencia and is looking to regain his production that dropped by more than 50% compared to the previous two seasons. The Stars are really relying on his pop in the middle of the lineup to help create runs this season.
Outfield
The signing of Freddy Ayala probably means the end of Frederick Brisset in CF. Brisset is entering his eighth season in Valencia and has been not lived up to his lofty expectations. The hope was for Donald Miller to help take off the pressure from Brisset, but Miller batted a paltry. 202 last season and appears his best days are behind him with over $46 million remaining on his contract. The Stars hope Ramon Pagan Gilberto Falchonelli can help with extra production in the outfield. Mike Brodt will add extra depth and should see most of his starts versus LHP.
Designated Hitter
Lee Stone will once again be the team’s DH after having a respectable .817 OPS in 2050, although that would be much more respectable if he could actually add value on defense. The Stars might look to upgrade for more pop at DH and get a real run producer instead of Stone, who had just 48 RBI last season.
2050 was not fun for the Stars. GM Morris Ragland turned a helpless franchise into its best version in 2049 despite being with club for just one season. As promising as last season looked in the preseason, injuries cost the Stars dearly and caused a bit of a retool. With a few bounce back seasons from key players, this team could still win 80 games, but playoffs are a long shot.
