2057 Charm City Jimmies Preview

[Krathan]

The Charm City Jimmies are in the midst of an epic run, having made the playoffs in 5 consecutive seasons. They have earned their first 2 championships during the stretch as well. The most impressive part of the run is probably the fact that they have won 330 regular season games in the last 3 seasons combined. The Jimmies were unable to complete the three-peat in 2056 and will enter 2057 hoping to make it 3 out of 4.

KEY DEPARTURES:

OF Tadataka Yoshikawa (5 WAR)
OF Wilson Alomar (3 WAR)
3B Manny Collazo (2.1 WAR)
RP You-de Szema (1.4 WAR)
RP Bill O’Connor (0.9 WAR)
C Hollis O’Hara (0.4 WAR)

KEY ACQUISITIONS:

OF Ulvi Basgil (1.9 WAR)
OF Shirai Matsumoto (-0.8 WAR)
C Will Bennett (-0.4 WAR)

All told, based on last year’s WAR totals, the Jimmies are at -11 compared to their 2056 roster. I don’t think that tells the whole story, but it is an interesting data point to consider. The Jimmies made multiple deals this off-season geared toward building their farm for the future, which is a luxury afforded to a team like Charm City that is in the middle of such an impressive run of success. How will Charm City make up for all of that lost WAR? Will they be able to get back to playoffs in a division filled with teams who seem to be trying to catch up? Let’s take a closer look.

On offense, despite losing some serious star power, there is still a lot of talent here. Starting catcher Tomikasa Yano has 25.1 framing runs since joining Charm City in 2054. Add to that fact that he has an OPS+ of 110 during that time and you see a complete player who is also a fan favorite. Returning at 1B is 26 year old Jules Le Gal, who contributed 60 extra base hits and 86 RBI last season. Le Gal is still young enough that he may improve. He is already a valuable piece on offense, and could easily add even more value in 2057. Second base will be manned by recently extended superstar Dave Ackerman. He missed 6 months last season with post concussion syndrome but should be ready to return and wreak havoc on the Johnson League again in 2057. If Ackerman is able to contribute at the level he did before the injury, then that could make up nearly half of the WAR difference mentioned above. Another big chunk of that WAR could be made up by a healthy SS Sammy McNeill. He missed about half of the 2056 season due to injury and still posted 2.8 WAR. If he can play a full season, the middle infield combo will make life difficult for Charm City’s opponents during the upcoming campaign. Center fielder Mike Cox will also be counted on to reprise his excellent rookie campaign. The newcomers, Basgil and Matsumoto should be able to help provide additional help and depth for this dangerous lineup. Despite losing some outstanding players, this offense is still an imposing group that should have no trouble scoring runs.

On the pitching side of things, most of the pitching staff that posted a 3.78 team ERA and over 20 WAR is returning. Led by starters Hector Silva, Rannal Seldon, and Allen Davidson the group is outstanding. This is a pitching staff that is once again built to dominate the Johnson League.

Despite the loss of some top notch players, the Jimmies look like they should still be sitting at or near the top of the Atlantic Division. It may be slightly more difficult to reach 100 wins in 2057, but this team is still absolutely stacked and will be very tough to dethrone for the teams aiming for them throughout the improved division. I am projecting a division title, but with a slight dip in wins, with a final record of 99-63.

[BaseClogger]

Can’t be understated how much improved health can solve that WAR gap you identified.

[DaveB]

I’m cautiously optimistic Basgil will be solid this year. I think he has a little better defense than Yoshi as does Matsumoto.

I’m excited for the season as well as for the revamped bullpen.