Sexy as every Gertie gets some extra vitamin D.
The Hawaii Tropics enter the 2062 Brewster Baseball Association (BBA) season looking to shake off years of inconsistency and finally establish themselves as contenders in the Pacific Division. After hovering around the .500 mark for much of the past decade, the Tropics' front office and fans alike are hopeful that a mix of veteran leadership, young talent, and key offseason adjustments will push the team into the postseason conversation.
Recent Performance: A Roller Coaster of Results
Since 2050, the Tropics have seen their share of ups and downs. They reached the playoffs in 2054 and 2055 but have struggled to maintain that success, finishing no higher than second place in the division. Last season’s 77-85 record was their third such finish in the last five years, highlighting a frustrating trend of stagnation. (Trust me we know a lot about that in good ol' Madison)
Offseason Moves: A Focus on the Future
The team made several strategic moves over the winter, hoping to plug holes in the rotation and add depth to the lineup. The biggest additions came in the form of young arms, with 21-year-old Ho-jun Yi and 21-year-old Jose Valle expected to compete for bullpen spots. Meanwhile, promising lefty starter Alex Garcia is projected to make his BBA debut at some point this season.
On the offensive side, first baseman Jake Diamond remains a key contributor, though his .243 career average suggests he will need more help from a lineup that has lacked consistent production. The team will look to outfielder Vincente Mendez (.280 career hitter) to provide stability in the middle of the order.
Pitching Outlook: Can the Rotation Hold Up?
Pitching has long been a source of concern for the Tropics, and 2062 will be no different. The rotation will be anchored by veteran right-hander Semih Gurani (103-104 career record, 3.78 ERA) and southpaw Gerardo Rea (74-78, 3.98 ERA). Both pitchers have shown flashes of brilliance but will need to find consistency if Hawaii hopes to compete. Adding FA SP Kinzo Iwamoto (from New Orleans) and with the addition of veteran C Enrique Mendoza (from Austin), will only look to help boost the pitching staff.
The bullpen is a mix of seasoned veterans and untested rookies. Longtime closer Utkan Gocek (508 career games, 48 saves, 3.19 ERA) remains a steady presence, but the team will need relievers like Bill Phillips and Jesus Rios to step up in key situations.
Offense: Seeking a Spark
Hawaii’s bats have been inconsistent in recent years, with the team batting .248 last season. The lineup features some promising talent but lacks a true superstar. Mendez is a reliable bat, and second baseman Na'il bin Hakim could develop into a solid table-setter. However, the team will need unexpected breakouts from players like John Harris and Eric Owens if they hope to keep pace with the division's top teams.
Projections & Expectations
The Tropics will likely need everything to go right if they hope to compete for a playoff spot in 2062. Their pitching staff has potential, but durability and consistency remain question marks. Offensively, they lack firepower, but if their core hitters can stay healthy and some of their younger bats develop quickly, they could surprise some teams.
Best-Case Scenario: The pitching holds up, and the offense overachieves, leading to an 85+ win season and a shot at a wildcard berth.
Worst-Case Scenario: The same issues persist, leading to another sub-.500 finish and an extended rebuild.
Final Thoughts
The Hawaii Tropics find themselves at a crossroads. They have enough talent to be competitive but lack the dominant pieces to be considered true contenders. If the front office remains aggressive and the young core takes a step forward, 2062 could be the start of something special. Otherwise, it may be another year of waiting for the tides to turn.
