2009 California Preview

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JohnC
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2009 California Preview

Post by JohnC » Thu Feb 14, 2013 8:24 pm

2008 Review:It's hard to imagine a team that lost 102 games actually made a 20 game improvement over the previous season. That is exactly what happened with the 2008 Crusaders in the 3rd year of their rebuild. That is about where the good news ends for this club. With most of this teams top prospects still a couple of seasons away, 2009 looks to be another tough season in California.

Offense

Catcher: Jose Rodriguez carried the bulk of the load last season and looks to be the number one guy behind the dish again this season. A premier defensive catcher, he won't add alot to the offense. The backup spot looks to go to veteranAntonio Gonzalez who has a decent bat and could see some playing time if the Crusaders are looking for some more pop. Without a top catching prospect in the minor leagues, the Crusaders may be looking to add one in the 2009 draft.

First Base/DH: One of the bright spots in the Crusaders lineup is Armando Rosales. He looks to build off a solid, albeit short audition in 2008. The switch hitting power hitter looks to solidify himself as a legit run producer in the middle of this lineup. Veteran Julius Cook will also see time in the lineup after a season in which he drove in 51 while hitting .271. Rule 5 pickup Javier Montero is also capable of hitting the long ball but it is unclear at this point where his at bats will come from. He could see some time at the DH position as the season unfolds.

Second Base: One of the few locks in this lineup. Veteran Dwight Ferris had his second consecutive 20+ home run season in 2008. While his defense is only average, he is seen as one of the leaders in the Crusaders clubhouse. He could possibly be on the move this season, with a fairly reasonable contract he could be an attractive asset for a contender to add. This would allow the Crusaders to add to a relatively strong minor league system.

Short: Youngster Bartolo Esquivel goes into his first full season as the starter. There is alot to like about his game. A solid defensive player with very good baserunning abilities. He won't hit for alot of power, but the switch hitter can handle the bat a little. While stronger against LHP, he should be able to hold his own against RHP.

Third Base: One of the weaker spots in this lineup. Currently veteran Silvio Garcia holds down this spot. Not much more really needs to be said. Last year he hit a whopping .217 with 3 home runs. Not exactly the kind of power you are looking for from a corner infield position. Top prospect Moon Jetson is still a long way away from playing for this team. He is a player with much potential with the bat but still needs alot of work with the glove. His defense is currently not anywhere close to being pro quality....at any level. He does however show the potential to be an adequate ML defensive player.

Outfield: Veteran Kuan Liao swings the biggest stick in this group. In his first full season in California, one that saw him miss several games to injury, he managed to hit 23 home runs, and drive in 57. While very powerful against RHP, he does struggle against lefties. Youngster Jeffery Johnston also looks for some time in the outfield. He could possibly be a man without a position however. Potentially very strong with the bat, the Crusaders will need to find a way to get him in the lineup. Chris Neal was acquired in a deal from Chicago after one good season in the Windy City. A very good defensive outfielder, he has really shown he can swing the bat a little the last two seasons. He will be counted on to hit near the top of the lineup and to get on base for the meat of this lineup. Brian O'Toole will also see some time. Although he is probably best suited to come off the bench as a defensive replacement as he really doesn't hit much.

Pitching

Rotation: Not too much to like here. Lefty Robert Smith leads the staff. While still owed $24 million in salary, Crusaders management would like to see him rebound off a sub par 2008 in which he posted a 5.15 ERA. Not exactly the kind of numbers you want to see from a number one earning that kind of money. Perhaps the most interesting pitcher on this staff is 25 yr old Norm Young. He can really bring the heat. With a 100MPH fastball, and excellent secondary pitches, this could be the season which sees him really break out. He managed to win 11 games last season and strikeout 254 batters in 226 innings. If he can cut down on his walks, he could develop into a top of the rotation type starter. He shows very strong character after losing 19 games in 2007. The rest of the rotation gets pretty thin after that. Both Brian Meister and Arthur Gleeson are control type pitchers who are capable of some good games, however are not the type of starters who are going to carry a team into the playoffs. The rotation looks to be rounded out by Joe Dupree. Although he managed to win 10 games last year, he may be lucky to come anywhere close to that again this season. Top pitching prospect Danny Lamb looks to be a star in the making. While currently out with am elbow injury for another 4 months, he will look to continue his development when he returns.

Bullpen: Should be very challenging for this pen to hold onto many leads this season. There is no shutdown type arm here. Nothing to put out the fires. Not one MR who pitched more then 30 innings last year managed to have an ERA under 5.00....not one. Closer Masatake Hirose did manage to save 31 games last year. Although a closer who gives up more hits then innings pitched is due to make his manager nervous in the ninth inning. The rest of the pen is rounded out by a bunch of stop gap type pitchers.

Forecast: It's going to be another long, long season in California. However, with a very capable GM in Jason Martin, there is some light at the end of a long tunnel. The minor league system is strong, with another high pick coming this season. If Martin can continue to be patient until these young players can develop, then the Crusaders will eventually return to their 90+ win seasons they managed during the early 2000's.

Prediction for 2009: 63-99
Montreal Blazers 2002 - present
Atlantic Div Champs '02,'05,'06,'11,'12,'13,'14,'19,'21,'27,'30'33
Wild Card '04,'10,'20,'28,'29,'31,'32,'34

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Email: doghares@hotmail.com

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Re: 2009 California Preview

Post by trmmilwwi » Fri Feb 15, 2013 8:36 am

yes, we'll be waiting a while for the next crusade... hang in there, it'll happen. 63 wins, eh?!!
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wualumni
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Re: 2009 California Preview

Post by wualumni » Fri Feb 15, 2013 1:36 pm

Yeah - I think we've improved more than 3 games with the roster. I would be very disappointed with less than 70 wins this season.
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JohnC
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Re: 2009 California Preview

Post by JohnC » Fri Feb 15, 2013 2:31 pm

wualumni wrote:Yeah - I think we've improved more than 3 games with the roster. I would be very disappointed with less than 70 wins this season.
I hope so. Tough division you are in as well. Predictions are always tough with injuries, players under and over achieving....
Montreal Blazers 2002 - present
Atlantic Div Champs '02,'05,'06,'11,'12,'13,'14,'19,'21,'27,'30'33
Wild Card '04,'10,'20,'28,'29,'31,'32,'34

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GM: Montreal Blazers
Email: doghares@hotmail.com

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