2025 WK Pre - Rome Raiders : Infield

[danwh]

2025 WK Pre - Rome Raiders : Infield

1B Current Ranking - 3/8 (Tas)
1B Prospect Ranking - 8/8 (Gamez)
1B Overall Ranking - 7/8

2B Current Ranking - tied 2/8 (Stephens)
2B Prospect Ranking - 6/8 (Perez)
2B Overall Ranking - 4/8

3B Current Ranking - tied 1/8 (Bender)
3B Prospect Ranking - 8/8 (n/a)
3B Overall Ranking - 8/8

SS Current Ranking - 4/8 (van de Wijngaard)
SS Prospect Ranking - 4/8 (Watson)
SS Overall Ranking - 3/8

1B Jody Browne - 37

Browne had a fairly meh career in the MBBA. Drafted late, he spent a handful of years with Las Vegas before Calgary released him after the 2016. As with many players who have come to the EBA after a stint in the MBBA, Browne was able to find himself more effective in Europe.

At the EBA level, Browne has consistently produced 20+ HR each season, and has earned a .300 AVG each year. Nearing 40, he is still able to provide his team with firepower, but his WAR has declined each year, as his age catches up with him.

Browne has little to offer in terms of defence, but could certainly help the club as a DH.

After becoming a free agent last year, Rome signed him for 1 year for $340,000 in the hope that he has one year left.

1B Ernesto Gonzalez - 33

An average 1st baseman, Gonzelez is another veteran brought on to Rome's roster in hopes of passing on experience to the younger crop of players. Unlike Browne, Gonzalez has not had the same impact in the EBA. Production has steadily declined, as expected, and with youngster Tas improving and with Browne on the DH, Gonzalez's role on the team is in question.

Rome extended Gonzalez's contract for $320,000 ending 2025.

1B Albert Tas - 24

Albert Tas has only played two years in the EBA, but he is already providing an impact for the Raiders. While he won't be stealing many bases, the 235 pound 1st baseman has some of the best offensive skills on the team.

Tas is a leader in the clubhouse, and is expected to remain a core member of the club for years to come. With time, the Raiders expect that his ability as a first baseman will improve as well.

Tas is currently earning $100,000 per year, but as long as he stays healthy and productive, Rome will need to add more resources to hold on to him.

WAR has been 3.2 over the last two years with Rome.

2B Brieuc Becker - 26

What's not to like about Brieuc Becker? Since coming over to Rome from London, he has exceeded all expectations. A strong infielder at a number of positions, Becker has been helping the team the last two years with about a 3.5 WAR each year.

If it wasn't for younger Stephens nipping at his heels, Becker would be a lock for 2B. Rome GM White will have the preseason to decide on his initial role on the team. His consistency is valued in the organization, but it remains to be seen whether it can be put to good use.

2B Dale Stephens - 24

Brooklyn native Stephens is another gem that the Raiders hope will continue to develop. Stephens is trying to break into an infield that is already crowded with some reasonable young talent. His AAA performance has been strong, and earned him some time on the main squad. Given fellow 2B Becker's ability to play a handful of positions, it seems likely that Stephens will find himself on the starting lineup for the 2025 season.

Stephens also offers good base running abilities and can play 2B well.

He is being paid $100,000 this season.

3B Tommy Bender - 22

Third baseman Bender is considered one of the best in the EBA at his position, and the Raiders are hoping that he can improve on last year's performance. Full of potential, Bender strikes a good balance between defence and offence, and White is hoping that he can continue with his consistent performance.

Bender has bounced back and forth between Rome and London, and was last traded to the Raiders organization in 2021 for relief pitcher Oolbekkink, who is now playing on the Paris squad.

While Bender has seen an expected drop in his stats once he moved up from AAA, management is excited to see that he continues to improve in the EBA.

3B Frenk de Wit - 25

de Wit only had a handful of chances to show his stuff in the EBA last year, after having another good AAA season in 2024. With the rest of the Raiders infield, de Wit has to consider the real possibility that he may not have a place on the EBA squad unless he can convince GM White. de Wit has the tools - he is good at his position and he is fine at the plate - but it remains to be seen if the tools are enough.

At 25, de Wit has expressed his concern that he could be looking at AAA career in Europe. Not necessarily the hopes and dreams of a young Little Leaguer growing up in Belgium.

SS Freddy Henry - 27

Freddy Henry is great at playing SS, and is fast on the bases. His batting has even been okay. But in his EBA career he has be released, not traded, five times. Now, with a minor league contract and at 27, the best that Henry can hope for is to fill any gaps that a team may have.

GM White says that he wants Henry to succeed, but that the batting just isn't coming around enough to justify a permanent spot on the EBA team.

Freddy Henry will be looking to avoid the distinction of being released from yet another EBA team in 2025.

SS Jesus Hernandez - 25

There is no reason that Mexican, Jesus Hernandez, couldn't continue to fly under the radar of most EBA teams for a few more years. His WAR hasn't taken away from his teams' production, but he really hasn't stood out either. With an average of almost .300 last year, he seemed to be effective for Amsterdam, but then he only played a handful of games.

Like his fellow Shortstop Freddy Henry, Hernandez will need to earn his place on the team, as the position is really van de Wijngaard's to lose.

Rome signed Hernandez last year to a 2 year contract, which has another $172,000 owing this year. It is expected that he will find some time to play with the Raiders this year, but as a backup.

SS Rien van de Wijngaard - 26

Expectations looked to be high for van de Wijngaard in 2024 after a strong year in 2023. Whether it was his injury, or something else, everyone couldn't help but feel a little disappointed. In no way a superstar, the Raiders are expecting that Rien will be the starter Shortstop for 2025. It remains to be seen how much he will have to share the role with Hernandez.

van de Wijngaard is only earning $100,000, but the Raiders would be willing to extend his contract as long as he can continue to produce.

Summary

There is no reason to think that Rome's infield won't rely on youngsters Tas, Stephens, Bender and van de Wijngaard. SS may have to be shared with Hernandez and GM White is going to have to find a spot for odd man out Brieuc Becker.

[recte44]

If it's me, I'm probably playing Becker at SS. Best defensive option there.

[bschr682]

Just read through all your stuff. Sounds like you have (or are currently making) a clear plan. Team seems to be in very good hands. Good to see.