2051.3 Plugging the O-Holes

GM: Alan Ehlers

Moderator: ae37jr

User avatar
ae37jr
BBA GM
Posts: 2980
Joined: Fri Feb 05, 2016 1:37 pm
Location: Davenport, FL
Has thanked: 40 times
Been thanked: 645 times

2051.3 Plugging the O-Holes

Post by ae37jr » Tue May 17, 2022 5:22 am

Plugging The O-Holes Image That Oughtta Do It.
(side note, turn safe search on when googling plugging hole gif)


With another season in the books, it's time to turn our attention 2051. While Twin Cities is not expected to compete for a playoff spot, the team looks to build off of their 16 game improvement from the season just past. Just like a season ago, the River Monsters cleared out a bunch of 40 man roster spots and are expected to be major players in the free agent market, trade market, and rule 5 draft. Maybe not playing in the deep end though. TCRM's are expected to bring in 10 or so solid, yet unspectacular players to continue the push towards .500. Let's do a quick trip around the horn to see what the team is working with at the moment on the offensive side of the ball.

Catcher
The team put all it's chips into the defensive spectrum behind the plate, scooping up Hollis O'Hara and Geomar Conti off the waiver wire. Two of the top 3 defensive catchers in the Brewster. They also traded for 10 ability Andy Elmer. Catcher defense has always been huge in this game. But with new changes on the horizon, it's not really known if that is still the case. Most pundits now say offense is the way to go behind the plate. At this point, it doesn't seem wise to course correct. There are just too many holes to fill elsewhere to blow up the planned platoon of Elmer and O'Hara with Conti, Rick Burke and Etienne Kop as injury depth in AAA.

Infield
The infield is pretty wide open right now. Pedro Diaz will be in the mix. His positions unknown at this time. In an ideal world Diaz slides to 2B to stay ahead of declining curve. This team needs offense badly though. Having Diaz at short and going after a better stick to play second may be a better option then finding a weak hitting SS on the secondary market.

Third base is a mystery at this point. Dian Sartika survived the first round of cuts and does have minor league options. He probably figures to be stashed in AAA and see a cup of coffee here and there. There was a hope that Elliot Baker, currently in AA, would be a decent strong side platoon 3B. But he is not yet rule 5 eligible and quite frankly isn't a desireable option. Last seasons second round pick Stan Moten looks like he could force his way onto the team if he can pick up some defensive reps in spring training.

So yeah. Look for Twin Cities to go after a big bat at 1st and a big bat at 3rd(preferably a lefty to eventually platoon with Moten). I would also expect two solid middle infielders to be thrown onto the shopping list.

Outfield/DH
Rory Linseman fell out of favor with management and was headed toward being non tendered before a hot September and some self awareness changed the plan. Linseman is a decent little player who was being forced to do too much. If we actually platoon him and bat him sixth or lower, he should look decent. Hadji Ufanisi was brought in to platoon with Linseman in LF for 2051.Together they should be solid enough for a team aspiring to be .500. Ideally you want a beast in LF, but again, too many holes... not enough internal options.

Centerfield could be up for grabs. Right now we are looking at a Manny García/Man-keung Sui platoon. Defensively they look fine. Offensively not so much. We know there are some good CF'ers available this winter. It all depends on how their markets play out.

Right field is needs an upgrade. If the season were to start today, Abdul-Ra'uf Yasar probably gets first crack with Twin Cities scouring the waiver wire.

Ted Benson is expected to make his BBA debut, most likely at DH. The lumbering lefty should be a solid contributor if he can keep his average relevant. His power is much needed to a currently anemic group.

So really we are looking at 5, maybe 6 offensive additions. First base and RF/DH could always be found on the surplus. There will always be cheap options available who aren't terrible. 2B, 3B, and CF could be another animal. With under $40 million committed to player payroll in 2051, there should be plenty enough money to budget a halfway decent team. Though there is still the mindset of long term rebuilding. So a lot of those resources could go toward the draft, international free agents, coaches and such. In other words, expect improvement, just know it will still be another long season.
Alan Ehlers
GM of the Twin Cities River Monster
Image

User avatar
tylertoo
Ex-GM
Posts: 1183
Joined: Thu May 27, 2010 2:05 pm
Has thanked: 617 times
Been thanked: 630 times
Contact:

Re: 2051.3 Plugging the O-Holes

Post by tylertoo » Tue May 17, 2022 6:35 am

TWC in the hands of an experienced GM like Alan is one of the must-watch storylines of the Brewster. The franchise was left in shambles by a previous win-now GM and it is fascinating to watch a knowledgeable, patient GM slowly build it up. I'm taking notes.
Mike Dunn
Chicago Black Sox (1995-1996) (2049-2054)
Landis Champion: '95, '96

Edmonton Jackrabbits (2047-2048)
Tripoli Piranhas (2044-2046)

User avatar
Dington
GB: Recruiting & Development Director
Posts: 4811
Joined: Mon Mar 30, 2020 12:06 am
Has thanked: 2073 times
Been thanked: 1147 times
Contact:

Re: 2051.3 Plugging the O-Holes

Post by Dington » Tue May 17, 2022 7:13 pm

tylertoo wrote:
Tue May 17, 2022 6:35 am
TWC in the hands of an experienced GM like Alan is one of the must-watch storylines of the Brewster. The franchise was left in shambles by a previous win-now GM and it is fascinating to watch a knowledgeable, patient GM slowly build it up. I'm taking notes.
Indeed. Still might be another few years until they’re competitive, but Alan is certainly in the right course.
Image
Nashville Bluebirds GM
HOW I BUILD A WINNING TEAM <---Click
Kuwait City GM 2042-43
2043 UMEBA United Cup Champion*

User avatar
CTBrewCrew
GB: FL Heartland Division Director
Posts: 5110
Joined: Wed Sep 04, 2019 11:20 am
Location: Milford, CT
Has thanked: 923 times
Been thanked: 1316 times

Re: 2051.3 Plugging the O-Holes

Post by CTBrewCrew » Sun Jun 05, 2022 9:10 pm

GREAT…..another highly competent GM in the Heartland 🙄🤣
Image

User avatar
Dington
GB: Recruiting & Development Director
Posts: 4811
Joined: Mon Mar 30, 2020 12:06 am
Has thanked: 2073 times
Been thanked: 1147 times
Contact:

Re: 2051.3 Plugging the O-Holes

Post by Dington » Sun Jun 05, 2022 10:37 pm

CTBrewCrew wrote:
Sun Jun 05, 2022 9:10 pm
GREAT…..another highly competent GM in the Heartland 🙄🤣
You’re just now realizing this?
Image
Nashville Bluebirds GM
HOW I BUILD A WINNING TEAM <---Click
Kuwait City GM 2042-43
2043 UMEBA United Cup Champion*

Post Reply Previous topicNext topic

Return to “Twin Cities River Monsters”

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 4 guests