Omaha off-season plans(36.18)

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Omaha off-season plans(36.18)

Post by niles08 » Mon Nov 19, 2018 10:29 am

Some may say that Omaha had a great season, but an early postseason exit has left many in Nebraska with a bad taste in their month, especially those in the front office of the Hawks.

While the team is expected to be relatively quiet this off-season, well more than quiet than past seasons, that may have all been scrapped after being sent home so early.

Let’s dive into what this squad may look like next season.

On the mound, the club seems to have a good foundation, with Stephen Clulow (9/7/7 Talents, 1 - 2, 8.31 ERA, 2.22 WHIP, 20 K) returning to join the trio of Edris Mtume (8/7/7 Talents, 14 - 11, 4.00 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 176 K), Carson Stoller (9/7/7 Talents, 13 - 4, 3.51 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 114 K), & Adam Barnard (9/8/8 Talents, 15 - 9, 3.36 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 159 K). That 5th spot in the rotation will more than likely belong to Hirotada Miura (8/7/8 Talents, 13 - 9, 5.14 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 146 K) after the team declined the option on Jesus Tonche (9/6/8 Talents, 5 - 14, 5.21 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 123 K) as expected. The only likely challenger for this at this point is Poto Tornatore (9/7/4 Talents, 10 - 7, 4.77 ERA, 1.58 WHIP, 151 K).

In the pen, we’re looking at a group of young guns with David Rivas (10/7/8 Talents, 4 - 1, 3.75 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 64 K), Horiuchi Sasaki (8/6/7 Talents, 1 - 0, 4.17 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 28 K), Ken Spencer (10/6/6 Talents, 6 - 2, 4.91 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 84 K), and Maximo Trevino (9/7/5 Talents, 4 - 2, 4.34 ERA, 1.53 WHIP, 40 K) probably available in the bullpen. Poto Tornatore (9/7/4 Talents, 10 - 7, 4.77 ERA, 1.58 WHIP, 151 K) is a likely selection to also be features in the bullpen if he doesn’t win the starting job from Miura. Jose Canales has been the closer now for a few seasons in Omaha and his 42 save performance last season should leave no question that Canales will be finishing games for Omaha.

That’s an 11 man pitching staff, and one that could probably still afford to have a veteran come in.

Moving onto the clubs batters.

Antonio Robles seems the choice to serve as the starting catcher, with Bob Wagner (6/7/3/3/9 Talents, .291/.330/.419, 2 HR, 11 RBI) as his backup.

At first base, Sergio Maldonado (8/8/3/3/10 Talents, .308/.341/.418, 6 HR, 41 RBI) will likely be giving the green light. He came over late in the year but did .306 over 100 plate appearances, while playing good defense.

Very little question on who is starting at 2nd base this year. James Monger (8/7/8/5/9 Talents, .301/.358/.536, 33 HR, 117 RBI) won a Diamond Glove for this efforts last season. His 33 home runs and 117 RBI bring a great element for a second baseman.

at shortstop, Harlan Moore is expected to shoulder the load. Moore played in the clubs last 49 games accumulating 168 at bats. He struggled a bit at the plate, but a bounceback should be expected.

If any name belongs in ink, it’s 3rd baseman Emilio MoralesEmilio Morales. Morales finished 2nd in the MVP race last season, while winning a Golden Bat award. He hit 59 home runs and had 164 home runs while keeping his batting average near .300.

The outfield seems to be a bit crowded, as usual.

When you break it down, it should look be Barajas, Starks Jr., & Aubrey Anderson (6/8/8/4/7 Talents, .224/.271/.438, 24 HR, 65 RBI).

Barajas had a great season last year hitting 25 home runs while stealing 52 bases and playing good defense in left field. Starks had over 600 plate appearances for the first time since his debut season in 2033. He hit .287 while adding 19 home runs, 60 RBI, and 42 stolen bases. He had some adjusting to do as the team once again shifting him back to center field after playing shortstop part of the season.

Anderson had a big drop off compared to the prior year, but still managed 24 home runs while playing good defense in right field. Anderson signed a 3 year extension with the club that will take him through 2039 so without a doubt, expect him to play.

The designated hitter seems to be Martin Marin (8/8/9/5/8 Talents, .243/.294/.431, 16 HR, 42 RBI). The 22 year old was acquired at the deadline last season from Phoenix, but struggled in limited at bats. The club should be expecting a big rebound from Marin and have to be hoping for a .250+ batting average and 30 home runs on the season.

So who does that leave on the bench?

Jose Olivarez was the clubs designated hitter last season and performed well batting .311. He simply has no pop on his bat though as demonstrated by his 6 home runs in 308 at bats. He is dangerous once he gets to first though as seen by 36 stolen bases. If he remains on the bench, look for him to be a solid pinch runner, and potentially get some playing time in the outfield or as a designated hitter if Marin needs a day off.

Jesus Rojas, who quickly bas become an excellent utility player. He can play nearly anywhere and has become one of the more reliable of the bench players. Rojas hit .294 last season with 15 home runs while getting 298 at bats in various spots throughout the season.

Eliseu Satino (8/9/6/4/9 Talents, .342/.384/.547, 6 HR, 22 RBI) had a great first year in the league with a .341 batting line over 176 at bats. He hit 6 home runs as well. The only issue is that he simply has nowhere to play. He should steal some at bats from Anderson, but more so from Marin than anything if he is going to take them. He may also substitute at first base if the time calls for it.

That’s it. I don’t expect Bill Wilkins (6/8/7/6/5 Talents, .238/.273/.381, 1 HR, 1 RBI) or Terrance Mack to stick around at the BBA level come spring. This leave a roster of only 22 players so technically the Hawks have 5 spots open on the major league roster.

So with 5 spots left, what are the areas of need?

As we mentioned, they might need to grab 1-2 more bullpen guys, or a knock-em-dead 5th man in the rotation.

A utility infielder wouldn’t hurt unless the club is thinking Rojas can handle backup duties at SS,2B, and 3B.

That’s about it?

With that being said, unless tons of moves are made, expect a very slow off-season in Omaha.
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Re: Omaha off-season plans(37.1)

Post by RonCo » Mon Nov 19, 2018 10:47 am

Omaha is going to be scary good for awhile now.

BTW - you might consider renumbering this one as happening in 2036. With the count happening tomorrow, you'll get credit for it for immediate PPT use. :)
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Re: Omaha off-season plans(37.1)

Post by niles08 » Mon Nov 19, 2018 11:02 am

RonCo wrote:
Mon Nov 19, 2018 10:47 am
Omaha is going to be scary good for awhile now.

BTW - you might consider renumbering this one as happening in 2036. With the count happening tomorrow, you'll get credit for it for immediate PPT use. :)
Thanks for that! I renumbered it.

I hope were good for a while but I feel obligated to find these guys all at bats unfortunately.
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