Omaha 2038 Preview

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handaspencer
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Omaha 2038 Preview

Post by handaspencer » Fri Mar 15, 2019 2:03 pm

2037 simply ended too soon for the Omaha Hawks after falling to the Edmonton Jackrabbits 4-1 in the doubleday series. In a postseason many considered wide open Omaha was hoping to continue their impressive season and capture the first title in team history. Many exports predicted Omaha to be a .500 team and they actually exceeded their pythag record by an impressive +12 games. Despite all the positives from last season Omaha decided to make some changes to stabilize some financial strains the organization was dealing with. Will these changes be enough to put Omaha over the top? Lets take a look!

Outfielders
The OF is led by impeding FA Jimmy Starks Jrwho is hoping to rebound from an injury plagued season in 2037 and only appeared in 86 games all of last season. Despite the amount of time missed Starks was very impressive so there is high hopes as he comes into 2038. The corner spots in the roster belong to Aubrey Anderson, newly acquired Alonso Olivere and Martin Marin. The organization is especially excited about adding some youth in Alonso Olivere who will likely be the DH and backup OF. Make no secret the elephant in the room going forward in regards to the OF is the future of Jimmy Starks Jr., rumors have circulated that Omaha is open to moving him but it appears he will start the season on the Omaha roster.

Infielders
The Hawks have one of the best IF in the league and is led by superstar 3B Emilio Morales. He had an award winning season in 2037 with 64 HR, 151 RBI and a whopping .665 SLG%. The Hawks also feature one of the best young 2B in the game in James Monger who was drafted #2 overall in the 2033 draft by Omaha. Coming off his 2nd All Star selection season he was rewarded a new contract that keeps him in Omaha through the 2041 season. In free agency the club signed Max Hatcher who is an excellent defender up the middle and should really help solidify the defense as he is hoping to win the starting SS spot out of the spring. The 1B job appears to be going to Sergio Maldonado after he signed a 3 year extension but could Tyler Moore challenge him? Appears unlikely but could be something to watch for in the spring. After a short stay in Omaha future hall of fame C Hank Brewer was moved to Montreal this offseason and created a hole at the C positon for the Hawks. Newly acquired Dan Clapper appears to be the leading candidate going into spring but if he struggles Luis Miguel Carillo is capable of starting at C for the Hawks.


Starting Pitching
Despite having a team ERA of 4.60 and giving up 815 runs the team made the tough decision and moved the top starter last season Hirotada Miura. Going into his final year of arbitration and both sides far apart on extension talks he was moved to Omaha. So the rotation will look different this season. The Hawks will count on Edris Mtume who had a solid season last year with an ERA of 4.35 and 3 WAR. Manuel Orozco hopes to recover from a torn rotator cuff after missing all of the 2037 season and hopes to win a starting job. 2032 #1 overall pick Carson Stoller is hoping to rebound this season after battling minor injuries all of last season and return to his 2036 form when he went 13-4 with a 3.51 ERA in his 2nd season with the club. Stephen Clulow recently signed a new 4 year deal despite having an ERA of 5.69 and giving up 43 HR in 2037. If he can fully recover from the partially torn UCL and rebound it could serve as a favorable extension for the Hawks. Adam Barnard had a good season in Omaha last season as he went 13-10 with a 4.34 ERA and has been a solid dependable pitcher for the Hawks.


Bullpen
Anchoring the bullpen with be 2x all star closer Jose Canales who saved 45 games last season after he saved 42 games the season before. Paval Bure Jr was signed as a free agent in the offseason and gave the Hawks a much need LHP in the pen. Flame thrower David Rivas will return and serve in the setup or high leverage role for the Hawks. Omaha picked up a solid reliever in Armando Rasquilha in the Miura trade with Omaha and will give the pen some needed depth. The final few spots could be a revolving door in Omaha this season but there is several options to choose from and wide open for someone to win a spot.

Prediction
The starting rotation appears to be the key to the 2038 season. If a few of the guys can rebound from major injuries and return to form this could be a dangerous team. If the rotation struggles its possible Omaha still squeaks into the playoffs because they have Emilo Morales and James Monger who can carry a team by themselves into postseason play. The team chemistry is something to keep an eye on this season and manager Quentin Richardson will have to manage this with the impeding loss of Jimmy Starks. By July this could look like a different team as trade rumors are swirling with the 25 year old Starks. If Omaha keeps the current team 88-74 seems likely but nobody would be surprised if they get 95 wins either.

Ted
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Re: Omaha 2038 Preview

Post by Ted » Fri Mar 15, 2019 2:13 pm

Well done.
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niles08
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Re: Omaha 2038 Preview

Post by niles08 » Fri Mar 15, 2019 3:24 pm

Great writeup and very well detailed!
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