2048 Mexico City Aztecs Preview
Pitching
Dave Corfield could be the best pitcher in baseball. The stud southpaw is entering his age 23 season and hopes to repeat the success he found in 2047, where he finished 17-6 with a league leading 255 K’s, 0.98 WHIP, and 7.6 WAR in 203.2 IP. Corfield will definitely have to put the rest of the pitching staff on his back in order for the Aztecs to be considered a contender. Whether or not fellow lefty, Jerry Pacy can repeat his success from 2047 will also be crucial to Mexico City’s success, however, if he flounders like he did in his first season in Mexico, the Aztecs don’t have much depth to help carry the staff to success. Prospect, Mauro Mendoza still has a few things to work out, but he might be forced into the BBA a little early. This could help him develop quicker, but runs the risk of being overmatched too early and causing his confidence to crumble. Manuel Cruz comes over from New Orleans after inking a five year deal to become the Aztecs new closer. Hopefully his repaired rotator cuff stays strong enough over the next half decade, but when healthy, Cruz is one of the best relievers in the game. The remainder of the bullpen is solid and performed well in 2047, but nobody will really stick out.
Infield
A lot of changes to the Aztecs infield, as they saw Luis Pena, Angel Zalapa, and [url=https://statspl.us/brewster/reports/new ... 34774.html]Mark Simpson leave for free agency and Jorge Aranda traded away for Dennis French. Luckily, Zalapa returned after signing a four year deal, but it has yet to be determined if he will play the hot corner of 2B. As it stands, he will man the hot corner with [url=https://statspl.us/brewster/reports/new ... 44068.html]Hedde Aalbers at SS and rookie, Ryan Geauxinue at 2B. Geauxinue is likely the future SS and may be the full-time SS if Rule Five draftee, Frederick Manchild and Aalbers don’t work out. Catching duties will likely continue to be split by Kyle Baker and Felipe Delgado, although rookie, Jai Porter could receive a call up this season and push Baker to DH. Reigning 3B Puckett Aware winner, Manny Collazo will most likely play 1B this season and create an overall better defense in the Mexico City infield.
Outfield
The Aztecs made a splash early in the offseason by acquiring OF Dennis French in exchange for Jorge Aranda. They quickly flipped him to Valencia in a blockbuster trade sending Aaron Haney. The former Star will likely stay in CF, but newcomer Niccolo Machiavelli will try to win the battle with his defensive prowess. Unfortunately, Machiavelli’s bat doesn’t compare to the likes of Fernando Moreno or rookie Jiong Liu. Fellow rookie, Keith Kerfoot, has also seen time in the outfield this spring, but he may be limited to DH duties.
Designated Hitter
If Porter begins the season in Mexico City, expect Baker to see the majority of the DH at bats. There is not clear DH on the team.
While the Aztecs aren’t a great team by any stretch of the imagination, Haney is a huge get and should help Mexico City compete for a wild car spot. There’s next to zero chance of winning the Frontier with reigning BBA champs, Las Vegas Hustlers, still atop the division. If the pitching can hold up and do what they did last year, Mexico City should be able to win 86 games.
