IT'S BASEBALL TIME IN CHICAGO
by Michael Lee, a Tribune Reporter. For all of your official Chicago Black Sox news updates and coverage, follow the Tribune's twitter account: @MBBA_Blacksox
The Spring Training has come to a close and tomorrow marks the opening day of the 1999 Monty Brewster Baseball Association. This also marks the first official publication of the Tribune's coverage of the Black Sox since the Windy City Chronicle and the Chicago Tribune merged. Enough business, let's talk baseball. The Black Sox are coming off a great year, even though they fell just short of winning the Landis. It would be absurd to declare the season a disappointment. The Black Sox won the Wild Card and then represented the Johnson League against an extremely talented Des Moines Kernel team. In the off-season, the Black Sox found themselves under new management as former Louisville General Manager, Ryan Collins, resigned from the Sluggers to manage his favorite team. "It's a dream come true," said Collins at his first official press conference. Will it continue to be a dream come true? Will GM Collins find himself fighting to keep his head above water, as he did in Louisville? Time will certainly tell, and it may be a bit too early for that. It is certainly not at all rash to conclude that the Black Sox have a stellar team and are in a position to compete for the Landis once again. Now that Spring Training is over, the rosters are solidified and the depth charts are set. A reporters job is not to reminisce on what once was, but to look forward and report the now and the possibilities of the future. And this is exactly what I want to do.
Catcher
Washu Hakubi
Washu had an amazing year last year. He posted a .305 batting average with 22 HR and 94 RBI's. He's not only a dominating presence at the plate, but he's one of the best defensive catchers in the game. His arm is an absolute nightmare for those who attempt to swipe bases. It is no surprise that Collins has him batting clean-up. Washu will continue to lead the defense and offense. Chicago should be kissing the ground Washu walks on. Heck, we already practically do.
FIRST BASEMAN
Willie Armenta
The city of Chicago is happy to welcome back Willie to a fifth season with the Black Sox. We would like to think that the feeling is mutual seeing as how Willie got his start here. Since his rookie season in 1995, he has yet to hit under .300 for a season. In fact, last season was his worst year in terms of batting average. He put up a measly .315 avg. That's unbelievable. There are many teams in the MBBA that would love to have their players hit over .250 for one season (rest assured, the Sox have those as well, we will get there). Willie, while not great defensively, is one of the cornerstones of the offense. Where does a career batting average of .324 land a player on GM Collins' batting order? Sixth. Yes, sixth. This shows us one of two things: Either Collins is a complete moron, or the Sox are extremely stacked offensively. One through six is a manager's dream, but the other two guys are what scare me...to them we turn.
SECOND BASEMAN
Danny "Duststorm" Donovan
Danny Donovan is a young second baseman. He will be entering his third season with the Black Sox and in his career, and there is not much to discuss with Danny. He has hit in the mid 200's for batting average each of his two season in the MBBA, he's not fast (only ten total career stolen bases). Prior to the 1999 season, everyone knew that the 2B was a problem area for the Black Sox...GM Collins must've missed that memo. Batting 7th.
SHORTSTOP
Kevin Stocker
Danny Donovan, #2? No...it's worst. What's so bad about Kevin Stocker? The fact that he was a Sox free-agent signing in the off-season. Was this all that was available at shortstop? I'd like to think there was more than Stocker, but Collins said otherwise: "With the money and prospects that were available, we are actually pleased with the signing of Kevin Stocker." Well, Kevin, is that not comforting? You were a last resort. In the past three seasons, he has played in slightly over 100 games. Sure, he put up a .339 batting average last season...in only 62 at-bats. Maybe I'm being a little too hard on the guy, but come on Collins, Kevin Stocker is all you could afford? I understand we needed a shortstop, but why did you sign him to a two-year contract? Hopefully Kevin lives up to what is expected of him and plays to the potential that Collins touted in the off-season. He's batting last, by the way. At least he beat out the pitcher?
THIRD BASEMAN
Masuichirou 'Masu' Bunjiro
Yeah, that's his real name. Try saying that five times fast. This is another one of Chicago's weapons. A career .302 hitter, Masu put up 24 HRs and 95 RBI's last season, which was also his first here in Chicago. He is definitely one of the city's favorite players, which is good since he is signed through the 2003 season...we'll be seeing a lot of him and vice-versa. Not only Masu an amazing batter and defender, he is a locker room presence. Sure his English is the equivalent of a 2nd grade illegal immigrant, but his work ethic is off the charts, and this definitely shows in his desire to win. He's not so much a born leader, but he leads by example without having to try too hard. He consistently hits the ball and puts in his reps at practice. Masu is the epitome of Chicago Baseball.
LEFTFIELD
Alphonso Torres
Thank God for Alphonso Torres. GM Collins immediately went to work in re-signing Torres and accomplished just that. Signed through the 2001, Alphonso will be one of the biggest contributors to the Sox organization. Last season was Alphonso's first and he batted .316 with 19 HR, and 100 RBI's. Alphonso easily got the Chicago Black Sox to the Landis. His defense is absolutely atrocious, but with a bat like Alphonso has, no one will pay attention to his outfield blunders. Batting second, he'll having a ton of runs scored this season. Thank God for Alphonso Torres.
CENTERFIELD
Resurrection Santos
...do I really have to say something? How about his name? Resurrection Santos. Yes, you guess right. Some chick just fainted. Is there anyone better? No, there is not. He came to the White Sox at only 19 years of age in 1993 and he hit .289. Fast forward to last season and he hits .372 with 38 HRs and 110 RBI's...and he's only 24. If you cannot tell, this kid makes me speechless. I have never seen a better ball player than Resurrection. What I'll do is let his career stats talk and his Sawyer Silk Award do the talking for me. if I were GM Collins, I would make this kid sign a lifetime contract through 2059. Do not be worried Collins, his name is Resurrection--he's not going anywhere. Yes, he is so good he can play baseball after he's dead.
RIGHTFIELD
Alan 'Optimus' Prime
Shouldn't someone be nicknamed "Optimus" only when they are awesome? Well, Alan is far from awesome and far from "Optimus" classification. What needs to be said other then what Ryan Collins has already said? Collins was reported as saying, "Alan Prime will not be our solution at RF. He may start the season as number one on the depth chart...but he definitely won't stay there. I'll be shocked if he is in a Black Sox uniform...or any uniform...by the end of the season." Wow. I hope Alan didn't hear that...
While the Black Sox have amazing, good, and bad...the amazing and good outweigh the bad. This team should have success this upcoming season. Whether it will be a trip to the Landis is up to the players; of course the city would love another shot. All in all...the city of Chicago awaits the 1999 season with high hopes and a resounding "Don't screw it up!" to General Manager Ryan Collins.
CHECK OUT THE LATEST TWEETS FROM MICHAEL LEE OF THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE AT @MBBA_Blacksox
Last Tweet: GM Collins confident going into season. Calls Hawaii's Spring Training a fluke and Madison's franchise an "organization with no identity."
***PITCHING TO COME TOMORROW****
