WHIV 1999 Vol 14- Pos. Players Recap

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Randy Square, 3B- Square continues to be the main power source from this team, as well as a rangy third baseman. There are rumors that Square may be shopped aggressively this winter, as the Hustlers are anxious for Phillipe LaRouche to get a full time gig.

Donald Noboru, SS- Noboru fell just short of the FL batting title with his .343 average, but he proved for real this season why the Hustlers took him with their 1st rounder back in 1995. HE also showed improvement at shortstop this season, though there is sentiment for his permanent position to be third base or second base.

Reginald Harnois, 1B- Has a legitimate case to be the FL Gillstrom Award winner, though two people left him off the ballot entirely (WTF?). The first half of the season was rough for Reggie, as he couldn't get regular at-bats. When you look at what he did in August and September and expand it to a full season, Harnois put up numbers equivelant to a .322, 201 H, 51 2B, 45 HR, 132 RBI season. Look out for 2000 people. Hell hath no fury like a Reggie scorned.

Jimmy Slizz, CF- The Hustlers finally came to their senses in June and gave Slizz the starting center field job back. He didn't disappoint, though his defensive matrics weren't what Las Vegas expected.

Riley Hinson, C- Might be the beginning of the end for Hinson at age 33. He's still a valuable offensive player at the catcher position, and his defense while degraded, will still not hurt a team. The Hustlers have two young catchers passing him by, and as much as they'd love to keep the captain around for his charge at 3000 hits and the Hall of Fame, they will try to find a home for "Diamond Ri" outside of Las Vegas this winter.

Ian Botham, LF- The much maligned Botham bottomed out at California and was delat to Las Vegas, where he performed better but still not up to his previously established standards. One thing to remember about Botham- he's still just 24 years old. He'll be fine with a fresh start in 2000.

Brent Gates, 2B- The two time Zimmer Award winner at second base, and the Frick League's RBI King for 1998, Gates had a injury plagued 1999 campaign. This didn't stop the Hustlers from locking him up to a four year extension at a reasonable price tag. Either he or Square will be moved to a new team to make way for LaRouche in 2000.

Monty Lynch, RF- First traded to Omaha, and then the Hustlers traded back for him at the deadline to play RF. Lynch was the #2 offensive player for the Hustlers behind only Square. However, he's asking for a ridiculous contract ($15M per!!!) and he'll hit the open market where he'll have to figure out reality.

Phillipe LaRouche, IF- He bounced back and forth from Las Vegas to AAA Milwaukee, never really had regular playing time, and couldn't get going offensively at the big league level. NO matter, Las Vegas thinks his future is brighter than bright and will clear a starting gig for him in 2000 either at shortstop or third base.

Jorge Sanchez, C- Brought up for the second season in a row, again hit well over .300 (.317). Sanchez may have no power but he's a plus-plus backup, and a regular for many MBBA teams.

Jonathan Noon, IF- Batted .379 in part time play. The Hustlers wanted to bring him back but he wants millions and a starting job. That's not to be had here, and Noon needs to realize what he is....a bench guy who RAKES lefties.

Desi Stanley, C- This heralded rookie showed flashes of why the Hustlers are so high on him. Of minimal concern, his lack of plate discipline (0 walks with Vegas).

Johnny Canuck, OF- Claime dfrom California to serve as an inexpensive reserve outfielder, Canuck is a plus defender at all three outfield positions. While his offense has left something to desire, as a bench player he's a decent option to have.

Luis Cruz, RF- Cruz was brought up to face lefties, and he didn't show anything to suggest he didn't belong (.978 OPS in 41 at bats).