The year of the Beef - 60 years in the making

[GeorgesGoons]

Starting Pitching:

Alfred Ortega - Brought in on a trade with Alabama. Not really an ace but will anchor the pitching staff.

Tim Terry - Lefty had a decent year last year and if we can get the same kind of production from him we will be very happy.

Colby Mills - Rookie year did not go as planned. We are hoping for a bounce back season his sophomore year.

Will Clark - Started in the BP last season and worked his way into the starting rotation. A pretty solid #4 pitcher.

Andrew Howell - Lefty struggled with the slight juice ball era starting. Will probably be looking to upgrade some time this season.

Ryan Williams - 2 more years of his shit. Would like to upgrade this spot as well.


Bullpen:

Castillo still anchors the pen and will do so for at least another 6 years as he just signed a contract extension. The bullpen is a shutdown lefty or two away from being good to being very good / elite. As long as the rest of the pitchers can get the ball to Catrunfrom or Thompson and then Castillo we should be good.


Batting:

LF Alfonso Fernandez - Hit .347/13/100 last season. We do not expect to see that kind of power from him again this season. A true stage setter for the small ball that the Beef like to play. Plays great defense and blazes around the base effortlessly.
Expected stat line: .357/4/83

1B Terrance Stead - Finished 2nd in the batting title last season. Should be right there again this year. Plays great defense at 1B. Tied for the league in doubles with teammate Carrillo last year.
Expected stat line: .369/8/81

3B Mario Carrillo - Pretty average at 3B but will not hurt the team with is glove. Just signed a long term contract extension and we are hoping for breakout season from this young man.
Expected stat line: .342/31/117

DH Jesus Gonzalez - Injuries limited him to 27 games for the Beef last year. We need him to stay healthy and protect Carrillo against righties. Not a threat on the basepaths and will not see the field very much as well. Will sit against lefties for the most part.
Expected stat line: .286/34/110

RF Steve Yanez - Yanez and C Saucedo are the old men in the lineup at 29 and 30 respectively. Has been pretty reliable throughout his career with the Beef. Plays decent enough defense and will DH against Lefties so Cooper can come in and play RF. Finished 2nd in the league with 52 doubles.
Expected stat line: .298/21/93

2B Hal Watkins - Really need to see some improvement from him in the field. His -6.1 ZR will not cut it. This is the year where he breaks out as one of the top 10 or better 2B in the league.
Expected stat line: .314/17/89

CF Michael Krieger - Without Spann waiting in the wings Krieger can settle down into his role as the starting CF for the foreseeable future. Nothing truly wow's you in his game but he will be as solid as they come from here on out.
Expected stat line: .297/17/91

SS Rich Booth - Got thrown into the fire last year as we had no other options for SS. We just need to see some steady growth from him this year and moving forward. His 68 OPS+ will not cut it, we need to get him closer to 100 this year.
Expected stat line: .277/1/68

C Juan Saucedo - An extremely underrated catcher in the league. His strength is at the plate but will not hurt the team with his catching ability. He has been steady as they come with throwing out runners at a 25% clip.
Expected stat line: .328/7/67


Season Expectations:

The teams strength is obviously their lineup and team speed. We are expecting to have 4 guys with at least 30 swipes this season. If the pitching can hold up this may be a magical season for the Beef. The team is still an Ace away from being a great team that could truly compete for an ALCS title, and maybe more.

Last season:

93-69
Lost in the ALDS in 7 games after being up 3-1 in the series

Expected Record:
94-68
Possible AL Central title. Will make playoffs with a wildcard if the division isn't won.

[Ry]

Meaty write up
GL!

[GeorgesGoons]

Meaty write up
GL!

I see what you did there. A-

[qazhby]

Great writeup George, going to be a great season

[Cnasty]

Again, great looking young squad and 3 starters from the Vidro trade looking to pay dividends.

Great write up George

[plasma1896]

good read gl