2076 Anchorage Eskimos Preview

[KShorey]

Coming off an abysmal sub 60 win season, this years team looks to be one the most "improved." The age old argument of a .500 team sitting in FA year in and year out will be put to the test. At a 81mil payroll of nickled and dimed free agents and league minimum "prospects," this season will go 1 of 2 ways. While we don't expect anything like a playoff run, .500 ball seems obtainable. The offense is built around high contact, high K avoidance, and speed. Power will be lacking and opposing catchers will either feast or famine against our speed on the paths. The entire pitching staff will leave alot to be desired and ultimately be the demise of the team. While a few potential bright spots have the chance to shine through, it just won't be enough to carry the rest of the staff. So without any further hesitation, here is the 2076 Anchorage Eskimos preview...

Starting Rotation
1. Doug Ingram - One of the few bright spots in the Eskimo staff, the former 17th round pick showed promise last year that he could handle the role of ace. After a mid season trade/call up, Dougie Fresh posted a 3.13 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, and 160 K's in 20 starts. At just 24 years of age, Ingram will be expected to anchor the staff
2. Lonnie Osborne - It goes without question, Osborne will have a very short leash this year as a member of the starting 5. His lack of a 3rd pitch proves the need/necessity of having one in the NDL. ++ stuff, + movement, + control, ++ fastball and sinker, -- 3rd pitch and the numbers show it. Osborne had the worst year of his short career going 5-17 with a 6.30 ERA/1.60 WHIP. Opposing teams loved to see Lonnie 60 feet 6 short inches away as they devoured him with .324 BABIP. Given the entire team attitude was in the dumps, we're hoping a more competitive team can keep Osborne on track for his projected #2 status. If things don't turn around, he has the makeup of a dominant setup guy which will be quickly utilized.
3. John Bishop - Another meh part of the Eskimos pitching staff, Bishop hopes to rebound from last season and get back into the form he had been the previous 2 seasons. Last year Bishop posted career worst numbers in losses, ERA, WHIP, and BABIP. Seeing that the previous 2 years he averaged a 3 ERA and 1.05 WHIP, any return to that form will be extremely welcomed by the team.
4. Jim Aguilar - Starters 4 and 5 join the team after multi year hiatuses to Japan. Both pitchers are believed to have been hailed as heroes due to their dominance so they figured why not give the NDL another shot. In actuality, I'm surprised these 2 lasted as long as they did. They aren't aces but look like descent back end arms and will hopefully be the pieces needed to make us a .500 club
5. Edward Clark - see #4.

Projected LIneup
1. CF Francisco Gomez - After his respectable .284/.332 2075 campaign in the leadoff spot in 157 games, the team is hoping for similar results to get the offense going
2. RF Jorge Garcia - Garcia joins the Eskimos after signing with the team on a 3 year deal. A career .300 hitter, Garcia will be called upon to maintain that same standard. His ++ K avoidance will keep the ball in play and hopefully fill the bases for slugger Aaron Adams in the 3 hole.
3. DH Aaron Adams - Another "We Know You Can't Last a Minute Man," Adams joins the Eskimos with a strictly DH role. The attributes still seem to be present for a 30/100 season. At just 31 years of age, Adams can focus purely on his bat and should see some descent pitches with fellow power hitter Gilbert Whitetaker in the on deck circle.
4. LF Gilbert Whitetaker - The most exciting part of this Anchorage lineup will definitely be the potential bat of Whitetaker. Acquired just weeks before the season opener, Gilbert will instantly become a starter and be looked upon to drive in runs. He crushed imaginary AAA arms last season to the tune of .334 avg, 20 HR, and 73 rbi in just 100 games. If all goes to plan, Whitetaker will compete for ROY honors.
5. C Roger Peters - Cheap talent isn't always cheap in the NDL, but Anchorage feels they found a bargain in Peters with a 1 year/2 mil contract. Entering his 9th ML season, the expectations of Peters will remain low. The bat won't be looked upon greatly but the defense behind the plate should be consistent with seasons past.
6. 3B Rafael Deleon - Another FA acquisition, Deleon joins us from Sheltown. The team hopes last season was simply a flier as he posted nearly career lows in major batting category. If the bat can wake up and he can man the hot corner, Rafael will be an instant asset to the Eskimos.
7. SS - Juan Amador - After a 2075 mid season departure to NDL season champs OCD, Amador resigned with Anchorage after the teams revamped look. A stud defensively, Amador will look to continue his defensive prowess for the league's worst defensive team in 2075.
8. 1B Joe Collier - Little known Joe (rightfully so) will become an every day starter this season for the Eskimos. It's hard to make any projections for Collier but the team has high hopes for a .275 season to keep men on base while the team works through its bottom of the lineup woes.
9. 2B Tom Turner - Like most Eskimo players, Turner will look to improve on his 2075 numbers in which he posted career lows .283 avg, .318 obp, and .371 slug. He did swipe a career high 52 bases in nearly 100 fewer plate appearances and the coaching staff hopes to see a new high set again this year.
Utility Player - Tom Istance - Chomping at the bit for a starting role, Istance will be the first off the bench in the need of a bat of defensive fill in.

Predictions
W/L - 81-81
Division Finish - 3rd

Bold Predictions
Eskimos lead the NL in batting average
Eskimos lead the NL in stolen bases
Gilbert Whitetaker wins ROY
Anchorage is leagues most improved team (won't be hard seeing we were 2nd worst last season)

[TheGobOne]

Whitaker looks nice. Also, good to see you are going to use Deleon at 3B, gold glove incoming.

Well written sir!

[Graywolf357]

Get istance in there!!!!

[Wasted Memory]

Pulling for Whiteaker! Good luck with your team.