A Look at the New Haymakers

Daytona Beach, FL: There have been many changes to the Haymakers since the end of their dismal 2008 season; a new manager and coaches, a lot of offseason trades, and a new winter facility while the team's GM attempts to be a professional umpire. When Ken Anderson was asked about the GM's possible dual role he said jokingly, "I'm just trying to help out the team any way I can...if I can make some calls in favor of my team I'm gonna do it!" With all the changes on the team, they are still struggling to find their identity. Here's a comparison of the Haymakers lineup and rotation from 2008 and projected 2009 starters.

Catcher: In 2008 Greg Zaun saw the most time there and what somewhat effective in 218 at bats, hitting .298 with 28 RBI's. Troy probably had the weakest trio of players in the league play this postion and it doesn't look much better so far for next season. Projected starter in 2009: No One.

Firstbase: After a solid 1st season in 2007, Conor Jackson started very slowly in 2008 but came on strong at the end of the year. Conor hit .254 with 14 homeruns and 57 RBI's in 2008 and looks to be more productive in 2009. The rumors of moving him to the outfield turned out for be not true for now. Projected 2009 starter: Conor Jackson

Secondbase: Mark Ellis hit .257 with 26 homeruns as the starter in 2008 and looked like Ruth against lefties (ask Beard about it); hitting .311 with 20 homeruns in only 190 at bats. Some injury concerns made the team go another way, and brought in a guy the team feels is one of the better 2B-man in the league with gold-glove fielding. Projected 2009 starter: Brandon Phillips

Thirdbase: Aubrey Huff had a weak season at the hot corner hitting only .249 with 11 homeruns and 46 RBI's and could only field balls hit directly at him. Huff is expected to rebound very nicely in 2009 but the Haymakers did not like his glove and was traded for hitting prospect Billy Buter and a draft pick. Then the Haymakers picked up thier second gold glover of the offseason. Projected 2009 starter: Adrian Beltre

Shortstop: A platoon of David Eckstein and Macier Izturis yeilded light hitting and bad fielding returns. Izturis was traded during the season and Eckstein looks to be released. At least now they have someone who can field. Projected 2009 starter: Jason Bartlett

Rightfield: First round pick Hunter Pence couldn't match his power potential with Haymaker Gounds deep fences, hitting only 7 homeruns in 410 at bats. He still has a lot of skills and looks to be the starting RF'er in Troy for a long time, provided he learns how to hit lefties. As a right handed batter, he shouldn't have a problem doing it. Projected 2009 starter: Hunter Pence

Centerfield: After Vernon Wells was traded, Andrew Jones looked very lost at the plate. Hitting .182 with 16 homeruns and 110 strikeouts in 385 at bats he was told that he was sold to the local high school for a can of Milwaukee's Best. He reportedly is battling for a starting job there. The talented but troubled Elijah Dukes was picked up during the season and hopes to take over full time duties in 2010. Projected 2009 starter: Cody Ross & Elijah Dukes

Leftfield: Matt Holliday but together a good season in his one year with the Haymakers; hitting .286 with 30 homeruns and 96 RBI's in the spacious Haymaker Grounds. He was traded after the season in the deal that brought secondbaseman Brandon Phillips, moving Andre Etheir into the starting role. He has some big shoes to fill and only hit .242 with 11 homeruns and 29 RBI's in a part time role in 2008, but he has looked real good in winter ball and should be successful next season. Projected 2009 starter: Andre Etheir.

DH: Matt Stairs and Jason Kubel hit a combined 17 homeruns and 76 RBI's in 2008. Stairs was only signed for 1 year and was never expected to return. The young slugger Billy Butler will see time against lefties while Kubel may be retained to hit against righties. Projected 2009 starter: Billy Butler & Jason Kubel

Will the team field better in 2009? Definetly; with upgrades in fielding at 3B, SS, 2B, and RF and the only downgrade in CF...the overall defense should be solid. Will the team hit better in 2009? Maybe; there are a few young, talented bats but they are really a year away. At this point Jackson, Ethier and Pence will be the heart of the order and that's not saying much. Big bats Holliday and Huff were traded in order to improve the team fielding. The Haymakers have a lot of picks in the draft and will be looking to make the most of them. What's their gameplan? "I haven't really thought about it too much yet," said the GM, "We are trying to get back to the speed, defense and pitching that we had in 2007. That's the game we like to play and the way we like to win. We have a lot of work to do, but I think we can be successful."

Next week: A look at the Haymakers pitching staff for 2009.