The 2011 Haymakers

Troy, NY: One word seems to be on the minds of Haymakers players and coaches as they get ready to leave for spring training; contention. This is a first for the team, as the team has always been in rebuild mode ever since the team has moved to Troy from Canyon County. The team's only holdover from the storied franchise is Huston Street, who was a rookie at the time and may not make next seasons roster. A quick glance at the teams roster will show probably the most impressive lineup it has ever had, as well as the deepest rotation. Here is a more in depth look at each position:

First Base: Billy Butler - the 24 year old has shown promise since acquired via trade and although did nicely in his first full season with 60 extra base hits; some still wonder if he will ever live up to the potential that this former top prospect has had. He has been slowly growing every season and is still good young bat, possibly breaking out as a top 10 firstbaseman for the first time this year. (Hopefully not leading the league in DP's)

Second Base: Brandon Phillips - the 2 time gold glove winner acquired via trade with the Grizzlies has power, speed, and a great glove but his production is stymied by his ability to get on-base. He sometimes seems confused on the type of hitter he should be; although there is a good amount of talent there. Is very useful as a bottom of the order hitter.

Shortstop: Jason Bartlett - another trade acquisition may have had his career year in 2010 as a top of the order spark for the Haymakers, his glove may keep him in the lineup in 2011.

Third Base: Jose Bautista - this journeyman has had a somewhat productive career as a utility player; he may have found a home in Troy. A minor adjustment to his swing has produced a major increase in production; and his position flexability is a plus on a team that likes to move players around. Many wonder if this will be his career year but the Haymaker fans will just sit back and enjoy his upcoming season. He unseats last years first round pick Pablo Sandoval, who had a sophomore slump season; but will most likely be the long term option at the position.

Rightfield: Andre Ethier - a great lefty bat with a plus arm and an average defender who crushes righties; but needs to be benched against lefties. If he ever figures out how to hit the southpaws he could be a top tier outfielder.

Centerfield: Brett Gardner - this slap hitting speedster will be an on-base machine for the Haymakers in 2011. Is a top notch fielder in left, but will fill in nicely as an above average CF with a plus arm. His work ethic and hard nose, aggressive style is a favorite of GM Ken Anderson.

Leftfield: David Murphy - finished strong last season and played his way onto the 2011 roster. Like Ethier; will need to be benched against lefties.

Catcher: Geovanny Soto - this 2009 first round pick followed up his sophomore slump season, with a solid campaign; although beset by injury. Will absolutely destroy lefties next season, and hopes to be behind the dish at Haymaker grounds for a while.

There's much to look forward to in 2011, and the lineup may look something like this:

CF Brett Garder

DH Omar Infante

RF Andre Ethier

3B Jose Bautista

1B Billy Butler

LF David Murphy

C Geovanny Soto

2B Brandon Phillips

SS Jason Bartlett

With the rotation filling out like so:

SP1 Jered Weaver

SP2 Brett Myers

SP3 Jon Garland

SP4 Max Scherzer

SP5 Mike Pelfrey

Closer: Huston Street