Vermont completes sweep of New York

The Vermont Fighting Sioux opened the season in fine fashion, finishing off a sweep of NYK 4-2 behind the solid pitching of Aaron Cook and 3 relievers. Vermont's offense again failed to hit for big numbers, but the results were a little better once the box score is examined. The Sioux did get men on base, but just didn't get the timely hit to break to game open, eventually stranding 12. Kevin Kouzmanoff's 1st HR of the year, a 2-run shot in the 4th, provided the winning margin.

Strat-O-Matic Report

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BOXSCORE: 2010 New York Knights At 2010 Vermont Fighting Sioux      4/18/2010
 
  Knights            AB  R  H RBI AVG     Fighting Sioux     AB  R  H RBI AVG
  M.Kemp CF           3  0  0  0 .100     A.Jones CF          4  0  1  0 .286  
  M.Young 3B          4  0  2  0 .167     C.Crawford LF       5  0  2  2 .308  
  A.Laroche 1B        4  0  1  0 .125     C.Utley 2B          3  0  0  0 .100  
  J.Kubel DH          4  0  1  0 .222     C.Quentin RF        4  0  1  0 .400  
  V.Guerrero RF       4  0  1  0 .250   A-W.Venable RF        1  0  0  0 .200  
  L.Scott LF          3  1  1  0 .200     C.Coghlan DH        2  0  0  0 .000  
D-G.Sizemore PR       0  0  0  0 ----     C.Blake 1B          3  1  1  0 .333  
  A.Callaspo 2B       4  1  1  2 .400   B-L.Overbay 1B        0  0  0  0 .000  
  J.Lugo SS           3  0  1  0 .200     K.Kouzmanoff 3B     4  2  1  2 .143  
E-J.Cantu PH          1  0  0  0 .200     R.Theriot SS        1  1  0  0 .250  
  R.Barajas C         3  0  0  0 .000   C-J.Wilson SS         1  0  0  0 .200  
                                          J.Kendall C         4  0  0  0 .143  
                     -- -- -- ---                            -- -- -- ---      
         Totals      33  2  8  2                 Totals      32  4  6  4
 
A-Subbed Defensively (RF) For Quentin In 8th Inning
B-Subbed Defensively (1B) For Blake In 8th Inning
C-Subbed Defensively (SS) For Theriot In 8th Inning
D-Pinch Ran For Scott In 9th Inning
E-Pinch Hit For Lugo In 9th Inning
 
Knights......... 0 0 0  0 0 0  2 0 0  -  2  8  2
Fighting Sioux.. 0 0 1  2 0 0  0 1    -  4  6  0
 
Knights (0-3)            IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR    ERA  SCORESHEET
M.Cain LOSS(0-1)          7 1/3   5   4   3   6   5   1   3.68  A1 D8
J.Affeldt                 0 2/3   1   0   0   2   1   0   0.00  D9
Totals                    8       6   4   3   8   6   1
 
Fighting Sioux (3-0)     IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR    ERA  SCORESHEET
A.Cook WIN(1-0)           6 2/3   5   2   2   2   3   1   2.70  A1 C7
R.Ramirez HOLD(1st)       1       1   0   0   0   0   0   0.00  C8 D2
H.Okajima HOLD(1st)       0 2/3   1   0   0   0   0   0   0.00  D3 D5
L.Nunez SAVE(2nd)         0 2/3   1   0   0   0   0   0   0.00  D6
Totals                    9       8   2   2   2   3   1
 
ATTENDANCE- 46,004 DATE- Saturday, April 18th 2010 TIME- Day 
T- 2:53
LEFT ON BASE- Knights: 6  Fighting Sioux:12
DOUBLE PLAYS- Knights: 0  Fighting Sioux: 1
ERRORS- M.Young, V.Guerrero
DOUBLES- M.Young(1st), C.Crawford(1st), C.Blake(1st)
HOME RUNS- A.Callaspo(1st), K.Kouzmanoff(1st)
STOLEN BASES- R.Theriot(1st)
WALKS- M.Kemp, L.Scott, A.Jones, C.Utley-2, C.Coghlan-2, C.Blake, R.Theriot-2
STRIKE OUTS- J.Lugo, R.Barajas-2, C.Crawford-2, C.Utley, C.Coghlan, C.Blake,
             J.Kendall
 
In a close game the Vermont Fighting Sioux got by the New York Knights by the
score of 4 to 2.
 
Vermont jumped on top to stay in the bottom of the 3rd inning scoring a single
run using 2 hits.  New York had a chance to come back in the 9th but they
came up short.  
 
Aaron Cook(1-0) picked up the victory, allowing 2 runs in 6 and 2/3 innings.
Leo Nunez was credited with his 2nd save.  Matt Cain(0-1) was the loser.
 
'You have to give New York credit, they fought us tough to the end' Justin
Rabidoux said.  'It could have gone either way, but I'm glad we pulled out
the victory.'

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Sioux top NYK 3-0 again, this time behind Zack Duke

On day 2 of the 2010 NASBL seaon, it was Zach Duke's turn to spin a gem, and he did. Duke held New York to only 6 baserunners through 8 innings and the Sioux offense had just enough, plating 3 runs in 3 separate innings, 2 on solo HRs from new captain Chase Utley and Raul Ibanez.

Strat-O-Matic Report

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BOXSCORE: 2010 New York Knights At 2010 Vermont Fighting Sioux      4/17/2010
 
  Knights            AB  R  H RBI AVG     Fighting Sioux     AB  R  H RBI AVG
  M.Kemp CF           4  0  0  0 .143     C.Crawford RF,CF,RF 4  0  1  0 .250  
  A.Callaspo 2B       4  0  3  0 .500     R.Ibanez LF         4  1  1  1 .250  
  J.Cantu 1B          4  0  1  0 .250   B-A.Jones CF          0  0  0  0 .333  
  J.Rivera LF         4  0  0  0 .000     C.Utley 2B          4  1  1  1 .143  
  M.Young 3B          4  0  0  0 .000     C.Quentin DH        3  1  2  0 .500  
  R.Paulino C         2  0  0  0 .000     C.Blake 3B          3  0  1  0 .333  
D-J.Kubel PH          1  0  0  0 .200   A-K.Kouzmanoff 3B     0  0  0  0 .000  
  C.Guzman SS         3  0  1  0 .333     W.Venable CF,RF,CF, 3  0  1  0 .250  
  L.Scott DH          3  0  1  0 .143     K.Shoppach C        2  0  0  1 .000  
  G.Sheffield RF      3  0  0  0 .000   C-J.Kendall C         0  0  0  0 .333  
                                          L.Overbay 1B        3  0  0  0 .000  
                                          J.Wilson SS         3  0  0  0 .250  
                     -- -- -- ---                            -- -- -- ---      
         Totals      32  0  6  0                 Totals      29  3  7  3
 
A-Subbed Defensively (3B) For Blake In 8th Inning
B-Subbed Defensively (CF) For Ibanez In 9th Inning
C-Subbed Defensively (C ) For Shoppach In 9th Inning
D-Pinch Hit For Paulino In 9th Inning
 
Knights......... 0 0 0  0 0 0  0 0 0  -  0  6  0
Fighting Sioux.. 0 1 0  1 0 0  0 1    -  3  7  0
 
Knights (0-2)            IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR    ERA  SCORESHEET
J.Lester LOSS(0-1)        8       7   3   3   0   7   2   3.38  A1
Totals                    8       7   3   3   0   7   2
 
Fighting Sioux (2-0)     IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR    ERA  SCORESHEET
Z.Duke WIN(1-0)           8       5   0   0   1   3   0   0.00  A1 D2
B.Medders HOLD(1st)       0 2/3   1   0   0   0   0   0   0.00  D3 D5
L.Nunez SAVE(1st)         0 1/3   0   0   0   0   0   0   0.00  D6
Totals                    9       6   0   0   1   3   0
 
ATTENDANCE- 39,688 DATE- Friday, April 17th 2010 TIME- Night 
T- 2:31
LEFT ON BASE- Knights: 6  Fighting Sioux: 3
DOUBLE PLAYS- Knights: 1  Fighting Sioux: 1
HOME RUNS- R.Ibanez(1st), C.Utley(1st)
STOLEN BASES- C.Crawford(2nd)
SACRIFICE FLIES- K.Shoppach
WALKS- R.Paulino
STRIKE OUTS- J.Rivera, L.Scott-2, R.Ibanez, C.Utley, W.Venable, K.Shoppach-2,
             L.Overbay-2
GIDP- G.Sheffield, C.Blake
 
Zach Duke(1-0) and Jon Lester(0-1) locked horns in a pitcher's duel with Duke
and the Vermont Fighting Sioux coming out on top of the New York Knights 3 to
0.
 
In the bottom of the 2nd inning Vermont went on top for good plating an
isolated run utilizing 2 base hits.  That was all the runs Duke needed.
Vermont finished with 7 hits in the victory.  
 
Leo Nunez recorded the save, his 1st.

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Vermont fans enjoy opening day thanks to Ubaldo

Ubaldo Jimenez threw a complete game shut out vs. the New York Knights, yielding only 3 hits, and striking out 11 in the masterpiece. DH Carlos Quentin got the game winning RBI by sending the 1st pitch of the bottom of the 4th inning into the bleachers.

Strat-O-Matic Report

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BOXSCORE: 2010 New York Knights At 2010 Vermont Fighting Sioux      4/16/2010
 
  Knights            AB  R  H RBI AVG     Fighting Sioux     AB  R  H RBI AVG
  M.Kemp CF           3  0  1  0 .333     A.Jones CF          3  0  1  1 .333  
  M.Young 3B          4  0  0  0 .000     C.Crawford LF       4  0  1  0 .250  
  A.Laroche 1B        4  0  0  0 .000     C.Utley 2B          3  0  0  0 .000  
  J.Kubel DH          4  0  1  0 .250     C.Quentin DH        3  1  1  1 .333  
  V.Guerrero RF       4  0  1  0 .250     C.Coghlan RF        3  0  0  0 .000  
  L.Scott LF          4  0  0  0 .000   A-W.Venable RF        1  0  0  0 .000  
  A.Callaspo 2B       2  0  0  0 .000     C.Blake 1B          3  1  1  0 .333  
  J.Lugo SS           2  0  0  0 .000   B-L.Overbay 1B        1  0  0  0 .000  
  R.Barajas C         2  0  0  0 .000     K.Kouzmanoff 3B     3  0  0  0 .000  
                                          R.Theriot SS        3  1  1  0 .333  
                                        C-J.Wilson SS         1  0  1  01.000  
                                          J.Kendall C         3  0  1  1 .333  
                     -- -- -- ---                            -- -- -- ---      
         Totals      29  0  3  0                 Totals      31  3  7  3
 
A-Subbed Defensively (RF) For Coghlan In 6th Inning
B-Subbed Defensively (1B) For Blake In 7th Inning
C-Subbed Defensively (SS) For Theriot In 7th Inning
 
Knights......... 0 0 0  0 0 0  0 0 0  -  0  3  1
Fighting Sioux.. 0 0 0  3 0 0  0 0    -  3  7  1
 
Knights (0-1)            IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR    ERA  SCORESHEET
J.Johnson LOSS(0-1)       3 2/3   5   3   3   2   3   1   7.36  A1 C1
D.Oliver                  4       1   0   0   1   3   0   0.00  C2 D7
C.Qualls                  0 1/3   1   0   0   0   0   0   0.00  D8
Totals                    8       7   3   3   3   6   1
 
Fighting Sioux (1-0)     IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR    ERA  SCORESHEET
U.Jimenez WIN(1-0)        9       3   0   0   3  11   0   0.00  A1
Totals                    9       3   0   0   3  11   0
 
ATTENDANCE- 29,885 DATE- Thursday, April 16th 2010 TIME- Night 
T- 2:57
LEFT ON BASE- Knights: 6  Fighting Sioux: 8
DOUBLE PLAYS- Knights: 0  Fighting Sioux: 1
ERRORS- J.Lugo, R.Theriot
HOME RUNS- C.Quentin(1st)
STOLEN BASES- M.Kemp(1st), C.Crawford(1st)
CAUGHT STEALING- J.Wilson
SACRIFICE HITS- R.Barajas
WALKS- M.Kemp, A.Callaspo, J.Lugo, A.Jones, C.Utley, K.Kouzmanoff
HIT BY PITCH- C.Quentin
STRIKE OUTS- M.Young, A.Laroche-3, J.Kubel-3, V.Guerrero, L.Scott-2, A.Callaspo,
             A.Jones-2, C.Utley, C.Coghlan, C.Blake, L.Overbay
GIDP- R.Barajas
WEB GEMS- Top 2nd: Kevin Kouzmanoff robbed Alberto Callaspo of a base hit.
 
Ubaldo Jimenez allowed 3 hits while blanking New York as the Vermont Fighting
Sioux defeated the New York Knights by the score of 3 to 0 at Fighting Sioux
Field.
 
Jimenez(1-0) was on top of his game.  He was stingy on the mound, allowing
just 3 hits and 3 walks in 9 innings.  Jimenez racked up 11 strikeouts.
Neither team managed to score after the 4th inning.  
 
Josh Johnson(0-1) was given the loss.  'Everything felt great' Jimenez said.
'I had a good fastball, I felt I could throw it by everybody tonight.'

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Beltran Only Tastes Great

Illinois Times -- Carlos Beltran has never been one to back down from a challenge. This season, thirsting elite competition, Carlos Beltran has declared himself "Exclusively a Tastes Great Player."

"Baseball is a progression. I started out years ago in Rookie Ball then progressed to A, AA, AAA and all the way to the NASBL. Each step along the way has allowed me to test my skills against an increased level of competition. I have passed all these tests. Just like it would be inappropriate for me to play against minor league competition, it is now inappropriate for me to play against the inferior Less Filling division of the NASBL. My skills belong with the big boys and with a couple of exceptions, the big boys play in the Tastes Great division. I am getting up there in years and cannot play 162 games anymore. Therefore I am deciding to forgo the Less Filling portion of the schedule this year and only play against those teams in the Tastes Great."

When pressed about his decision, Carlos said "Yeah I am a team guy, I could go out there and pinch hit now and then against an elite closer with the game on the line, or help out Nathan nail down a save by playing an inning or so in the outfield - but beyond that, I really don't see myself as a Less Filling kind of guy. Fukudome and Bourn can have an opportunity to build their confidence and improve to the point where they can handle the TG - I am giving them the at bats they need to do just that."

Due to Beltran's bazaar request, the Chows outfield shakes out as follows:

vs. R TG

Beltran RF

Bourn CF

Pagan LF

vs. R LF

Fukudome RF

Bourn CF

Pagan LF

vs. L TG

Raburn RF

Beltran CF

Willingham LF

vs. L LF

Raburn RF

Bourn CF

Willingham LF

When Morandini was asked about his star player's request he said "I am not happy having my hands tied like this, but at least he is going to play against our own division. Those are the most crucial games we have in a tight play-off race and having him out there in every single divisional game will help give us an edge. I just hope this doesn't anger the LF teams. They are all very talented clubs and we take them very seriously. Only one of our guys feels the way Carlos does, you don't see Hanley or Roy or any of out other starts saying anything remotely close to this."

Most Chows had no comment on the issue, but new Chow SP Carlos Zambrano was very vocal "Everyone thinks I am crazy - Crazy Carlos people call me behind my back. I think we know who the real Crazy Carlos is now - who has ever heard of exclusively a TG player. It makes no sense."

2010 NASBL Predictions

With opening day fast approaching the AJC has released their predictions for the 2010 NASBL season. Once again the TG East is loaded & the NASBL championship will likely go to the club that can survive the division race & TG playoffs. The hometown favorite Georgia Roadkill should improve over the disastrous '09 season but no threat for the playoffs as they continue to rebuild & hope for a return in '11.

AJC Picks:

TG East ILL Chow Chows

TG South LVI Iron Pigs

TG WC LCC Cannibals

LF West SPL Pilots

LF Central PCM Chin Music

LF WC GCG Grizzlies

TG LCS ILL over LCC

LF LCS SPL over PCM

WS ILL over SPL as Chow Chows win 1st NASBL Championship

TG MVP Hanley Ramirez ILL

LF MVP Joe Mauer SPL

TG CY Roy Halladay ILL

LF CY Zack Grienke GCG

TG Fireman Joe Nathan ILL

LF Fireman Trevor Hoffman PCM

TG ROY Andrew McCutchen HHA

LF ROY Pablo Sandovol TRY

The Future looks Bright in Troy

Clearwater, Florida: As all teams in the NASBL prepare for the 2010 season in their spring training facilities, it's easy for teams to have a positive outlook on the season. The bright Florida sun and warm weather always seem to bring out the the best in players, fans and management alike. The new look Haymakers are not exempt from this phenomenon...."We plan on contending for the playoffs," says 3B/DH Mark Reynolds, "We are going to surprise some people." Reynolds isin't the only player on the team with playoff hopes. "I know I'm new to the team, but we have a great bunch of guys here," says pitcher Max Scherzer, "this lineup is going to be much better than they were last year." He may just be right. The 2010 Haymaker lineup is looking to improve on a lineup that produced near the bottom in every category last year, cumulated by a second from the bottom team batting average. With improved play from Mark Reynolds, Jason Bartlett, Andre Ethier, Brandon Phillips, Billy Butler, and Hunter Pence all anchored by 3B/C and new star Pablo Sandoval; Troy should have no problem scoring runs.

Always a strength of a Haymaker team, this years bull-pen looks as strong as ever. Six arms deep with two quality lefties anchored by closer Huston Street; there should be no problem stopping runs from scoring late in the game.

The main weakness of this year's team though is what keeps them a possible contender instead of a bone-a-fide contender. There are a couple of decent young arms in Jered Weaver and Max Scherzer, but after that it looks rough. Mike Pelfrey and Jon Garland will have to work a good number of innings, and it will be tough for them to be able to pull a .500 record.

When GM/Manager Ken Anderson was asked about a possibility of a playoff spot; he said, "Anything's possible. Right now we're just trying to get ready for the season. If we do enough to prepare, we could definitely make a case for it."

Here's a look at the Haymakers depth chart for the upcoming season:

C: Geovanny Soto/Pablo Sandoval /Omir Santos

1B: Billy Butler /Fernando Tatis

2B: Brandon Phillips/Omar Infante /Juan Uribe

3B: Pablo Sandoval/Juan Uribe/Mark Reynolds

SS: Jason Bartlett /Juan Uribe

LF: Andre Ethier /Jose Batista/David Murhpy

CF: Chris Dickerson /Brett Gardner/Omar Infante/Jose Batista

RF: Hunter Pence /David Murphy

DH: Mark Reynolds

SP: Jered Weaver

SP: Max Scherzer

SP: Jon Garland

SP: Mike Pelfrey

SP: Justin Masterson

SP: Homer Bailey

Closer: Huston Street

Setup: Mike Gonzalez

Setup: Brandon Lyon

Relief: Jason Bulger

Relief: Jeff Fulchino

Relief: Pedro Feliciano

Season Preview - Outlaw Josey Wales

Burlington, VT

Everything is happier in Outlaw land. Well, that might not have always been true, but it surely applies to the feelings heading into the 2010 NASBL season with OJW coming off a NASBL Championship season. The TG South looks like a tighter 4-team race this year as the division’s dominant forces OJW and NJT may have taken a step back while the bottom half of the division teams have their constituents buzzing. Burlington Free Press’ TG South blogger Tuba Do Jinx Uris takes us below the Mason-Dixon line to give us the scoop on the defending NASBL champs.

Five-Year Win Trend

2009 101

2008 90

2007 68

2006 87

2005 74

OUTLAW JOSEY WALES

‘09 Record: 101-61, 1st in TG South
Pythagorean Record: 101-61 (+0)
Current NASBLOTA Projection: 96-66 (1st in TG South)

2009 Review

Outlaw finished the 2009 season in first place, 4 games ahead of the Trash Heap. They were able to win 11 more games than they did in 2008 and improve from on their position of 6 games out of first place. In 2009, OJW scored 830 runs while allowing a league 2^nd best 648. There were many bright spots for OJW in 2009, with one being Ryan Dempster’s 21-7, 3.11 campaign.

2010 Outlook

While the rich got richer in the form of two 1^st round draft picks (Elvis Andrus & Nelson Cruz), the toughest challenge will be holding the opposition under 700 runs again. The pitching staff was hit hard by injuries, leading Mark Hildebrant to rely on an improved defense (four 1-range players in the IF!) to limit crooked numbers on the score board. Four big question remain for this team: (1) Is Manny Ramirez in a nonstop downward spiral or can he put together a healthy end to end season? (2) Will the Outlaw rotation, full of part-timers, be good enough to pitch well all season? (3) Is Elvis Andrus, taken #3 overall, the NEXT BIG THING? and (4) When will GM Hildebrant relax his “Joba Rules” and unleash Mr. Chamberlin’s considerable talents on the rest of the league?

2010 Team

Departed:

Rod Barajas

Chris Coste

Gabe Kapler

Melvin Mora

Nick Punto

Alfonso Soriano

Ryan Theriot

Tim Byrdak

J Devine

Javier Lopez

Jason Frasor

H Kuo

G Smith

New Arrivals:

Jared Salty

David Ortiz

L Valbuena

Elvis Andrus

Adrian Beltre

Nelson Cruz

Grant Balfour

J Carlson

M Lowe

DJ Carrasco

Kevin Jepsen

Matt Capps

Catcher

The catching position was not a big source of strength for Outlaw a year ago, and not much has changed heading into this season. With former prospect Jarrod Saltalamacchia’s shoulder still an area of concern and his offensive numbers never really coming together, Mike Napoli should see a good chunk of playing time in 2010 and punish LHP in the process.

Infield

The Texas infield is one of the teams biggest strengths and it’s what sets them ahead of most other clubs. With Adrian Gonzalez at first, Dustin Pedroia at second, Elvis Andrus at short and Adrian Beltre at 3^rd, there aren’t many teams that can match up with an infield like that form both an offensive and defensive standpoint.

Gonzalez has firmly established himself as a star and is the club’s first baseman of the present & future while Pedroria comes in as a sleeper for the TG batting title. Andrus is a strong ROY candidate and should meet expectations in 2010 as he works to improve the skills he displayed with his glove. Mr. Consistency, Beltre, will continue to shine with his glove and provide more than adequate offense in support of the Outlaw line up.

Outfield

Jason Bay is a big time home run threat, Rajai Davis can run after the ball and around the bases with the best of ‘em and Nelson Cruz will start in right and the trio will combine for a very good offensive and average defensive outfield for Outlaw. Should anyone need day off, Manny Ramirez is more than a capable backup as he fights his way back into the mix.

Designated Hitter

Manny and his former minor league teammate David Ortiz will hit RHP well from the DH spot and should post about a 120 OPS+ against lefties.

Bench

Franchise mascot Omar Vizquel is back again, this time to tutor young Elvis in the finer arts of glovemanship and provide about 150 ABs worth of experience. Ryan Ludwick and Manny make up very good #4 and #5 OFers.

Starting Rotation

Outlaw’s rotation is experienced but lacks a true top of the rotation innings-eater. Much of the rotation’s success will depend on the health of Rich Harden and Jake Peavy. Getting a combined 225 IP from these two talented hurlers will go a long way for Outlaw success, but you should expect them to miss at least a handful of starts in 2010. Ryan Dempster, the #1 on paper, won 21 games in 2009, but heading into this year appears to lack true “ace” stuff. Scott Baker will be a competent 25+ start option for Mark and Scott Kazmir and Joba Chamberlin’s combined production are above average for their back of the rotation status. The team hopes it can nurse Tim Hudson back to health so he may return to his past dominance.

Bullpen

The bullpen is one of the team’s biggest strengths. Broxton and Soria are great closer options and the rest of the pen is littered with very good set up men and other options for closers if the need arises in the form of Downs, Balfour and Matt Capps amongst others.

AROUND THE HORN WITH OUTLAW JOSEY WALES…

Breakthrough Performance…

Jarrod Saltalamacchia

Sharing more of the time behind the plate with Mike Napoli should allow Saltalamacchia’s offensive game to develop more and as his catching demands lessen, he should find his swing and become more of the offensive threat he was projected to be. With his shoulder feeling better after off season surgery, and being just 25 years old, Saltalamacchia still has a bright future ahead of him. As long as he can take some time to work on his plate discipline and reduce the number of Ks, the rest should improve on its own.

Ready to Rebound…

Manny Ramirez

Coming off an “injury” plagued 2009, MannyBManny can only improve in 2010. You could say that after 2008, he suffered from hitters Verducci effect where his body just wasn’t ready to play a full season without pharmaceutical aid. He’s gone through a lot and has a questionable work ethic. As long as he can listen to what his body is telling him in terms of injuries he should be able to stay on the field and produce.

Ready to Disappoint…

Rich Harden

Harden needs to fill a vital role in the rotation and for someone who just hasn’t pitched a lot of innings due to injury, there’s not much he’ll be able to do when the inevitable DL stint occurs. If (When?) Harden gets hurt, it will leave a huge hole talent-wise in the top of rotation, which will cause Outlaw to pull players out of different roles to fill a need. This may not end well for Outlaw or Harden if he isn’t able to pitch a full season.

Don’t Be Surprised If…

Outlaw regresses a bit and New Jersey wins the TG South. As mentioned many times herein, the key will be the ability of the pitching to repeat 2009’s success. If not, the fallback is a sterling defensive infield and hopefully increased production from Manny and a big season with the bat from rookie Nelson Cruz.

Be Shocked If…

Elvis Andrus dose not compete for TG ROY. He’s just too talented and will get a lot of run scoring opportunities hitting ahead of Adrian Gonzalez and Nelson Cruz.

Rock Steady…

Adrian Gonzalez

One thing that stands out more than anything in this lineup is Adrian Gonzalez’s consistency. He’s a hitter with excellent bat control, and someone who can drive the ball on a consistent basis. None of that even mentions his gold glove caliber defense.

Achilles Heel…

Age & Injuries

Father time is catching up with more than a few of OJW’s All-Star caliber players. Between Manny & Big Papi, the offense ain’t what it used to be. And the bullpen car best be driven by a paramedic.

In the Next Three Years…

Look for Outlaw to be consistent winners in the TG South as their young position players gain experience and become leaders within the club house and the rotation returns to health. Hildebrandt has a good group of young players who are still learning and with each year of experience these young players gain, the better the team will be as a whole.

Goosebumps Moment…

The raising of the banner in Outlaw Stadium. This is what season ticket holders have been long waiting for, and OJW rewarded their loyalty by bringing home the hardware.