Chicago Hopes to Improve

[chicago_gm]

Chicago Hornets Upgrade
Defense At Least Will Improve

By Caitlen Sullivan
Chicago Sun Times Sports
February 19,, 1844

Spring Training is upon us. The Hornets improved last season from 59-103 to 81-81 with an almost entirely new roster. Now they will attempt to move forward from that with the goal of winning 87 games this coming year. The real team improvement is in the plans for next year with the graduation from the minors of some potentially world class outfielders. But that’s next year.

A primary focus in free agency was to upgrade positional strength with an emphasis on defense. Here’s what you will be different in 1844:

First Base:
Steve Chowen started here against left handers last year but was still primarily considered a catcher. This year Chowen is a committed first baseman and we predict a Gold Glove. But his offense his strong point. Moving up from AAA ball, Cristo Mendoza is the most likely backup. Promising 1843 rookie Jim Nicholson has been dealt to NY for a starting outfielder.

Second Base:
Noting different here. Veljko Svabic is coming off a strong year and will be an institution here for awhile.

Third Base:
Carlos Gonzales joins the team as a free agent and will man the hot corner in 1844. He’s a whiz defensively and hit .293 last year with Carolina. That frees up Joe Johnson to move to SS.

Shortstop:
Rookie Corey Hunt had a good offensive year but was a disaster defensively. He’ll be back in the minors in 1844. Joe Johnson will move over from 3B and provide outstanding defense and solid power (31 home runs) and hopefully an improved BA (.225). In any case, defense matters!

Infield Reserves:
Aside from Mendoza at 1B, the prime reserve will be brilliant defender Andy Scott, a free agent acquisition. He plays anywhere in the infield with Gold Glove efficiency.

Left Field:
Rookie 1B Nicholson was traded to NY for Spencer Miller who provides solid offense and defense. He should hit .300 with around 20 home runs.

Center Field:
Phil Batstone is back. A good year – bad year kind of guy, he’s due for a good year offensively. And he runs them down in center field.

Right Field:
Mark Powell will be back. He didn’t excel defensively but did OK at the bat. At age 22 he has lots of room to improve.

Outfield Reserves
Last year’s left fielder Bill Bailey will be the primary reserve. He will be better in backup than as a starter.

Catcher
Big changes will be seen here with two new faces in town. Travis Sanders is a world class defensive catcher, and he will most likely start and provide OK offense. Robin Whitmire, coming off a good season as backup to Chowen, and new signee Curt Cochrane will battle it out for the backup job. The team now has a plethora of catching talent.

Designated Hitter
A disaster spot in the lineup last year when facing the DH division, this year catcher Whitmire will fill the spot when the DH is in use.

Rotation:
No changes except rookie Artie Richer will attempt to displace someone below ace Bobby Foster.

Bullpen
No changes at all. Wade will star as the closer. Improvements will be hoped for from veterans Walt Brown and Bob Pittman.