Chicago Hornet 1845 Preview

[chicago_gm]

Champion Chicago Hornets Ready for Season
Fans Will Note Some Tweaking

By Caitlen Sullivan
Chicago Sun Times Sports
March 20, 1845

The Hornets struggled in Spring Training but used it as a proving ground for some young players, most of whom have returned to the minors. The team will have a tough time improving on last year’s championship run, but it would like to win the division rather than come into the post season as a wild card. That will be tough to accomplish with Carolina’s acquisition of ace pitcher Will Allen. Let’s review the team:

First Base:
Steve Chowen plays here regularly despite being a catcher by trade. He won the Silver Glove at 1B last year and was the Nationwide League MVP. Dewitt Petersen backs him up.

Second Base:
Veljko Svabic is back for year three as a Hornet. He’s sold all around. Petersen and Andy Scott back him up.

Third Base:
Carlos Gonzales doesn’t hit a lot, but nothing much gets by him in the field,a dn the Hornets treasure good defense. Scott is the backup.

Shortstop:
Rookie Doug Reynolds will start against right handers while last year’s regular Joe Johnson will face southpaws. Both are fine fielders but expect Reynolds to dazzle you with his range and his arm. When not starting Johnson provides superior backup anywhere except behind the plate

Left Field:
Spencer Miller was below .300 for the first time in his career in his first Hornet season. He’s hoping for a rebound offensively to match his excellent defense. Phil Batstone is the backup.

Center Field:
Rookie Jacob Hall is only 20, but he has superstar written all over him. His power is still developing, but he should hit for average. His outfield work is outstanding. Batstone is the backup

Right Field:
Mark Powell will be back for his 2^nd full season. Hall in center will make him a better fielder with less ground to worry about. He’s solid enough offensively. Batstone is the backup

Catcher
Robin Whitmire wrested the regular job from Travis Sanders and will keep it. Sanders will replace him defensively at times and be the starter when the DH rule is in effect.

Designated Hitter
Whitmire drops the tools of ignorance when the DH rule comes into play.

Rotation:
Déjà vu.
Bobby Foster is the ace stopper coming off a 20 win season and a 0.90 WHIP.
Bill Hicks, the playoff hero, is number two.
Artie Richer struggled after his mid year promotion, but he shined in the post season. Rich Malone hopes to improve on his 12-14 record.
Puerto Rico's Angel Bautista is plenty good enough for the final rotation spot.
Emile Contreras will spot start as well as contribute from the pen.

Bullpen
Looks vastly improved.
Colby Wade remains the closer, and he is at the top of his game.
Ex Phoenix closer Walt Brown begins his third year as Wade’s set-up man.
Mike Dryden and Al Denton return as excellent middle men.
The improvement comes in the form of free agents Jeremy Bonnet and Pancho Gutierrez, both proven commodities.

[Young Drachma]

Kudos to you for always doing these. I enjoy them.