1974 Team Previews

[kaosfere]

1974 Toronto Preview

Last year was very rough for Toronto, finishing 6th in the CL with their worst record since 1966. However, the gutting done last year in exchange for new talent is complete, and the team has begun a more thorough rebuilding, picking up some key free agents and promoting several young prospects. Although Spring Training is never a solid indicator of future performance, Toronto's 17-7 result this year can't be a bad indicator.

Pitching

Last year's two leading starters, Tom Williams and Sachi Yamada return. Yamada only posted a 4.22 ERA in spring training, but not a single one of the remaining four starters selected had an average above 3.0. The star of the bullpen this year promises to be Artie Wiley, who threw 200.1 innings with a 0.76 ERA and 0.60 WHIP in the Vulture League last year.

The bullpen will be anchored by the incredible 20 year old Logan Finley, Toronto's #1 draft pick in 1973. Logan cleaned up in AA ball, and stepped his game up even higher, turning out a 0.95 WHIP in his first 13 innings against big-league hitting. Joining him will be last year's key closer Anthony Zijm, who has developed the endurance necessary to be a solid middle reliever. The bullpen is fleshed out with returning veterans Jim Stokes, also moving over from relief, and Jacob Singleton, along with AAA callup Pepe Urbina.

The closer this year will be Francisco Padilla, who returns from last year after throwing 46.1 innings of relief with a 0.97 ERA and 0.86 WHIP. Backing him up will be the returning Joe Payton.

This year's entire pitching crew is much improved after last year, especially the starting rotation.

The Lineup

The off-season showed notable increases in talent in the lineup, as well. Returning this year as catcher will be Dirk Fritz, who picked up his batting in spring training and got on several of the league leader boards.

The infield will be much improved with the acquisition of John Bruce (1B) and Abraham Lujan (3B) from free agency. Javier Medina returns from last year, and will move from SS to 2B to replace the weakening Cary Andrew. Medina will be replaced at shortstop by AAA-callup Doug Graves.

The outfield will also be strengthened with the two huge new bats of Ron Lord, acquired from Boston's AAA outfit, in LF, and free agent David Dunham starting in center. Right field will be held down by new signee Jeff Anderson. Last year's starters Gilberto Nieves and Travis Erickson stick around to play a bench role.

Overall

It's hard not to be optimistic for the team this year. In every single aspect of their game they have improved, and their spring training shows that things seem to be clicking well. There are still a few weaknesses -- an outfield that's missing a bat, a bench that could be a little stronger, maybe another ace in the rotation -- which will probably combine to keep the team in its traditional position of not being a contender, but it's entirely credible that they could finish above .500 for the first time since 1970.

[Young Drachma]

QUAD CITY THUNDERSTORMS
1974 Season Preview

1973: 85-69, 3rd place RL
1972: 80-74, T-3rd, RL
1971: 83-71, 4th, RL
1970: 67-87, 6th, RL

The rebuilding project in the Quad Cities is complete. Dark Cloud, who is vying to become the first owner in FOOL history to take 3 teams to the FOOL Classic, feels like his '74 T-Storms are the best iteration of the club yet.

The newest additions include a deadline deal to acquire veteran Noah Wakeling from New Orleans, to give the team an extra value bat. While it's an unorthodox change, the team's deficiencies down the stretch have come from a lack of pitching, as well as decisive offense at key times.

Rodrigo Cruz will take over the full-time shortstop duties this year after hitting .305 in 174 ABs last season. Returnees include first baseman Luis Mendoza who hit .333 last year with 21 HRs and 92 RBI and 3B Marcos Montoya who hit 26 HRs and 98 RBI last year.

Leading the way, is two-time MVP Mac Rasmussen (.317/22 HR/ 113 RBI)

The T-Storms brought in a few new faces to couple with their core include free agent steal Rich Haas who played ball in Colorado last year and hit .288 and should shore up the defense up the middle.

Theirry Fournier has finally started to reach his potential, stealing 64 bases last year and hitting .290 as the full time centerfielder for the Quad City squad.

By all accounts, the T-Storms offense should be the best it's ever been. If so, the pitching will have to hold up to give DC's squad a fighting chance.

There won't be a lack of options on the pitching staff, as they're carrying more pitchers than they've ever carried before into a regular season.

The ace of the staff is free agent acquisition Floyd Yarbrough who went 16-7 (3.46 ERA) on a woeful El Paso squad last year. Returning are Sam Godbout (15-14, 3.65, 228 K), Harry Mason (18-15, 222 K) AND Gabriel Riggs who is hoping to return to form after a 12-15 season where he still managed to strike out over 200 batters (212)

Add to the mix, deadline acquisition Doug Pitts from Columbus who won 13 games two years ago and Pat Maddox who won 85 games in seven years with Boston and the T-Storms are poised and ready for the year.

The bullpen boasts many of the usual suspects including closer Xinpeng Tien (6-7, 40 saves, 76 K in 58 appearances) and Hisashi Hoshino (4-0, 3 SV in 31 appearances), but D.C. went out and upgraded the bullpen as a major priority of the team this off-season and boy, did he manage to do it. Marvin Lott (6-5, 6 SV 82 K) and Orlando Diaz makes his return trip to the QCA, having played here in '72 (6-7, 1 SV, 132 K in 68 appearances), add in Jose Vargas from Compton (2-3, 2 SV, 18 K in 20 1/3 IP) and the options at the disposal of Quad City's manager are plentiful.

After going down to the wire last year, before falling short, expectations are higher along the Mississippi than the river itself. Whether this team will flood them or continue the franchise's postseason drought, remains to be seen.

But the team is now assembled and they have to play the games.

[muns]

Hartford Harpooners

1973 69-85
1972 74-80
1971 60-94
1970 71-83

After 4 conscutive loosing seasons in Poonerville, Hartford is looking to make a major statement to the league by saying........ We're back!!!!!!!!

The first 6 seasons in the Pooners existance only saw them finish no worse than 3rd in the Division standings. The last 6 seasons saw Hartford finish in 6th place three times and in dead last once.

The trades that were made and continued for the past 4 seasons have finally brought up the players and youth that Muns is hoping will provide the firepower and depth for the next 8 + seasons.

Pitching.

The starting rotation is looking like the early 60's teams where Hartford boasted one of the best staffs that never saw a playoff appearance with Gabriel Prado, Rob Roberts, and Benny Myers.

The top 3 starters for the pooners include newcomer and 4 time all star and former pitcher of the year (in the VL league) Clinton Minor At age 24 Minor looks to be a force and a pain in sides of all RL division Rivals.

Holding down the number 2 and 3 spots are 23 year old Doyle Adams and Roberto Padilla . Adams is coming off another all star year as he has improved in virtually every category since he came into the league. His 2.54 era is downright sick and Hartford has never provided him with any run support as its been in the 2's the past 2 years. If they can get the bats going for him, he has the potential to be a beast in the league. The 3rd spot goes to Roberto Padilla who has reached his potential in Hartford after his third season last year that saw him win 15 games with a 3.21 Era and a 1.20 WHIP.


The bullpen is hoping to be even more improved this year. The closer is Denny Hennessey who after 3 all star seasons in a row has amassed 111 saves. At age 25 Hennessey hopes to continue that track and has a chance at becoming one of the all time greats.

Two free agents who were brought in to stabalize the pen are Porter Gilbert from RL Rival Boston and Salvardo Vega from Columbus. Both Have had Era's in the 3's the past 3 seasons and looked to be upgrades from MR'S Brendon Hutchesson and Juan Valncia who were both assigned to AAA.

The lineup.

Hartford is extremely excited this year. Three big time draft picks have finally "grown up" and will be making their debuts in starting fashion.

C-Devin Johnson, 1b-Walter Little and 3b-Andre Harrison are all looking to make big impacts at their positions and are hoping to improve on their ratings. With all 3 guys being 23 or 24, the youth are starting to influx into the MLB roster.

Free Agents Robinson Sanchez, and Mauro Suarez both fit into the young theme the pooners seem to be having. Suarez signed a 4 year contract extension in the offseason and looks to bring his career 324 average to the middle of the Pooners Order.

LF- David Thomas coming over from Boston in another trade, also looks to have a major impact. With 80's in all ratings except homers, Muns is looking for big things from Thomas while holding down the LF spot as a rookie.

Also back this year is Second baseman and 2 time all star Carlton Watkins. Watkins has bascially been the only real consistant offensive threat for the past 2 seasons and hopes with the addition of the new guys, his sucess will only thrive.

Bench wise Hartford does have some depth and Zane Easson will get time in the OF and will not be forgotten about. At 22 Easson still fits into the major future plans of the Pooners. William Edwards, Francisco Barrera, DH Phillip Wilson and Free Agent signee George Gardner will round out the rest of the bench.


Outlook.

While the fans are finally back into the pooners and are hoping for big things this season, GM Muns isnt expecting to compete for the RL title. We are still 1-2 years away from really being able to play with the Bostons, and the Quad Cities, and the Colorados. We are just hoping to go from 6th-7th place up into 4th. That would be a sussessful season in our minds and thats the goal.

"We arent there yet" however if our 5- 21 year old Starting pitchers that are in AAA develop like they should, we will be there, and we will be there very very quickly. Thats when ill feel like we will be able to compete but until then we will be happy just playing the we are young and getting better card

[muns]

Overall

It's hard not to be optimistic for the team this year. In every single aspect of their game they have improved, and their spring training shows that things seem to be clicking well. There are still a few weaknesses -- an outfield that's missing a bat, a bench that could be a little stronger, maybe another ace in the rotation -- which will probably combine to keep the team in its traditional position of not being a contender, but it's entirely credible that they could finish above .500 for the first time since 1970.

I def think you could finish abover 500 this season. I think you have done a soild job overall with remolding that team. Looking forward to the revival

[Cringer]

I am going to try to keep this short.

Rio Grande Roadrunners

1973, 74-80, 5th place in CL


Pitching

Rotation
1. Todd Sparks, 70-49 career record, 2.92 career ERA
2. Gustavo Betancourt, 41-35, 3.85
3. Pepe Santana, 71-61, 4.11
4. Jose "Chunky" Medina, 125-117, 3.38
5. Mike Nash, 8-6, 4.17

Not the sexiest bunch of guys, but I feel Sparks is due for a near 20 win season. Betancourt has been getting better as a starter the last couple of years. Santana is always a question mark, but not a bad one usually. Medina needs to give the Roadrunners one more good year and we won't ask any more of the longtime veteran. Nash has the potential to help the team out and he won't be splitting time in the 5 slot this year.

Bullpen
CL- John Mockly - Third year in the role for us, with 79 saves over the last two seasons.
MR- Longtime RG relief great Raul Pagan will no longer be a setup guy, instead moving to MR. He seems to be losing a little something at 34.
MR- Darryl Holland is a 26 year old who has been tremendous for us in his first two seasons and is not the main setup guy.
MR- The VL Iron Man pitcher is the other setup guy, Julio Gomez. In case you haven't heard, last year in the VL Gomez had a record of 35-6 with 11 saves, a 1.97 ERA, and 308 Ks in 97 games and 342 IP. He only started 2 games.
MR- Jose Muniz, Javier Cruz, and Dave Briggs round out the bullpen and will hopefully pick it up a notch from last year and perform like they did in previous seasons.


Lineup

In order of actual lineup:

CF Luke Parker, 31 yrs old. Has dropped off a little the last two years hitting under .275, needs to bounce back to his career average over .300 in the leadoff spot this year. Jose Medina will replace Parker here against lefties and after last year he looks like he should handle it.

2B Connor Daniels, 31 yo. The switch hitter may not have the average of his younger days, but the VORP hasn't gone away.

3B Anthony Payton, 27 yo. The new big man on campus with high expectations as he makes his debut coming over from the VL. Replaces Tanaka in the 3rd spot, where he has been for the last 6 years.

C Hideaki Tanaka, 34 yo. Some catchers have rubber knees and can stay behind the plate much longer then the average Joe. A typical Tanaka year (his 14th in FOOL, 7th with RG) of 25 homers and a .300 average is needed at the least for a big team year as the catcher is in the cleanup spot.

1B Jeff Brooks, 22 yo. The youngster has actually been around 4 years now, and this will be his 2nd as The Man at 1B. His 24 HRs and 39 Dbls last year show he can provide the pop needed to be the backup guy for Tanaka.

LF Derek O'Cleary, 22 yo. Derek looked good in his rookie season last year, and continued improvement is needed and expected this year. A step up in power, average, OBP, and a few clutch hits would be a big bonus to this team and lock him in as the LF for years to come.

RF Andres Aguilera, 32 yo. If the once great Aguilera can maintain the numbers he had last year, and not drop to those of two years ago again, things are just fine in RF. He won't have to do it every day though, as he will sit against the lefties usually.

SS Mike Jones, 31 yo. As in the case of a couple Roadrunners SS in the past, Jones just kind of hangs low and quietly produces on the bases and in the field. A valuable guy to have around.

Pitchers Bat 9th, like the real men they are in the CL.


Bench

C Bernard Carrillo, 32, is once again Tanaka's fill in when needed.
3B Bill Woods,30, will be the all-around utility infielder, with the number two man in that role being one time starter Ramiro Sanchez, 32.
CF Glen O'Reilly was a 28 year old rookie last year, and his speed, defense, and decent production when sharing the CF/leadoff spot last year makes him a good weapon to have around.


Overall Thoughts

Well, going to be an interesting year. The pitching could go either way, but more offense will hopefully help them get more wins. Rio Grande is pretty excited about the lineup and pitching staff and what they may accomplish. Expectations have not been this high for several years now, and a top three finish is the goal, with 2nd in the CL being a very successful year. Anything more is wishful thinking before a pitch has been thrown.

Prediction
88-66, 3rd place

[TimGuru]

Short and sweet for the highlanders:

The New York Highlanders find themselves in disarray after a midwinter shakeup in management. Starting pitching is a major weakness, with the team forced to use a scrap heap prospect as their fifth starter at the major league level to allowing more promising youngsters time to develop on the farm. A good closer will not mask deep weaknesses in the rest of the bullpen, since the team has to have a lead to close.

In the field, the team is mediocre, with the only real strength and depth behind the plate.

The Highlanders did make the most of a weak draft this year, getting some serviceable prospects.

The 74 Highlanders are likely to give their fans more to laugh and groan about than cheer. Expect major shakeups in the offseason, and hope for 60 wins before then. "75 in 75" may be a realistic goal.

[muns]

Good read cringer. It wasnt short at all

[kaosfere]

Originally Posted by TimGuru

"75 in 75" may be a realistic goal.

Hee. Nicely done.

[Young Drachma]

Originally Posted by kaosfere

Hee. Nicely done.

+1

I was gonna comment too. I'm a fan of that slogan. I'm excited to see the Highlanders get back into the thick of things around here!

[Cringer]

Originally Posted by muns

Good read cringer. It wasnt short at all

Yeah, I tried though and that was why I had a different format then usual. Of course I started to ramble. Oh well.