<html><head><meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"></head><body dir="auto"><div>Larry,</div><div><br></div><div>Very nice write up! I like your take on your boys. I agree your team is dangerous w king Felix and doug fister fronting that staff!</div><div><br></div><div>Doug/ BAL<br><br>Sent from my iPhone</div><div><br>On Mar 6, 2015, at 8:48 PM, Larry Merithew <<a href="mailto:lawrentemerithew5873@comcast.net">lawrentemerithew5873@comcast.net</a>> wrote:<br><br></div><blockquote type="cite"><div>
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We finally managed to corner the Bear long enough to get his
thoughts on the past season, and his views for the latest edition of
the club.<br>
<br>
<big><b>2014 in review</b></big><br>
<br>
The Prairie Dogs had a roller coaster year in 2014. They began
looking like they'd have trouble winning 30 games in the early part
of the season, and finished with so many minor aches and pains that
they couldn't put together a consistent lineup at the end. In
between, they proved they had the ability to play at or near .500
ball. The pitching staff as a whole finished near the middle of the
pack, and that was without star closer Neftali Feliz. Offensively,
they made some progress, but frequently ran themselves out of
rallies by being too aggressive on the basepaths.<br>
<br>
<big><b>2015 thoughts by position</b></big><br>
<br>
<i>Catcher</i><br>
<br>
Sal Perez holds down the starting spot after his first full season
as the starter. His only real shortcoming is a tendency to let
pitches get by him behind the plate. Michael McKenry and newcomer
J.R. Murphy will be available when Perez needs a rest. That assumes
McKenry is still with the team come Opening Day. He's been mentioned
in some trade rumors, and may be gone before long.<br>
<br>
<i>Infield</i><br>
<br>
There are various kinds of questions in this department. Adrian
Gonzalez will get the bulk of playing time at 1B, but is showing
signs of having trouble hitting lefties. Gaby Sanchez may platoon
with him, but it's uncertain if Sanchez will stay around after this
year. Management is losing faith and patience with Justin Smoak. At
the other corner, Martin Prado has held the position for the past
few years. Prado is one of the more consistent performers in the
league, and can be counted on to provide 10-12 HR every year. Cody
Asche will bid for more playing time, although the team isn't sure
if his future is at 3B or 1B. Danny Espinosa has the inside track at
2B, now that Dustin Ackley is a full-time outfielder. Unfortunately,
that creates a major hole in the batting order, as Espinosa hasn't
shown he deserves to return to the position on a full-time basis.
Jace Peterson may be the future here, but he's 2 or 3 years away.
Phil Gosselin will get a chance to unseat Espinosa, with Prado
likely being a late-inning defensive replacement. At SS, rookie Jose
Ramirez offers speed, Brad Miller provides a semblence of power, and
Ruben Tejada offers the most experience, although he's only 26.<br>
<br>
<i>Outfield</i><br>
<br>
Ackley, as mentioned, becomes the full-time LF. He's an adequate
bat, but doesn't stand out in any particular area. B.J. Upton holds
forth in center, but will be pressed to hold onto the job. Upton
offers perhaps the most speed on the team, with once-in-a-while
power, but has trouble getting on base. His glove is no great
shakes, either. In right, versatile Brock Holt and still-young (24)
Avisail Garcia will likely platoon, at least for this year. Holt can
also fill in everywhere except pitcher and catcher if the need
arises. Joc Pederson is projected as the long-term replacement for
Upton, while Ezequiel Carrera will battle for the position in the
short-term. Dan Robertson is also in the mix and will try to stick
with the team as the primary reserve OF.<br>
<br>
<i>Rotation</i><br>
<br>
Felix Hernandez is still the unquestioned ace of the staff, despite
losing a league-high 23 games last year. Half his losses could
easily be traced to either a lack of offensive support, or a
late-inning bullpen collapse. Doug Fister is the greybeard of the
rotation, even though he's only 31. He'll take the #2 slot after
leading the staff with 13 wins. Danny Duffy will finally get a
chance to show what he can do over a full season, while Collin
McHugh will be given a chance for a spot in the rotation as well.<br>
<br>
<i>5th starter/long relief</i><br>
<br>
The #5 slot will be a revolving door involving Hector Santiago,
David Phelps, Jesse Chavez and Anthony DeSclafani. Whoever doesn't
start in a given series will be expected to be ready for a
long-relief appearance. Duffy could also take his turn here if he
doesn't prove ready for a full-time turn in the rotation.<br>
<br>
<i>Bullpen</i><br>
<br>
Pat Neshek and Fernando Abad will be the main setup men in the 8th.
Joba Chamberlain, Mike Morin and Jeff Beliveau will fill in where
needed.<br>
<br>
<i>Closer</i><br>
<br>
Neftali Feliz missed 2014 with injuries. He'll be an immediate
upgrade to the staff if he's healthy. Nervous prayers if he isn't.<br>
<br>
<b>Outlook</b><br>
<br>
Just like last year, expect the pitching to keep the Dogs close most
games, with a chance to win their share. Whether those chances
translate into actual wins still depends on whether the bats ever
show signs of becoming consistent. With Upton and Espinosa in the
lineup, opponents can continue to look forward to a chance to "rest"
their starters during the game. Conference champions? not this year.
Division winner/wild card? if they pull off a decent in-season
upgrade, maybe. Constant annoyance to everyone else fighting for a
playoff spot? definitely.<br>
<br>
Larry<br>
SFP<br>
<br>
<br>
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