[IBL] SFP 2015 outlook

[Doug Palmer]

Larry,

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!

Doug/ BAL

Sent from my iPhone

> On Mar 6, 2015, at 8:48 PM, Larry Merithew <lawrentemerithew5873 at comcast.net> wrote:
> 
> 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.
> 
> 2014 in review
> 
> 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.
> 
> 2015 thoughts by position
> 
> Catcher
> 
> 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.
> 
> Infield
> 
> 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.
> 
> Outfield
> 
> 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.
> 
> Rotation
> 
> 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.
> 
> 5th starter/long relief
> 
> 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.
> 
> Bullpen
> 
> 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.
> 
> Closer
> 
> 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.
> 
> Outlook
> 
> 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.
> 
> Larry
> SFP
> 
> 
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