[IBL] 2016 Prairie Dog outlook

[Santa Fe Prairie Dogs]

In some ways, the upcoming season for Santa Fe could almost be considered an
embarrassment of (modest) riches. Let's look at things more closely.

Catchers

Sal Perez still holds down the starting slot, but JR Murphy looks poised to
become an everyday starter behind the plate in the next year or two. Management
would prefer to keep Perez, so that means Murphy may be forced to move to new
surroundings after this season.

Infield

Adrian Gonzalez is the incumbent at first, and will stay there until either a
worthwhile trade offer comes along, or he reaches the point of diminishing
returns. Even so, the team would like to find a decent platoon partner for him,
so he can rest against the tougher lefties. Justin Smoak is hanging around, and
shows some signs of regaining his power stroke, but that's all he brings to the
table any more. Perennial hopeful Mike Olt may be dropped in favor of rookie
Jefry Marte, who could offer freakish power numbers, but no track record of
handling a regular job at either corner of the infield. At second, it will be a
battle between youngish and uber-versatile Brock Holt, and an even younger Jace
Peterson. Both are good defense and plus speed, but no power. Phil Gosselin may
be the overall best bat at the position, but there's no sign he can handle a
full-time job. Newcomer Kris Bryant's power and ability to get on base instantly
makes the P-Dog lineup a legitimate force. But, if he takes over 3B on a
permanent basis, what happens to fan favorite Martin Prado? And what about Cody
Asche, who some think still has the ability to be a contributor to the lineup?
At short, Brad Miller has the inside track since the trade of Ruben Tejada last
year. He offers fair power, and may move around the field defensively to give
playing time to Jose Ramirez. Ramirez can play both middle infield spots well,
and may be the fastest runner on the team. He's probably the SS of the future,
IF he can learn to get on base and develop a 8-12 HR stroke.

Outfield

In LF, Franklin Gutierrez offers some extra power, especially against lefties,
so he will make the roster. Meanwhile, Ezequiel Carrera may post a decent
batting average, but that's it. Carrera is probably inactive for the early
going. That leaves Dustin Ackley and Asche fighting to platoon with Gutierrez.
Ackley is the holdover, but Asche may be a more consistent bat in general.
Either way, someone will go to the inactive list that would have been a lock to
start in years past. Joc Pederson and Melvin Upton both want to play CF, but
there's not enough room to give them the playing time they deserve. Avisail
Garcia is a lock to get the bulk of the playing time in RF. If he ever learned
to utilize his power, he could be a fearsome hitter. Until then, he's a
league-average bat with periodic holes (not to mention hands of stone in the
field.) He'd be better suited as a DH, but there isn't anyone else to play out
there defensively.

Rotation

The front of the rotation can be summed up in 2 words: Felix Hernandez. Moving
on from there, we have Hector Santiago, who is proving to be a reliable
mid-rotation lefty, as long as he keeps the ball in the park. Collin McHugh and
Anthony DeSclafani form the right-handed side of the rotation. Danny Duffy will
be given one more chance to prove he can handle the #5 slot. If he stumbles,
Drew Pomeranz is available. Long-term, the second LH spot may go to newbie Sean
Gilmartin. Past starters David Phelps and Jesse Chavez, as well as rookie Joe
Ross, are other options if anyone falters.

Bullpen

Pat Neshek is still useful, despite being in his mid-30's. Pomeranz and
Gilmartin are slated to begin as the LH relievers. Michael Blazek and Keone Kela
will be the new contestants for the annual "who has the guts to close"
sweepstakes. Bryan Morris may begin the year on the reserve list. Jordan Walden
was picked up as a future closer, if he can return to health. Neftali Feliz
began 2015 as the closer, lost the job, and may lose his roster spot in favor of
Kris Maness. Whether Maness will be an improvement is uncertain.


Bottom line - there are some players that would have been guaranteed a spot on
the active roster in years past, but may not even survive much past opening day
this year. It leads to expectations that Santa Fe is poised to be a frequent
playoff participant in the near future, maybe as early as this year. Fans are
hopeful when not touring the Canyon Road art galleries. Most surprisingly, The
Last Fan in the Stands was even forced to purchase a season ticket to ensure he
will, in fact, have a seat in the stands. 


Larry

SFP
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