[m0ng00se]

1952 Preseason Changes

TRADE
-Gin Allen was traded to the Cardinals for SP/MR Sam Cole. As much as we liked Gin Allen's power hitting potential from CF or RF, we felt that we needed to upgrade our active roster after finishing a disappointed 2nd place again last year. Sam Cole gives us a solid pitcher to fill the setup role and also provides us with a legitimate backup starter. Vonkitzing didn't grow into the pitcher we had hoped. So, Sam steps in to fill his shoes.

ROLE CHANGES
-Backup 3B goes to Mitch Ferron. Mitch Ferron has gold glove potential at 3B. But, Clinton Darling had been getting the sub starts at 3B because he was so much better at the plate. But Clinton's slide at the plate has made Mitch's glove too hard to keep on the bench. Clinton will still be one of the first PH bats against lefties. But Mitch moves into the backup spot at 3B while remaining the primary backup at SS. Mitch will also be called in as a defensive sub at 3B when needed.

DRAFT
#1-2B Mike Kreitenburg has the potential to be an excellent contact hitting 2B. We believe he has the talent similar to Dennis Kitterman if he develops like we expect. He is a faster base runner and could ended up being a solid #2 or even a solid leadoff player at some point. He has an adequate glove at 2B. He could also backup SS, but his range is somewhat lacking there. He should jump to Williamsport-AA after a brief look at Durham-A.

#2-MR John Patterson is a lefty with good control and an excellent ability to hold runners. I had hoped to pick up a starter at the #2 spot, but there was a run on starters right before our pick. With some over achieving, he could turn into a real nice setup guy some day. Other wise, I see him as just a solid MR / mopup pitcher. He's only 18 so he will have to prove himself at the setup spot for Durham-A.

#3-C Lonnie Jolly is a solid defensive catcher with a good throwing arm. If catchers didn't bat, then I'd start him over Smokey and Dirtbag in a heartbeat. His potential with a bat isn't overly impressive and he is slow. He is consistent and has the potential to be a decent gap hitter, but other than that, I just see him as strictly a backup. Gale Adams is also decent defensively and looks to have more HR potential, so Lonnie may have a hard time beating out Adams for that backup to our backup roll. He'll start at catcher for Durham-A but will hopefully earn a promotion to Williamsport before the end of the year.

#4-SP Rich Foss is another lefty who can hold runners. He also has excellent endurance and decent movement on his pitches. I'm not sure he will ever have enough control or pure stuff to make it to our rotation. But, he was definitely worth a peek given that he was one of the last players available in the draft. He should get starts right away in Williamsport-AA.