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Elendil · 05-08-2007, 08:28 PM

Opening Day Previews, May 16, 2008

Part One

So Bob Horton finally knuckled under and signed with the Nicks. Local sportswriters openly pondered his work ethic, but he insisted that he liked the winning attitude in North Pole and was happy to be back in his native Fairbanks. Now on to the 2008 team previews...

The Pilots had real weaknesses all around their infield, except shortstop, where Dave Chipman was one of the better fielders in the league and could hit for power, 20 HR in 355 AB last year, but not for average (.217). Fans sometimes called him "Dave Kingman." The corner outfield positions were anchored by two sluggers: last year's HOY, Tom Robbins, and the 1st runner up in the HOY vote, Dave Bonnar. The rotation was headed by POY winner Gary Tufts. There were two more solid starters in the rotation: Bryan Kendall (4.49 ERA but a .333 BABIP last year) and Vincent Robinson (2.22 ERA last year, ERA title winner). The bullpen was mediocre.

Financially, the team was projected to make about $20,000 this year, a slim margin when they had reportedly lost almost four times that amount last year.

Prediction: 2nd in the Seward

The Bucs had retrenched during the offseason and looked set for another losing season. Their only bona fide stars or potential stars were Nick Bedford, acquired in that Bishop deal, and center fielder Bryce Payne, last year's 2nd overall pick in the draft, who had hit .396/.473/.521 in 36 games last year. Jack Hatt was a capable #1 starter but had not gotten run support last year, going 3-11 with a 3.80 ERA. John Dewitt was solid last year, going 11-5 with a 3.44 ERA. The rest of the pitching staff was beyond sketchy.

Financially, the team expected to make over $80,000 this year, but that hardly made up for last year's losses totaling almost $300,000.

Prediction: 6th (last) in the Seward

More previews to follow...

05-08-2007, 08:28 PM	#31
Elendil Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: the dynasty forum Posts: 2,318	Opening Day Previews, May 16, 2008 Part One So Bob Horton finally knuckled under and signed with the Nicks. Local sportswriters openly pondered his work ethic, but he insisted that he liked the winning attitude in North Pole and was happy to be back in his native Fairbanks. Now on to the 2008 team previews... The Pilots had real weaknesses all around their infield, except shortstop, where Dave Chipman was one of the better fielders in the league and could hit for power, 20 HR in 355 AB last year, but not for average (.217). Fans sometimes called him "Dave Kingman." The corner outfield positions were anchored by two sluggers: last year's HOY, Tom Robbins, and the 1st runner up in the HOY vote, Dave Bonnar. The rotation was headed by POY winner Gary Tufts. There were two more solid starters in the rotation: Bryan Kendall (4.49 ERA but a .333 BABIP last year) and Vincent Robinson (2.22 ERA last year, ERA title winner). The bullpen was mediocre. Financially, the team was projected to make about $20,000 this year, a slim margin when they had reportedly lost almost four times that amount last year. Prediction: 2nd in the Seward The Bucs had retrenched during the offseason and looked set for another losing season. Their only bona fide stars or potential stars were Nick Bedford, acquired in that Bishop deal, and center fielder Bryce Payne, last year's 2nd overall pick in the draft, who had hit .396/.473/.521 in 36 games last year. Jack Hatt was a capable #1 starter but had not gotten run support last year, going 3-11 with a 3.80 ERA. John Dewitt was solid last year, going 11-5 with a 3.44 ERA. The rest of the pitching staff was beyond sketchy. Financially, the team expected to make over $80,000 this year, but that hardly made up for last year's losses totaling almost $300,000. Prediction: 6th (last) in the Seward More previews to follow... __________________ Heaven is kicking back with a double Talisker and a churchwarden stuffed with latakia.