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Spring Training Pt 2
Things went a little bit better over the next 8 games. The Generals were a lot more competitive, but things still are not going their way. We went 1-7 over games 9-16 to bring the Spring record to 2-14.
The roster I will want to have for Opening Day is starting to take shape. Let's take a look at what I know so far and we will start with the easier decisions, the position players.
Catcher is set with Pedro Castro and Doug Lynn (the Rule 5 guy). Luke Case will be sent down shortly.
1B starter will be Henry Hansen he is hitting .304-2-9 in the spring.
2B starter will be Frank McDonald .379-2-5
3B starter will most likely be Pablo Rodriguez even though he is having a bad Spring .125-0-1.
SS starter will be Matt Arrington .281-0-2
OF will include these 4 players...
Rafael Mendez .364-1-2
Bart Evans .323-1-8
Mike Cook .333-0-4
Craig Gill .107-0-1
Thatis 10 of the position players set. I will most likely keep 12 or 13, as I will definitely need the pitching depth.
FA acquisition 2B Jorge Rodriguez is in a battle with IF Roberto Silva, Brent Wells who can play the corner IF and all 3 OF positions, IF Brian Pitts, OF Caleb Newsome and OF Orlando Navarro. All the other position players would really have to make a push these last 8 games to get into the discussion.
Pitching is still a tough one to forecast. I do not have a SP that has a opp batting avg lower than .300. I am pretty sure 4 of the spots will be Patrick Shaw, Travis Roberts (FA pickup), Jose Franco (FA pickup) and Doug Randolf. That lost spot is still up in the air between Steve Carpenter, Joaquin Alonso and Walter Hines. Walter and Joaquin finally had good outings the last time out and are back in the race.
3 relief spots are sown up with Edison Austin (1.80 ERA in 5 IP), Bill Davis (4.50 in 10 IP) and Lorenzo Zambrano (3.60 in 5 IP). I might keep a 6th SP since I am thinking I will need the long relief help.
This will be a long year for the pitchers and pitching coach.
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