As we continue our previews, the Concord Cannons are next:
Historical Statistics
Overall Record: 7799-8405 (.481)
Number of Playoff Appearances: 18
Number of State Championships: 6 (2023-24, 2045-46, 2088, 2091)
Best Season: 2089 (112-50, .691) Made Playoffs
Worst Season: 2049 (54-108, .333)
Best Players
Best Pitcher: Doug Taylor, starting pitcher for Concord from 2073-2087, 173 Wins, all with Concord
Doug Taylor was the 4th overall pick by Concord in the 2072 amateur draft. Born and raised in Raleigh, Doug had dreamed of being a high pick in the NCBL his entire life. Although he had good size (6', 220 lbs) he was not considered a power pitcher. Taylor mixed his cutter and changeup in with his fastball to keep hitters off balance. Even so, he enjoyed many years of solid performance after his debut in 2073 as a 23 year old. Best of all his seasons was his 2081 season where he compiled an 18-9 record and a 2.70 ERA. He struck out 241 while walking only 53 batters.
Taylor failed to win a championship during his career or any postseason awards but he did appear in 8 all-star games.
Best Position Player: Jesus Duran, 1st baseman for Concord from 2066-2077
In baseball there are records that generate tons of excitement as a player pursues them during their career. One of those records is the single season home runs record. Entering the 2070 season, the record was held by Theodore Myers with 59, which he set in 2028. Duran eliminated any doubts about his greatness with his Triple Crown winning season that year by blowing past the home run mark on his way to 63. He combined that with a .354 average and 170 RBI (he also stole 15 bases). Here in 2100, Duran is the all-time single season leader in total bases with 466 (2070) and home runs. For his career, Duran hit .337 with 397 HR and 1446 RBI.
Current Roster
Concord won the Appalachian League pennant in 2099 but lost as a sever underdog to the State Champion High Point Renegades 4 games to 2. Their season record was 86-76, which was good enough to win the platinum division by one game over Fayeteville. They played well at home, going 50-31, which made the difference in the end. In the first round of the playoffs, they upset the favored Greenville Mallards in the deciding 5th game of the 5 game series.
They are returning catcher Andres Rodriguez (.295 37 147), LF Michael Scott (.278 24 96), and SS Jack George (.257 22 75). The Platinum Division looks fairly weak overall so they probably have enough offense to get the team to the postseason again with only Fayetteville as a real competitor. Looking at their prospects, they have several offensive pieces that they could package together to pick up some front line starters. If needed, catcher Tom Edwards (#11 overall prospect), 1B Eric Smith (#13) and RF Victor Sutton (#25) all look ready to join the big club sometime this season.
Minor League Affiliates
AAA: Wilson Presidents (68-62)
AA: Morganton Devils (61-59)
A: Hope Mills Priests (70-50)
Short Season A: Pinehurst Loggers (26-28)
Rookie League: Hamlet Villagers (30-32)
2100 Projected Finish
90-72 1st in Appalachian Platinum division