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DD Martin · 12-05-2025, 12:57 PM

The End of Spring

Truth be told we made some late offers after spring training was over. I felt like if we could get a little more cheap insurance that wouldn’t be a bad thing. I won’t go into those at this point since the first sim of the regular season is tomorrow morning. If they are signed, it will mean 1 player will go down to AAA and another player will be released.

Speaking of player moves, we DFA C Bill Gilliespe and also RF Ken Davis. The latter one was difficult because I really felt Davis had a chance to be a regular OF, but things don’t look like they are going to pan out for Davis. Maybe he will get another opportunity with another organization.

On the eve of Opening Day we made a trade. Trading with Toledo on a player that I had felt really good about, but I just don’t think it's going to work out for him. At least not in Chicago. We traded LHP Ed Reddin (26) to the Neptunes for minor league class A 2B Bryan Smith (prospect #170). Probably not a major move but I needed to clear some 40-man roster space and we picked up another middle IF prospect. He will start the year most likely at class A. Last season the then 18-year old was signed as an international FA for $600,000 in 2054. He hit 285/388/860 with 14 home runs and 50 RBI’s . This isn’t a move that is going to move the needle this season, but who knows maybe Smith can become a big league player. We also saved $507,500 dollars and any cost savings will make Mr. Bocquet happy.

So here is the Opening Day roster for the Architects prior to their season opener at home against the Traverse City Bears.

Starting Rotation

SP #1 Jose “Pongo” Cedeno (age-34 T-R $15,000,000 signed through 2061)
Last Season 9-9 4.02 ERA 192.1 IP 2.0 BB/9 7.8 k/9 121 ERA + 4.5 WAR
Career 71-56 3.99 ERA Spring totals 0-1 7.56 ERA

Cedeno had a lousy spring but fortunately for him I don’t put too much stock into spring results. Cedeno signed a mega deal during last season that gave us relief on his salary big time this season and slightly for next season before jumping over $30 million in 2058. We need him to really step up this year and pitch like the #1 SP we are paying him to be. He wants to win a pitcher of the year award, then he has to get tough and be more like Toledo’s Nick Keddy.

SP #2 Julio Castro (age-38 T-L $7,005,000 signed 1 year deal)
Last Season 9-6 2 saves 3.79 ERA 122 ERA+ 2.2 BB/9 6.4 k/9 with Toronto
Career 101-83 31 saves 3.59 ERA Spring totals 0-2 7.45 ERA

Just like Cedeno, Castro had a tough spring. He is #2 in the rotation because we wanted our lone Lefty starter falling in line behind Cedeno. Castro was signed to be the stop-gap until LHSP Curt Hopkins is ready. Castro has the ability to be a quality bullpen arm as well, but we need him in that starter role. If he comes up short, then we will likely have to move up 21-year-old Curt Hopkins. I just feel like we need a solid lefty in our rotation mix.

SP #3 Val Imbert (age-30 T-R $9,000,000 signed through 2058)
Last season 10-9 4.20 ERA 2.1 BB/9 7.3 K/9 116 ERA+
Career 55-73 4.39 ERA Spring totals 1-2 5.00 ERA

Imbert is the team captain and a capable mid rotation arm. Like the first two in the Chicago rotation he doesn’t walk a lot of batters and certainly pitches to contact. With our middle defense he should win a lot of games.

SP #4 Joe Johnson (age-27 T-R $2,000,000 signed through 2060)
Last Season 7-3 3.58 ERA 136 ERA+ 2.6 BB/9 8.5 K/9
Career 30-19 4.19 ERA Spring totals 1-1 1.38 ERA

Johnson remembered last spring training when he wasn’t selected to be on the Opening Day roster. This year he made sure he was and that is good news for Chicago. Johnson is 22-8 the last 2 seasons and has been a proven winner. He was slotted in the #2 rotation spot, but because we wanted a lefty following Cedeno he slides down to #4. Johnson is 6’9 and throws his fastball around 97mph. If we want to get payback on a certain pitcher from last season, Johnson might be the man that will collect that debt against the team’s top hitter.

SP Bill “flamethrower” Lutz (age-33 T-R $8,500,000 signed through 2057)
Last Season 11-8 1 save 5.36 ERA 91 ERA+ 5.5 BB/9 8.0 K/9
Career 67-64 21 saves 4.15 ERA Spring totals 1-1 0.69

Lutz pitched like a man possessed in his spring outings and he needed to do that to secure this spot in the starting rotation, at least until Yale Hulburt comes back in late May. Lutz was an enigma last season pitching horribly coming out of spring, then straightening himself out to have a great middle portion of the season. Unfortunately the last 30 games went like the first 20 or so last year and he struggled down the stretch. Walks are Lutz’s kryptonite and that was in full effect last year with 5.5 walks per 9 innings which was the most he had in a season since 2049.

Bullpen

Closer Pat Wright (age-30 T-L $5,000,000 signed through 2059)
Last Season 9-3 30 saves 4.18 ERA 117 ERA+ 3.5 BB/9 11.1 K/9
Career 37-32 139 saves 3.47 ERA Spring Totals 1-0 5.40 ERA

Wright has been Chicago’s closer all 4 seasons since I took over as GM. He was lights out for the first half of the season, then hit a rough patch where Ken Shannon closed but then got right and finished the season strong. We are committed to Wright closing games for us.

Top Setup Man Larry Stott (age-28 T-R $2,250,000 signed through 2061)
Last Season 7-3 3 saves 2.73 ERA 178 ERA+ 3.8 BB/9 7.0 K/9
Career 16-15 13 saves 3.38 ERA Spring 0-0 2.00 ERA

Stott just signed an extension in the off-season to take him through his last arbitration year and guarantee him at least $35 million over the next 6 seasons. Some think he should be the closer and last season screamed that he should maybe have been. After a tough first 3 outings of the 55 season, Stott went the rest of the season 44 outings with a sub 1.00 ERA. Chicago likes having a tight bullpen and Stott is a key figure in that equation.

SU John Moore (age-25 T-R $507,500 eligible for arbitration after the season)
Last Season 1-1 6.25 ERA 7 GS 31.2IP
Career 13-7 4.90 ERA Spring totals 1-0 0.00 ERA 8IP

Moore has struggled with injuries the last 2 seasons, after his 2053 rookie season where he went 8-4 4.95 ERA. He is going to start out this season in the bullpen but he is likely to find his way into some starting assignments. For now, he will plug into the #3 spot in the Chicago bullpen with the hopes of staying healthy and protecting leads for the Architects, but don’t be surprised to see him in a starting role eventually.

MR Ken Shannon (age-41 T-R $4,160,000 free agent after the season)
Last season 8-3 12 saves 4.75 ERA 102 ERA+ 3.6 BB/9 8.2 K/99
Career 69-46 103 saves 2.83 ERA Spring 0-0 1 saves 1.74 ERA

Shannon picked up the slack last season when Pat Wright had a brief meltdown for several weeks last season. This season Shannon is expected to see a lot of action as the #4 bullpen arm for the Architects. Shannon showed some signs of control issues last season and there are whispers that time might be catching up with the veteran. The club had him marked as available through spring training but he seems to have secured a spot for the upcoming season.

LR Richard Herschel (age-25 T-R $507,500 only 76 days of GLBL service time)
Last season 0-1 5.82 ERA 84 ERA+ 3.2 BB/9 7.9 K/99
Career 0-3 1 save 5.68 ERA Spring totals 1-0 1.98 ERA

Herschel has been someone that the Architects had some hopes of maybe being a mid-rotation starter at one point but he seems to be a bullpen arm going forward. His spot is tenuous probably despite a solid spring. Right now the club is going with only an 11 man pitching staff. If it expands to 12 (likely) then he should hold onto the job. But he could be the man sent down when SP Yale Hulburt returns in late May.

LR/Emergency SP JJ Walker (age -29 T-R $2,800,000 signed through 2059)
Last season 4-5 6.08 ERA 80 ERA+ 4.6 BB/9 8.1 K/9
Career 16-25 4.51 ERA Spring 0-1 10.12 ERA

Walker might be the one long term signing that GM Martin regrets. Right now he is in the middle of what was thought to be a team friendly deal (signed at a similar time as Joe Johnson’s deal). He only counts for $2.8 million this year, but that deal climbs to $4.0 million next and what might be a deal breaker at $7.5 million for 2058. The 2059 $9 million dollar option is a team option and the vesting option for the following year is also $9 million. There is little chance that Walker ever sees that money. For now, the club will try and get him back to where he was when he signed the deal, but a loss of control has really hurt him. But because of his contract, for now his spot is secure on the roster, but don’t expect to see him in many high leverage situations.

Overall - Pitching

Overall the club is optimistic about its pitching and especially its top 4 (until Hulburt comes back). The #5 spot with Lutz right now feels like a crap shoot and I would imagine the club will control which games he appears in. The feel about the bullpen isn’t as good as last year when Shannon for most of the season was on his game, and the club had Yoshida and McAskill in the 4-5 spots. While Moore is a fine pitcher, he hasn’t been put into a relief situation except this spring. While he pitched well there was some concern to get the game to Stott and Wright.

Yale Hulburt’s return feels huge if he has recovered fully from his injury (elbow ligament reconstruction). He is 36 years old and that could be a huge proposition, but the club is counting on him.

There is help in the minors as LHSP Curt Hopkins is getting closer to being ready and pitched well this spring (3.00 ERA 1.00 WHIP). The Architects have 3-4 more other quality arms that will likely be in place by 2059-60 seasons so the future is bright and will be much less expensive than it is currently.

Position players

C Juan Duran (age-24 B-R $507,500 arbitration eligible in 2058)
Last Season 302/403/894 4HR 7 RBI’s 35 games 130 OPS+
Career 260/370/831 7HR 12 RBI’s Spring totals 323/400/916 0-2

Big things are expected from Duran who had a late 2054 injury that derailed his start to the 2055 season until late July. He ended up splitting time with Sean White when he returned. The prognosticators love Duran and have rated him as the #5 overall position player for the upcoming season ahead of even 1B Reagan Osborn (#6). Duran is an above average defensive catcher and the club hopes he can catch upwards of 90 games this season.

C Joe Hunt (Age-29 B-L $4,500,000 1 year deal)
Last Season with Duluth 277/345/837 22 HR 60 RBI’s
Career Stats 267/324/757 64HR 226 RBI’s Spring - No stats Free agent until end of spring

So the Architects bring back Joe Hunt for another season after trading him to Duluth during the 2054 season. Hunt fills a need to have a sturdy backup and brings his left handed bat to town. We don’t see him starting more than 50 games but he might get some games in at DH here and there. Hunt was drafted by Chicago in the 2045 draft in the 7th round.

1B Reagan Osborn (age-25 B-R $3,500,000 signed through 2060 season)
Last Season 330/43/1047 30 HR 89 RBI’s 5.8 WAR
Career stats 311/424/1011 95HR 270 RBI’s Spring 400/531/920 3HR 6 RBI’s

What is there to say about Mr. Offense in Chicago. In his 3 seasons he has been named an All-Star all 3 years. He’s won 2 playoff series MVP awards, top hitting 1B 3 times, top fielding 1B 2 times, and has finished runner up the last two years to Traverse City’s Earl Foote who has had great stats but plays on a losing team. Maybe this year will be Osborn’s year to win the big award and he will likely get his 100th career home run during the first month of the season.

2B John Lambert (Age-25 $507,500 arbitration eligible in 2058)
Last season 289/355/799 5HR 22 RBI’s 105 OPS+
Career 272/338/787 9HR 31 RBI’s Spring stats 148/294/516 0-1

Despite a poor spring, Lambert is the clubs 2B of the present. There was a lot of debate about who would take over for Walker Dunse but Lambert who was a super sub last season appears to be the man. Lambert hit well last year and scouts love the fact that with his 6’4 frame he has tremendous raw power and many are expecting him to break out this season.

SS Pablo Farrulla (age-24 B-R $507,500 has 2 more seasons before arbitration eligible)
Last Season 240/316/648 3HR 18 RBI’s with Chicago and Toldedo
Career - Same Spring stats 277/320/746 0-8

Farrulla came over in a deal with Toledo who had just acquired him from Thunder Bay last July. He was slated to be a backup at both SS/2B but got off to a good hitting start and is a slick fielder with the glove. This season he might be a stop-gap solution as the club awaits the arrival of SS Cristo Sandoval, but that time is not quite here yet. Teaming with Lambert they should provide an excellent defensive middle infield to go along with CF Cris Luna and C Juan Duran.

3B Travis Arnaud (age-27 B-S $750,000 signed through 2060)
Last Season 315/372.916 23HR 84 RBI’s 133 OPS+ 3.9 WAR
Career 309/352/856 44HR 197 RBI’s Spring 161/229/616 2-4

Another Architect that had a poor spring, but there are no real worries with Arnaud who looks like he will be teaming with 1B Reagan Osborn for the next decade in Chicago. Solid fielder who hits well with RISP, he looks to take the next step in his career.

2B/IF Kent Noseworthy (Age-34 B-R $2,640,000 for 2056 season)
Last Season with Chicago and Thunder Bay 220/319/692 17HR 58 RBI’s 76 OPS+
Career 236/342/773 234 HR 693 RBI’s Spring - None was a free agent

Noseworthy returns to Chicago on a 1-year deal to provide experienced depth around the infield. He is a no nonsense player, and what you see is what you get. He will not dazzle with a high batting average but in a good season will hit 20+ home runs and have an OBP around 350. Last year was a down year but based on the recent trend of good even seasons and tougher odd seasons, he should be in line for a good season.

3B/1B Cruz Torres (age -33 B-S $507,500 arbitration eligible likely next season)
Last Season - 246/338/690 3HR 18 RBI’s 80 OPS+
Career 243/317/677 6HR 35 RBI’s Spring stats 312/353/853 1-3

Torres got his first real break in his career last season as he was on the big league roster all season. He played mostly 3B and DH some along with pinch hitting duties. Expect more of the same this season as he is valued as a left handed bat as a switch hitter.

OF/2B Samuel Amsden (age-30 B-S $2,200,000 has 1 more arbitration season next year)
Last Season 298/370/796 3HR 24 RBI’s 106 OPS+
Career 237/328/733 53HR 181 RBI’s Spring stats 188/243/618 1-6

Amsden keeps defying the odds and continues to remain on the Chicago roster. Before the 54 season it looked like he would be elsewhere after the club declined his salary arbitration. Then he was re-signed late in the free agent process. This year the club signed him to a deal before his arbitration hearing, based on the great early start he had last year. His projected arbitration number is $3.4 million next time around he might not get offered arbitration. But Amsden seems to be a survivor and he keeps sticking around. He needs to have another solid season with the bat off the bench.

LF Robert LeRoy (age-31 B-L $15,000,000 signed through 2061 $157,000,000)
Last Season with Hamilton 332/400/973 26HR 88RBI’s 144 OPS+ Canada MVP
Career 295/356/879 203HR 686 RBI’s Spring stats 290/405/986 1-5

Chicago made a splash with the signing of LeRoy this off-season. The club wanted another left-handed bat and looking long term he might be the salary replacement (and then some) of RF Jim Ashley who could be in his last season with the Architects. LeRoy won the Canadian MVP last season and now he hopes to team with Osborn, Arnaud, Ashley, Aranda to form a very potent 5 hitters in this lineup.

CF Cris Luna (age-26 B-R $507,500 arbitration eligible next season maybe)
Season stats 249/335/723 9HR 46 RBI’s 87 OPS+
Career 232/305/669 13-67 Spring stats 189/279/324 0-6

Luna who was at one time the #2 overall prospect came up during the 2054 season and struggled with the bat. He was off to another slow start but about mid-way last season he seemed to start finding his groove at the plate. Unfortunately this spring he seems to be searching for that grove once again. His glove has never been a question in CF. Some feel the acquisition of Noseworthy is in case Luna struggles more than if Lambert does. In the case of Luna struggling, Lambert is a solid glove (not quite as good) in CF and that would open the door for Noseworthy at 2B. The pressure is on Luna to put together a season that made him that highly thought of.

CF Steve Hickman (age-26 B-R $507,500 rookie season)
Last Season AAA 223/318/631 2HR 28RBI’s
Career - rookie Spring Stats 257/341/827 2HR 11RBI’s

Rookie CF Hickman is not a highly thought of prospect based on rankings, but the kid is a good glove and has speed a plenty. His role will be that of the backup CF and pinch runner and is an excellent defensive OF across all positions.

LF Matt Graves (age-31 B-L $4,140,000 contract with team option next season)
Last Year - 275/333/751 11HR 48 RBI’s 58 SB’s 93 OPS+
Career 246/322/721 53 HR 180 RBI’s 167 SB’s Spring stats

It’s hard to believe that Graves, who has been the Chicago leadoff man and has stolen over 160 bases in his career, was playing for his job this spring. While he didn’t get a lot of at-bats he did produce some solid spring numbers. He will be the top pinch runner and can come in at any time if the team wants to stack a lefty lineup against a tough RHSP. He might be spelling Ashley some although his defense in RF is just average in the best case scenario. Could be a financial number crunch causality next off-season.

DH/RF Jim Ashley (age-36 B-R $20,000,000 with team option for $22,000,000 next season)
Last Season 302/353/908 27HR 95 RBI’s 130 OPS+ 43 SB
Career 283/352/835 208HR 792 RBI’s 281 SB 136 OPS+ Spring Stats 188/235/312 1HR 6RBI

Like many Chicago hitters he seems to have slept walked through the spring exhibition games, but when the regular season bright lights are on, so is Jim Ashley. Not the most popular person in the clubhouse, but also not a problem, he is just a hard-nose veteran player who wants to win. With the numbers he has put up in Chicago even a repeat of those might not be enough to keep him with the club next season. He has been vocal about willing to talk extension with Chicago prior to his team option next season.

RF Tom Stone (age-22 prospect #23 B-R $507,500 first full season)
Last season with AAA 319/368/854 8HR 60 RBI’s 126 OPS+ With CH 229/270/699 1-2 77OPS+
Career 229/270/699 1-2 Spring stats 333/350/709 0-4

Some have called Stone a very young version of Jim Ashley in that they both have speed and play RF. The power isn’t there at least so far for Stone, but he looks like a very capable hitter. He is going to get the opportunity to play RF at least for the first 2 weeks of the season while DH Jose Aranda is on the mend and getting ready for his return. He could be Ashley’s fulltime replacement in RF next season.

Summary - A lot of the hitters did have sleepy spring camps at least in the exhibition games, but we are not too worried about our proven players. We are talking with different free agents still and we might sign one if we can agree on the price. While we feel good internally about the club, we are still concerned by all the off-season activity in Toledo as they have a tremendous pitching club, and Duluth who is continuing to augment a good young nucleus of ballplayers.

Next - Predictions

2056 Chicago Architects

12-05-2025, 12:57 PM	#58
DD Martin All Star Starter Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Seattle area Posts: 1,019	The End of Spring Truth be told we made some late offers after spring training was over. I felt like if we could get a little more cheap insurance that wouldn’t be a bad thing. I won’t go into those at this point since the first sim of the regular season is tomorrow morning. If they are signed, it will mean 1 player will go down to AAA and another player will be released. Speaking of player moves, we DFA C Bill Gilliespe and also RF Ken Davis. The latter one was difficult because I really felt Davis had a chance to be a regular OF, but things don’t look like they are going to pan out for Davis. Maybe he will get another opportunity with another organization. On the eve of Opening Day we made a trade. Trading with Toledo on a player that I had felt really good about, but I just don’t think it's going to work out for him. At least not in Chicago. We traded LHP Ed Reddin (26) to the Neptunes for minor league class A 2B Bryan Smith (prospect #170). Probably not a major move but I needed to clear some 40-man roster space and we picked up another middle IF prospect. He will start the year most likely at class A. Last season the then 18-year old was signed as an international FA for $600,000 in 2054. He hit 285/388/860 with 14 home runs and 50 RBI’s . This isn’t a move that is going to move the needle this season, but who knows maybe Smith can become a big league player. We also saved $507,500 dollars and any cost savings will make Mr. Bocquet happy. So here is the Opening Day roster for the Architects prior to their season opener at home against the Traverse City Bears. Starting Rotation SP #1 Jose “Pongo” Cedeno (age-34 T-R $15,000,000 signed through 2061) Last Season 9-9 4.02 ERA 192.1 IP 2.0 BB/9 7.8 k/9 121 ERA + 4.5 WAR Career 71-56 3.99 ERA Spring totals 0-1 7.56 ERA Cedeno had a lousy spring but fortunately for him I don’t put too much stock into spring results. Cedeno signed a mega deal during last season that gave us relief on his salary big time this season and slightly for next season before jumping over $30 million in 2058. We need him to really step up this year and pitch like the #1 SP we are paying him to be. He wants to win a pitcher of the year award, then he has to get tough and be more like Toledo’s Nick Keddy. SP #2 Julio Castro (age-38 T-L $7,005,000 signed 1 year deal) Last Season 9-6 2 saves 3.79 ERA 122 ERA+ 2.2 BB/9 6.4 k/9 with Toronto Career 101-83 31 saves 3.59 ERA Spring totals 0-2 7.45 ERA Just like Cedeno, Castro had a tough spring. He is #2 in the rotation because we wanted our lone Lefty starter falling in line behind Cedeno. Castro was signed to be the stop-gap until LHSP Curt Hopkins is ready. Castro has the ability to be a quality bullpen arm as well, but we need him in that starter role. If he comes up short, then we will likely have to move up 21-year-old Curt Hopkins. I just feel like we need a solid lefty in our rotation mix. SP #3 Val Imbert (age-30 T-R $9,000,000 signed through 2058) Last season 10-9 4.20 ERA 2.1 BB/9 7.3 K/9 116 ERA+ Career 55-73 4.39 ERA Spring totals 1-2 5.00 ERA Imbert is the team captain and a capable mid rotation arm. Like the first two in the Chicago rotation he doesn’t walk a lot of batters and certainly pitches to contact. With our middle defense he should win a lot of games. SP #4 Joe Johnson (age-27 T-R $2,000,000 signed through 2060) Last Season 7-3 3.58 ERA 136 ERA+ 2.6 BB/9 8.5 K/9 Career 30-19 4.19 ERA Spring totals 1-1 1.38 ERA Johnson remembered last spring training when he wasn’t selected to be on the Opening Day roster. This year he made sure he was and that is good news for Chicago. Johnson is 22-8 the last 2 seasons and has been a proven winner. He was slotted in the #2 rotation spot, but because we wanted a lefty following Cedeno he slides down to #4. Johnson is 6’9 and throws his fastball around 97mph. If we want to get payback on a certain pitcher from last season, Johnson might be the man that will collect that debt against the team’s top hitter. SP Bill “flamethrower” Lutz (age-33 T-R $8,500,000 signed through 2057) Last Season 11-8 1 save 5.36 ERA 91 ERA+ 5.5 BB/9 8.0 K/9 Career 67-64 21 saves 4.15 ERA Spring totals 1-1 0.69 Lutz pitched like a man possessed in his spring outings and he needed to do that to secure this spot in the starting rotation, at least until Yale Hulburt comes back in late May. Lutz was an enigma last season pitching horribly coming out of spring, then straightening himself out to have a great middle portion of the season. Unfortunately the last 30 games went like the first 20 or so last year and he struggled down the stretch. Walks are Lutz’s kryptonite and that was in full effect last year with 5.5 walks per 9 innings which was the most he had in a season since 2049. Bullpen Closer Pat Wright (age-30 T-L $5,000,000 signed through 2059) Last Season 9-3 30 saves 4.18 ERA 117 ERA+ 3.5 BB/9 11.1 K/9 Career 37-32 139 saves 3.47 ERA Spring Totals 1-0 5.40 ERA Wright has been Chicago’s closer all 4 seasons since I took over as GM. He was lights out for the first half of the season, then hit a rough patch where Ken Shannon closed but then got right and finished the season strong. We are committed to Wright closing games for us. Top Setup Man Larry Stott (age-28 T-R $2,250,000 signed through 2061) Last Season 7-3 3 saves 2.73 ERA 178 ERA+ 3.8 BB/9 7.0 K/9 Career 16-15 13 saves 3.38 ERA Spring 0-0 2.00 ERA Stott just signed an extension in the off-season to take him through his last arbitration year and guarantee him at least $35 million over the next 6 seasons. Some think he should be the closer and last season screamed that he should maybe have been. After a tough first 3 outings of the 55 season, Stott went the rest of the season 44 outings with a sub 1.00 ERA. Chicago likes having a tight bullpen and Stott is a key figure in that equation. SU John Moore (age-25 T-R $507,500 eligible for arbitration after the season) Last Season 1-1 6.25 ERA 7 GS 31.2IP Career 13-7 4.90 ERA Spring totals 1-0 0.00 ERA 8IP Moore has struggled with injuries the last 2 seasons, after his 2053 rookie season where he went 8-4 4.95 ERA. He is going to start out this season in the bullpen but he is likely to find his way into some starting assignments. For now, he will plug into the #3 spot in the Chicago bullpen with the hopes of staying healthy and protecting leads for the Architects, but don’t be surprised to see him in a starting role eventually. MR Ken Shannon (age-41 T-R $4,160,000 free agent after the season) Last season 8-3 12 saves 4.75 ERA 102 ERA+ 3.6 BB/9 8.2 K/99 Career 69-46 103 saves 2.83 ERA Spring 0-0 1 saves 1.74 ERA Shannon picked up the slack last season when Pat Wright had a brief meltdown for several weeks last season. This season Shannon is expected to see a lot of action as the #4 bullpen arm for the Architects. Shannon showed some signs of control issues last season and there are whispers that time might be catching up with the veteran. The club had him marked as available through spring training but he seems to have secured a spot for the upcoming season. LR Richard Herschel (age-25 T-R $507,500 only 76 days of GLBL service time) Last season 0-1 5.82 ERA 84 ERA+ 3.2 BB/9 7.9 K/99 Career 0-3 1 save 5.68 ERA Spring totals 1-0 1.98 ERA Herschel has been someone that the Architects had some hopes of maybe being a mid-rotation starter at one point but he seems to be a bullpen arm going forward. His spot is tenuous probably despite a solid spring. Right now the club is going with only an 11 man pitching staff. If it expands to 12 (likely) then he should hold onto the job. But he could be the man sent down when SP Yale Hulburt returns in late May. LR/Emergency SP JJ Walker (age -29 T-R $2,800,000 signed through 2059) Last season 4-5 6.08 ERA 80 ERA+ 4.6 BB/9 8.1 K/9 Career 16-25 4.51 ERA Spring 0-1 10.12 ERA Walker might be the one long term signing that GM Martin regrets. Right now he is in the middle of what was thought to be a team friendly deal (signed at a similar time as Joe Johnson’s deal). He only counts for $2.8 million this year, but that deal climbs to $4.0 million next and what might be a deal breaker at $7.5 million for 2058. The 2059 $9 million dollar option is a team option and the vesting option for the following year is also $9 million. There is little chance that Walker ever sees that money. For now, the club will try and get him back to where he was when he signed the deal, but a loss of control has really hurt him. But because of his contract, for now his spot is secure on the roster, but don’t expect to see him in many high leverage situations. Overall - Pitching Overall the club is optimistic about its pitching and especially its top 4 (until Hulburt comes back). The #5 spot with Lutz right now feels like a crap shoot and I would imagine the club will control which games he appears in. The feel about the bullpen isn’t as good as last year when Shannon for most of the season was on his game, and the club had Yoshida and McAskill in the 4-5 spots. While Moore is a fine pitcher, he hasn’t been put into a relief situation except this spring. While he pitched well there was some concern to get the game to Stott and Wright. Yale Hulburt’s return feels huge if he has recovered fully from his injury (elbow ligament reconstruction). He is 36 years old and that could be a huge proposition, but the club is counting on him. There is help in the minors as LHSP Curt Hopkins is getting closer to being ready and pitched well this spring (3.00 ERA 1.00 WHIP). The Architects have 3-4 more other quality arms that will likely be in place by 2059-60 seasons so the future is bright and will be much less expensive than it is currently. Position players C Juan Duran (age-24 B-R $507,500 arbitration eligible in 2058) Last Season 302/403/894 4HR 7 RBI’s 35 games 130 OPS+ Career 260/370/831 7HR 12 RBI’s Spring totals 323/400/916 0-2 Big things are expected from Duran who had a late 2054 injury that derailed his start to the 2055 season until late July. He ended up splitting time with Sean White when he returned. The prognosticators love Duran and have rated him as the #5 overall position player for the upcoming season ahead of even 1B Reagan Osborn (#6). Duran is an above average defensive catcher and the club hopes he can catch upwards of 90 games this season. C Joe Hunt (Age-29 B-L $4,500,000 1 year deal) Last Season with Duluth 277/345/837 22 HR 60 RBI’s Career Stats 267/324/757 64HR 226 RBI’s Spring - No stats Free agent until end of spring So the Architects bring back Joe Hunt for another season after trading him to Duluth during the 2054 season. Hunt fills a need to have a sturdy backup and brings his left handed bat to town. We don’t see him starting more than 50 games but he might get some games in at DH here and there. Hunt was drafted by Chicago in the 2045 draft in the 7th round. 1B Reagan Osborn (age-25 B-R $3,500,000 signed through 2060 season) Last Season 330/43/1047 30 HR 89 RBI’s 5.8 WAR Career stats 311/424/1011 95HR 270 RBI’s Spring 400/531/920 3HR 6 RBI’s What is there to say about Mr. Offense in Chicago. In his 3 seasons he has been named an All-Star all 3 years. He’s won 2 playoff series MVP awards, top hitting 1B 3 times, top fielding 1B 2 times, and has finished runner up the last two years to Traverse City’s Earl Foote who has had great stats but plays on a losing team. Maybe this year will be Osborn’s year to win the big award and he will likely get his 100th career home run during the first month of the season. 2B John Lambert (Age-25 $507,500 arbitration eligible in 2058) Last season 289/355/799 5HR 22 RBI’s 105 OPS+ Career 272/338/787 9HR 31 RBI’s Spring stats 148/294/516 0-1 Despite a poor spring, Lambert is the clubs 2B of the present. There was a lot of debate about who would take over for Walker Dunse but Lambert who was a super sub last season appears to be the man. Lambert hit well last year and scouts love the fact that with his 6’4 frame he has tremendous raw power and many are expecting him to break out this season. SS Pablo Farrulla (age-24 B-R $507,500 has 2 more seasons before arbitration eligible) Last Season 240/316/648 3HR 18 RBI’s with Chicago and Toldedo Career - Same Spring stats 277/320/746 0-8 Farrulla came over in a deal with Toledo who had just acquired him from Thunder Bay last July. He was slated to be a backup at both SS/2B but got off to a good hitting start and is a slick fielder with the glove. This season he might be a stop-gap solution as the club awaits the arrival of SS Cristo Sandoval, but that time is not quite here yet. Teaming with Lambert they should provide an excellent defensive middle infield to go along with CF Cris Luna and C Juan Duran. 3B Travis Arnaud (age-27 B-S $750,000 signed through 2060) Last Season 315/372.916 23HR 84 RBI’s 133 OPS+ 3.9 WAR Career 309/352/856 44HR 197 RBI’s Spring 161/229/616 2-4 Another Architect that had a poor spring, but there are no real worries with Arnaud who looks like he will be teaming with 1B Reagan Osborn for the next decade in Chicago. Solid fielder who hits well with RISP, he looks to take the next step in his career. 2B/IF Kent Noseworthy (Age-34 B-R $2,640,000 for 2056 season) Last Season with Chicago and Thunder Bay 220/319/692 17HR 58 RBI’s 76 OPS+ Career 236/342/773 234 HR 693 RBI’s Spring - None was a free agent Noseworthy returns to Chicago on a 1-year deal to provide experienced depth around the infield. He is a no nonsense player, and what you see is what you get. He will not dazzle with a high batting average but in a good season will hit 20+ home runs and have an OBP around 350. Last year was a down year but based on the recent trend of good even seasons and tougher odd seasons, he should be in line for a good season. 3B/1B Cruz Torres (age -33 B-S $507,500 arbitration eligible likely next season) Last Season - 246/338/690 3HR 18 RBI’s 80 OPS+ Career 243/317/677 6HR 35 RBI’s Spring stats 312/353/853 1-3 Torres got his first real break in his career last season as he was on the big league roster all season. He played mostly 3B and DH some along with pinch hitting duties. Expect more of the same this season as he is valued as a left handed bat as a switch hitter. OF/2B Samuel Amsden (age-30 B-S $2,200,000 has 1 more arbitration season next year) Last Season 298/370/796 3HR 24 RBI’s 106 OPS+ Career 237/328/733 53HR 181 RBI’s Spring stats 188/243/618 1-6 Amsden keeps defying the odds and continues to remain on the Chicago roster. Before the 54 season it looked like he would be elsewhere after the club declined his salary arbitration. Then he was re-signed late in the free agent process. This year the club signed him to a deal before his arbitration hearing, based on the great early start he had last year. His projected arbitration number is $3.4 million next time around he might not get offered arbitration. But Amsden seems to be a survivor and he keeps sticking around. He needs to have another solid season with the bat off the bench. LF Robert LeRoy (age-31 B-L $15,000,000 signed through 2061 $157,000,000) Last Season with Hamilton 332/400/973 26HR 88RBI’s 144 OPS+ Canada MVP Career 295/356/879 203HR 686 RBI’s Spring stats 290/405/986 1-5 Chicago made a splash with the signing of LeRoy this off-season. The club wanted another left-handed bat and looking long term he might be the salary replacement (and then some) of RF Jim Ashley who could be in his last season with the Architects. LeRoy won the Canadian MVP last season and now he hopes to team with Osborn, Arnaud, Ashley, Aranda to form a very potent 5 hitters in this lineup. CF Cris Luna (age-26 B-R $507,500 arbitration eligible next season maybe) Season stats 249/335/723 9HR 46 RBI’s 87 OPS+ Career 232/305/669 13-67 Spring stats 189/279/324 0-6 Luna who was at one time the #2 overall prospect came up during the 2054 season and struggled with the bat. He was off to another slow start but about mid-way last season he seemed to start finding his groove at the plate. Unfortunately this spring he seems to be searching for that grove once again. His glove has never been a question in CF. Some feel the acquisition of Noseworthy is in case Luna struggles more than if Lambert does. In the case of Luna struggling, Lambert is a solid glove (not quite as good) in CF and that would open the door for Noseworthy at 2B. The pressure is on Luna to put together a season that made him that highly thought of. CF Steve Hickman (age-26 B-R $507,500 rookie season) Last Season AAA 223/318/631 2HR 28RBI’s Career - rookie Spring Stats 257/341/827 2HR 11RBI’s Rookie CF Hickman is not a highly thought of prospect based on rankings, but the kid is a good glove and has speed a plenty. His role will be that of the backup CF and pinch runner and is an excellent defensive OF across all positions. LF Matt Graves (age-31 B-L $4,140,000 contract with team option next season) Last Year - 275/333/751 11HR 48 RBI’s 58 SB’s 93 OPS+ Career 246/322/721 53 HR 180 RBI’s 167 SB’s Spring stats It’s hard to believe that Graves, who has been the Chicago leadoff man and has stolen over 160 bases in his career, was playing for his job this spring. While he didn’t get a lot of at-bats he did produce some solid spring numbers. He will be the top pinch runner and can come in at any time if the team wants to stack a lefty lineup against a tough RHSP. He might be spelling Ashley some although his defense in RF is just average in the best case scenario. Could be a financial number crunch causality next off-season. DH/RF Jim Ashley (age-36 B-R $20,000,000 with team option for $22,000,000 next season) Last Season 302/353/908 27HR 95 RBI’s 130 OPS+ 43 SB Career 283/352/835 208HR 792 RBI’s 281 SB 136 OPS+ Spring Stats 188/235/312 1HR 6RBI Like many Chicago hitters he seems to have slept walked through the spring exhibition games, but when the regular season bright lights are on, so is Jim Ashley. Not the most popular person in the clubhouse, but also not a problem, he is just a hard-nose veteran player who wants to win. With the numbers he has put up in Chicago even a repeat of those might not be enough to keep him with the club next season. He has been vocal about willing to talk extension with Chicago prior to his team option next season. RF Tom Stone (age-22 prospect #23 B-R $507,500 first full season) Last season with AAA 319/368/854 8HR 60 RBI’s 126 OPS+ With CH 229/270/699 1-2 77OPS+ Career 229/270/699 1-2 Spring stats 333/350/709 0-4 Some have called Stone a very young version of Jim Ashley in that they both have speed and play RF. The power isn’t there at least so far for Stone, but he looks like a very capable hitter. He is going to get the opportunity to play RF at least for the first 2 weeks of the season while DH Jose Aranda is on the mend and getting ready for his return. He could be Ashley’s fulltime replacement in RF next season. Summary - A lot of the hitters did have sleepy spring camps at least in the exhibition games, but we are not too worried about our proven players. We are talking with different free agents still and we might sign one if we can agree on the price. While we feel good internally about the club, we are still concerned by all the off-season activity in Toledo as they have a tremendous pitching club, and Duluth who is continuing to augment a good young nucleus of ballplayers. Next - Predictions 2056 Chicago Architects Attached Images Last edited by DD Martin; 12-05-2025 at 04:24 PM.