St. Louis River Walkers 2020 season: Striving to get back on top

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This thread has been begun on the first official day of the 2020 preseason, Feb. 1, and already we've got e-mails and team reports to sort through.

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Walkers news: Chung has some off-field woes

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The St. Louis River Walkers have learned that right-handed starting pitcher Jacob deGrom has suffered a setback in his return from a torn rotator cuff.
The injury is likely to keep the 2018 Cy Young winner out for 15 months, and with his contract expiring at the end of the 2020 season, it probably means he is done pitching as a member of the River Walkers.
On one hand, it makes the trade earlier this offseason for left-handed starter Danny Duffy to be a smart one.
But on the other side, maybe the Walkers should have gone after a better pitcher.

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MBL news: March 2 -- Preseason predictions on first day of Spring training games

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Walkers news: Roster for 2020 spring training

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The St. Louis River Walkers have announced the signing of three players who were in the majors last season -- pitcher Francisco Liriano, catcher Tyler Flowers and infielder Jed Lowrie -- to minor league contracts.
They will be part of the spring training roster, but are expected to start the season with AAA Memphis.

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After an All-Star first half in 2019, St.Louis River Walkers right-handed reliever Chaz Roe struggled in the second half of the season.
The Walkers probably now know why, as the 33-year old has been diagnosed with a torn right meniscus which will keep him out at least four months.

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MBL news: U.S. routs Dominican Republic to win World Cup of Baseball

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The St. Louis River Walkers have completed a deal with the Chicago G-Men to land left-handed relief pitcher Grant Dayton in exchange for minor league outfield Jabari Blash and right-handed relief pitcher Adam Climber.
The Walkers were looking to add a second veteran lefty to their bullpen, and hope the hard-throwing Dayton can fill that need.
Blash is a 31-year-old outfielder who has played well in the minors, but has not gotten much of a chance with the big-league team.
Climber was among the young right-handers battling it out to make the Walkers roster as a reliever out of spring training,.

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Walkers news: Player development report for April 1

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MBL news: Spring training standings and individual leaders

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Walkers news: Spring training statistics for 2020

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MBL news: Revised season predictions on opening day

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By most stretch, the 2019 season for the St. Louis River Walkers should have been a successful one.
They finished 96-66, the third-best record in the Midwest Baseball League and the best in the National League, of which they were the NL West Division champions.
But coming off a 2019 season, where they went 106-56 and breezed to the MBL championship, it was a bit of a disappointment when the campaign ended in five-game loss to the Madison Muskies in the National League Championship Series.
It’s easy to pin-point what happened. In 2018, many players had the best seasons of their career, something they found impossible to match. (Outside of left fielder Andrew Benintendi, who was named NL MVP.
There also were injuries.

Jacob deGrom, the 2018 NL Cy Young winner, struggled the entire campaign before suffering a torn rotator cuff which is expected keep him out until the 2021 season, by which time his contract with the Walkers will have expired.
Keone Kela, who emerged as the closer of the 2018 title team, was maybe the best closer in the NL in 2019 until being lost for the season in late August with a partially torn labrum. He’s still working his way back but should join the team sometime in April.
An overworked starting pitching staff, also probably played a role. In 2018, the Walkers had the division wrapped up by early September allowing de Grom, along with fellow stalwarts Trevor Bauer and Aaron Nola, to limit their innings down the stretch saving them for the postseason.
In 2019, the division was not decided until the final meaning Bauer, Nola and newcomers Kyle Hendricks all reached October at or near 200 innings.
As always, there have been some changes. But not many, not with a team that has won more than 200 games over the past two seasons. The pieces for success should all be there. It’s just all about being at your best when October rolls around.

Departures
SP: Carlos Martinez: Age: 28, B-R, T-R
2019 statistics: 10 G, 10 GS, 5-3, 4.00 ERA, 54.0 IP, 54 Ks (w/St. Louis)
Reason for departure: Left as a free agent. Acquired in a trade for starting pitcher Zach Godley after it was apparent that Jacob deGrom was injured, Martinez pitched well as the Walkers’ fourth starter during the final two-plus months of the season.
Landing spot: Signed with the Uni-President 7-Eleven Lions of the CPBL in Taiwan.

RP: Brad Boxberger: Age: 31, B-R, T-R.
2019 statistics: 69 G, 5-2, 6 Svs., 3.56 ERA, 55.2 IP., 76 Ks
Reason for departure: Pitched very well but just didn’t seem to have the edge he did in 2018. Particularly seemed to struggle against left-handed hitters. Team has plenty of young right-handed relief options.
Landing spot: One-year contract with Rockford for $1.850 million
RP: Jerry Blevins: Age: 36, B-L, T-L
2019 statistics: 64 G, 0-3, 2 Svs., 4.43 ERA, 42.2 IP, 40 Ks
Reason for departure: Was not nearly the pitcher he was in 2018. Even when asked to face just left-handed hitters Blevins had trouble getting people out. Failed to make postseason roster.
Landing spot: Minor-league contract with Dayton.
IF: Jed Gyorko: Age: 31, B-R, T-R
2019 statistics: 74 G, 46 GS, .249, 10 HRs, 29 RBIs
Reason for departure: Slight dip in numbers from 2018 season, was being paid $9 million to start less than 50 games.
Landing spot: Remains a free agent.

Newcomers
SP: Danny Duffy: Age: 31, B-L, T-L
Acquired: Trade with the Chicago G-Men for third baseman J.D. Davis.
2019 statistics: 32 G, 32 GS, 12-9, 3.55 ERA, 190 IP, 154 Ks
What’s expected: Replaces Carlos Martinez in rotation. Had a winning record for a team that finished four games under .500. An inning’s eater, will be asked to be a top pitcher for what should be a much better team.

IF: Eduardo Nunez Age: 32, B-R, T-R
Acquired: Free-agent signing, one season for $2.250M
2019 statistics: 125 G, 86 GS, .307, 10 HR, 34 RBIs
What’s expected: He’ll be filling Gyorko’s role as the team’s right-handed bat off the bench who can play multiple infield positions.

RP: Grant Dayton: Age 32, B-L, T-L
Acquired: Trade with Chicago G-Men for outfielder Jabari Blash and RHP Adam Cimber
2019 statistics: 80 G, 2-6, 2 Svs., 3.68 ERA, 73.1 IP, 106 Ks
What’s expected: Dominated to the tune of 13.0 strikeouts per nine innings and was equally effective against both right- and left-handed hitters.
Returning players
Starting pitchers
Aaron Nola: Age: 26. B-R, T-R
2019 statistics: 33 G, 31 GS, 15-5, 3.35 ERA, 201.2 IP, 164 Ks
What expected: Nola was probably the best pitcher in the National League until early August. While he still had games where he was expected, he faded down the stretch. Injury could be a concern, because it seems similar to what happened to de Grom in 2018.

Trevor Bauer: Age: 29, B-R, T-R
2019 statistics: 32 G, 32 GS, 14-8, 2.99 ERA, 202.0 IP, 210 Ks
What’s expected: From start to finish Bauer was probably the River Walkers best starting pitcher in 2019. If Nola’s struggles carryover from the end of last season, he’ll be asked to be the No. 1 starter.

Kyle Hendricks: Age 30, B-R, T-R
2019 statistics: 32 G, 32 GS, 10-9, 3.16 ERA, 202.0 IP, 208 Ks
What’s expected: Just keep doing what he did a year ago when he was brought in to handle the No. 4 starter role. Solid numbers across the board, should have had more wins.

Luis Gohara: Age: 23, B-L, T-L
2019 statistics: 9 G, 9 GS, 3-2, 3.47 ERA, 46.2 IP, 38 Ks
What’s expected: Moved in the rotation in late July after de Grom was lost to injury and Godley was traded for Carlos Martinez. All he has to be is a No. 5 starter, find a way to win more games than he loses and consistently give at least five innings an outing.

Relief pitchers
RHP: Phil Maton: Age: 27, B-R, T-R
2019 statistics: 66 G, 4-1, 3 Svs., 3.02 ERA, 65.2 IP, 94 Ks
What’s expected: Made the jump to the majors early in the 2019 season and never returned to AAA Memphis. Dominating stuff against both left and right-handed batters. Could be used to close, especially early with Keone Kela still out with injury.

LHP: Jake Diekman: Age: 33, B-L, T-L
2019 statistics: 68 G, 3-0, 1.58 ERA, 62.2 IP, 91 Ks
What’s expected: Selected the top relief pitcher in the NL, not much more can be asked of Diekman but to be one of the best left-handed relievers in the game.

RHP: John Curtiss: Age: 27, B-R, T-R
2019 statistics: 34 G, 3-1, 1 Sv., 2.79 ERA, 42 IP, 57 Ks
What’s expected: Another reliever who contributed in a big way after being called up from Memphis. Just build on what he accomplished in 2019 and he’ll have done his job.

RHP: Reyes Montoya: Age: 27, B-R, T-R
2019 statistics: 4 G, 2-0, 0.00 ERA, 3.1 IP, 7 Ks
What’s expected: A September call-up, Montoya showed he has the stuff to pitch in the big leagues.

LHP: Bobby Poyner: Age 27, B-L, T-L
2019 statistics: 6 G, 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 5.1 IP, 8 Ks
What’s expected: Selected the top relief pitcher in the Pacific Coast League, where he was 5-4 with a 1.85 ERA in 44 games, Poyner will combine with Diekman and Dayton to give the Walkers three top-notch left-handers in their pen.
LHP: Jairo Labourt: Age 26, B-L, T-L
2019 statistics: 5 G, 0-0, 4.91 ERA, 3 IP, 3 Ks
What’s expected: To be honest, he’s out of options and it’s tough to just put a solid lefty reliever on waivers knowing he’ll get snatched up. Will have to something with him eventually as Kela isn’t far off and there are a couple of free agents I am still looking at.
RHP: Bill Warson: Age: 23, B-R, T-R
2019 statistics: 58 G, 5-8, 24 Svs., 2.77 ERA, 65.0 IP, 63 Ks
What’s expected: The closer for AA Springfield in 2019, while Warson is expected to close at Memphis this season he will begin the season in the big leagues as the Walkers await the return of Keone Kela and a possible free-agent signing.

Catchers
Tucker Barnhart: Age: 29, B-S, T-R
2019 statistics: 121 G, 118 GS, .233, 14 HRs, 48 RBIs
What’s expected: A position where the Walkers emphasis defense, few our better although Barnhart does not have the Gold Gloves to prove it. His offensive stats slipped a bit in 2019, but his home runs almost tripled from five to 14.

Manny Pina: Age: 32, B-R, T-R
2019 statistics: 53 G, 44 GS, .257, 5 HRs, 23 RBIs
What’s expected: To make sure there isn’t much of a drop off when Barnhart takes every fourth game off. For the past two seasons, Pina has made sure that is the case.

Infielders
1B: Rhys Hoskins: Age 27, B-R, T-R
2019 statistics: 150 G, 147 GS, .250, 30 HRs, 88 RBIs
What’s expected: Hoskins really struggled until about the All-Star break when he really started to swing the bat. The HRs and RBIs came out looking great, especially in this offense where there are a lot of players competing for RBIs, the average needs to be more consistent.

2B: Jin-hwan Chung: Age. 32, B-R, T-R
2019 statistics: 97 G, 92 GS, .243, 9 HRs, 47 RBIs
What’s expected: A high-dollar signing in the 2019 offseason, Chung may not have put up huge numbers. But his season was marred by an injury which put him out for six weeks. He posted an impressive on-base percentage of .372. However, more will be expected from him in 2020.

SS: Adeiny Hechavarria: Age: 30 B-R, T-R
2019 statistics: 144 G, 133 GS, .278, 4 HRs, 46 RBIs
What’s expected: The Walkers expect outstanding defense from their shortstop, and although Francisco Lindor is hogging the Gold Gloves in the NL, Hechavarria isn’t far behind. He’s also been better than expected at the plate, and with him usually batting eighth he does a good job keeping the lineup turning over.

3B: Nicky Delmonico: Age: 27, B-L, T-R
2019 statistics: 137 G, 124 GS, .261, 31 HRs, 98 RBIs
What’s expected: Given the chance to run with the third-base job after Alex Bregman was dealt in the preseason, Delmonico did all that he was asked eclipsing the 30 home-run mark and driving in almost 100 runs. He’s also a plus-defender at his position.
IF: Brock Holt: Age: 31, B-L, T-R
2019 statistics: 132 G, 93 GS, .258, 2 HRs, 29 RBIs
What’s expected: Although his offensive numbers took a dip, the Walkers decided to bring back Holt, who could have left as a free agent, because of his ability to be a plus-defender at multiple positions. He also seems to get his hits when they matter the most.
Outfielders
LF: Andrew Benintendi: Age, 25, B-L, T-L
2019 statistics: 153 G, 151 GS, .340, 41 HR, 123 RBIs
What’s expected: There isn’t much more than can asked for from Benintendi who has been the best player on your team for the past two seasons, and the NL MVP in 2019 too boot. He hits, he hits in the clutch, he’s a great defender. Among the best players in the game.

CF: Ender Inciarte: Age: 29, B-L, T-L
2019 statistics: 50 G, 45 GS, .290, 3 HRs, 16 RBIs; 152 G, 144 GS, .314, 11 HRs, 61 RBIs (combined with Ann Arbor)
What’s expected: Acquired in a deal with Ann Arbor, for reliever Jonathon Holder and first baseman Peter Alonso at the trade deadline, Inciarte did what was asked in his two months with the Walker. Give the team a consistent presence at the top of the batting order and provide top notch defense in center field.

RF: Michael Conforto: Age: 27, B-L, T-R
2019 statistics: 148 G, 141 GS, .268, 41 HRs, 115 RBIs
What’s expected: If he wasn’t on the same team as Andrew Benintendi, Conforto might be talked about as one of the better outfielders in the game. He hits, he hits in the clutch and plays high-quality defense. A huge part of the team’s success the past two seasons.

CF: Albert Almora: Age: 25, B-R, T-R
2019 statistics: 137 G, 98 GS, .260, 8 HRs, 47 RBIs
What’s expected: While his opportunity to be the every day center fielder didn’t work out, he still ranked as one of the better pinch-hitters in the game. I think he hit near .400, but I can’t find the stats. Also a good defender, especially in center.
Currently injured
SP: Jacob de Grom, Age: 31, B-L, T-R
2019 statistics: 21 G, 21 GS, 10-9, 4.68, 109.2 IP, 123 Ks
Injury: Torn rotator cuff, suffered July 23, 2019.
What’s expected: The 2018 NL Cy Young winner, the 2019 campaign was a slog from de Grom until it came to an end on July 23 because of a torn rotator cuff. His comeback has not gone well, as a setback in the offseason has pushed his return date until near the start of the 2021 season. He’ll be a free agent by then, and by that time be gone.

RHP: Keone Kela: Age: 26, B-R, T-R
2019 statistics: 44 G, 3-0, 26 Svs., 0.92 ERA, 39.0 IP, 52 Ks
Injury: Partially torn labrum suffered August 27, 2019
What’s expected: Kela’s has suffered a couple of setbacks since his injury, but is eligible to come off the disabled list four days into the start of the regular season. He’ll likely spend a week at AAA Memphis and will have to be watched closely, as he is now labeled as fragile. However, in 2019 before his injury, I don’t know if there was a better reliever in the league.
RHP: Chaz Roe: Age. 33, B-R, T-R
2019 statistics: 73 G, 6-7, 2 Svs., 3.20 ERA, 64.2 IP, 83 Ks
Injury: Torn meniscus on March 9, 2020
What’s expected: It was an injury you could almost see coming. Pre-All-Star break in 2019, Roe was among the best relievers in the NL. After the All-Star break, he had trouble getting anyone out. If he can rediscover his form, probably in early July, Roe will be a nice addition to the bullpen.

Final notes
From a position player standpoint, the roster is pretty much set.
Outside of injury or major slump, the only move I see will be the promotion of infielder Bo Bichette if he just lights it up at AAA Memphis.
The rotation is the same, unless Gohara is a nightmare. His job is to give up to five innings in most of his starts and a chance to win. If he falters, there is not much starting depth at AAA Memphis.
The bullpen, however, will likely see some change. There are some decent right-handed free agents (Dellin Betances and Daniel Hudson, and Kenley Jansen if you really want to spend) still out there. Zach Britton also has not signed, but his price tag has gone over $10 million, not sure if I want to go there.
Also not sure if I want to go with four lefties. It worked well the year the Walkers won the title in 2018, and having four lefties could work well in this league as with just 12 teams there seems to be more quality left-handed hitters out there.
We’ll see. Let the games begin

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Quad City starting pitcher Justus Sheffield issued three straight walks in the first inning, and St. Louis' Rhys Hoskins made him pay by following it with a grand slam, propelling the River Walkers to an 8-4 lead in their season opener at Fenway Park in Davenport, Iowa.
Michael Conforto led off the fifth inning with a solo homer off reliever Ty Blach, making it 8-0.
The Thunder would score the final four runs of the game, but it was never really close.
St. Louis starting pitcher Aaron Nola scuffled but managed to toss four shutout innings before giving up a pair of runs in the fifth to end his day.
Three relievers (John Curtiss (2.0 IP), Jairo Labourt (1.0) and Bill Wasson (1.0)) combined to close out the win for the Walkers.

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The St. Louis River Walkers have signed right-handed relief pitcher Daniel Hudson to a one-year contract worth $3,750,000.
A year ago, Hudson split time between Kansas City and Green Bay where he went 3-2 with 10 saves in 64 games and an 2.35 ERA. He pitched a total of 61.1 innings, during which he struck out 71 batters.
To make room on the Walkers roster, Bill Wasson will be sent to AAA Memphis.

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Record: 2-1, 1st, tied with Cedar Rapids and Springfield
Quad City's Derek Fisher hit a two-run home run off St. Louis starting pitcher Danny Duffy with two outs in the bottom of the fifth inning to snap a 2-2 tie help send the Thunder to a 7-3 win over the River Walkers at Fenway Park in Davenport, Iowa.
The loss prevented St. Louis from opening its three-game series with Quad City to open the season.
A two-run double from Will Myers off Bobby Poyner in the seventh inning, extended Quad City's advantage to 6-2.
Thunder starting pitcher Jose Almonte combined with four relievers -- (J.D. Hammer (1.0), Luke Gregerson (1.0), Jimmy Herget (1.0), and Ty Blach (1.0) -- to limit St. Louis to two hits.
Jesse Hahn started the ninth but walked both batters he faced, before giving way to Blach.
Almonte went five innings, giving up two runs on two hits. Both the runs coming on a two-run homer from Tucker Barnhart.
Making his first regular-season start for St. Louis, Danny Duffy four runs on eight hits in 5.1 innings.

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Kansas City's Brett Phillips drove in three of his team's four runs, including the game-winner in the bottom of the 10th inning, to lead the Pit Masters to a 4-3 win over the St. Louis River Walkers at Kansas City Municipal Stadium.
Phillips got his game-winning single off reliever Jario Lobout. The hit scored Joey Gallo, who had received a lead-off walk and reached third on a two-out double by Jordy Mercer.
Earlier, Phillips had staked the Masters to a 2-0 lead with a two-run single off St. Louis starting pitcher Kyle Hendricks in the opening inning.
St. Louis would tie it at 3 in the top of the eighth, Andrew Benintendi with his first home run of the season, a two-run shot off reliver Tyler Thornburg.
Erasmo Ramirez handled the first 4.2 innings on the mound for Kansas City, allowing just a single run on six hits. He struck out three and walked none.
Five relievers followed him to the mound -- Chance Adams (1.1 IP), Thornburg (1.0), David Berg (1.0), Josh Fields (1.0) and Brian Clark (1-0) -- with Clark earning his first victory of the season after throwing a scoreless top of the 10th.
Hendricks handled six innings for St. Louis. He allowed two runs on three hits. He struck out six and walked four.

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Record: 4-2, 1st, Tied with Springfield and Quad City
St. Louis' Andrew Benintendi hit a two-run home run off Kansas City's Josh Fields with two outs in the bottom of the eighth inning to lift the River Walkers to a 2-1 win over the Pit Masters at Kansas City Municipal Stadium.
With the win, St. Louis took the final two games of the three game series.
The game's only other run came in the bottom of the first, when an Eric Thames sacrifice fly off Walkers starting pitcher Aaron Nola scored Allen Cordoba.
Nola would not allow a run over the next six innings. Overall, he allowed five hits while striking out eight and walking one.
Masters starter Dinelson Lamet was impressive as well, tossing five shutout innings. He gave up just three hits, with six strike outs and two walks.

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MBL news: Week 1 awards and standings