After what seemed like an impossibly long off season Spring Training as arrived! The players have showed up to camp, the new players greeting the old players, the fresh young faces with dreams of being stars and the joking around that goes on among friends who haven't seen each other in months. Jersey Shore enters the spring with another strong team and what looks to be another push at their the first playoff appearance. This year between 36 and 40 players will be invited to Spring Training with everyone trying to get their hands on those coveted 25 BSA roster spots. In this report, we will break down who's in, who's out, and who will be fighting for those last few spots.
Starting Pitching (5)
As usual the team will carry a 5 man rotation. Unlike last year when the team carried the same 5 starters, we have big turnover from last year. Missing from this team is Alex Torrez, Hector Hernandez and Jose Brito.
Locks:
Dan Macias, Rob Goodship, Jerry Paige, Kenny Stanford (4)
Bubble:
Jose Reyes - Yes, he has been part of the rotation for 4 years now and does hold the Jersey record for all time wins with 40, but he struggled last year to a tune of a 5.18 ERA. He will get his spring starts and will be the one to catch
Greg Shaefer - A new year and another year on the bubble for Shaef. He was primed to steal a spot in the rotation last season when an arm injury put him on the shelve for 4 months and ended his season. He has not taken advantage of the time he has had on the big squad so Spring Training might be huge for him to show he has matured.
Not Likely:
Justin Terry - The 30 year old seems destined for an AAA pitching slot. He regressed last year after posting an ERA of 3.49 in AAA in 2012. He did get one start for the big club in 2013 and was shelled to the tune of 6 ER in 5.2 IP. It would take injuries for him to see in a start in 2013.
The Bullpen (6)
The pen actually improved last year and again finished 1st in the CL in ERA. We bring back the same cast of characters and will be looking for another dominant season.
Locks:
Daniel Morris, Jose "Dog Pound" Gomes, Jaime "Mungo" Saenz, Ciro Roghi, Lucio Tapia (5)
The Bubble:
Marv Williams - Williams pitched great out of the pen in the first half of last year and ended leveling off towards the end. Ended with a 3.79 ERA and his best season in a D-Bag uniform. He will be a FA at the end of the year, and is the most likely one to get this spot, but he has company.
Gabriel Barrentez - He also seems to be in the mix. Injuries ended his 2012 and his 2013 season and the lefty looks to get back on track this season. Posted a modest 3.64 ERA in 89 innings for Tuscaloosa last season, has a shot to make the big league club.
Brian White - This 28 year old is a hard throwing righty who spent the last 2 years closing in Tuscaloosa. He throws 3 pitches, with an above average sinker. His control has always been his problem, while he has average 1K/IP over the past 2 years and only given up 3 HR 135+ IP. He is out of options, which could play into his favor.
Not Likely:
German Huerta - 2 years removed for his superb season in Jersey Huerta regressed to his normal self. While posting a respectable 3.82 ERA in AAA last year, he lacks the out pitch and walks too many hitters.
Jose Ruiz - This 21 year old was discovered in Mexico during the 2010 season. Now 21, he has worked his way through the system and spent the entire last year in AAA. Has talent and a plus fastball with an above average change. Struck out 117 batters last year in only 93.2 innings. He might not make the club out of ST but look for him to become a bullpen staple in the future.
Catcher (2)
Unlike last year, there will not be much drama at the C position. Jorge Lozano left via free agency and Mario Ramirez was traded to Orlando in the off season.
Locks:
Luis Antonio Duran, Albert Lopez (2)
Corner Infield (4)
As in the past, the corner infield portion of the cupboard is a stocked full one. A lot of players for a few slots, and this doesn't include super phenom prospect Matt Doyle.
Locks:
Manny Romero, Milliard Cross, Parker Morrow (3)
The Bubble:
Adam Morrow - I really would think Morrow has a great chance to make this roster here. He is 25 years old, plays 1B, 3B and SS and posted a tremendous year in AAA last year. Of course it's his spot to lose but there is competition
Derrick Wright - I think the case with Wright is being at the wrong place at the wrong time. He posts gigantic numbers in 2012 in AAA, regresses in 2013 and still puts up 36 VROP. Problem is, he only plays 1B. Would be a good trade candidate, but for now I don't see him supplanting anyone.
Alberto Perez - We might remember Perez from last season where he got his "cup of coffee" and hit .286 in 56 AB. He is a talented player, but I just see him losing in a head to head matchup between him and Morrow. He is 26 and I would expect to see him on the big league club at some point this season.
Not Likely:
Edgardo Gonzales - One of those guys you want to like. The unorthodox 1B with speed. Hit 24 HRs last year while stealing 26 bases, but where do you play him? The kid probably deserves a shot somewhere but highly unlikely it's in Jersey.
Matt Doyle - Didn't think I needed to mention him but he will start the season in AAA. Has the tools, but ther room isn't there and no reason to the clock on him started early. The kid can rake though.
Middle Infield (3)
Looking back to last year's Spring Training PR, Jerome Lindsey was the only lock. How times have changed. Lindsey was shipped off to Orlando and the youngsters get their chance this year. With Adam Morrow also being able to play SS and already mentioned above, this is a short and simple list.
Locks:
Matt Bryant, Antonio Ruiz, Marvin Taylor (3)
The Outfield (5)
Ah the outfield. Always room for debate on who should and should not be on this team. Unlike most positions there are actually spots up for grabs here.
Locks:
Mason Bonniface, Leon Foster, Scott Powers (3)
The Bubble:
Sergio Rodriguez - After punishing AAA pitching last year this right hander played in 11 games last year, bashing 2 HR and hitting .292. He plays the field very well, and I think has a good shot at making this team.
Manuel Vazquez - Manny came over from St. Charles in the offseason after shuffling between AAA and the BSA for the past couple season. He has an amazing glove, a cannon and wheels. He has shown a lot of gap power and his main competition seems to be Rodriguez, it should be a good battle.
Ramon Tavarez - After his good 2012 he took a step back in 2013. Playing in 52 games, he hit .268 and hit 7 HR. He is a switch hitter and the only one of the group who carries a BSA contract. Hit .390 in AAA last season.
Harold Robinson - A 26 year old left hander who was called up to AAA after spending most of 2013 in AA Gainesville. He looks like he could use some time in AAA, but you never know when a left handed bat will come in handy. A AA split line of .291/.393/.532 will turn heads at any level.
Bob Thomas - Thomas just continues to churn out good AAA seasons waiting for his turn. He amassed a 14.2 VORP playing in only 80 games and 190 AB. A lifetime .314 hitting in AAA, the 5th spot on a major league roster might be his next destination.
Not Likely:
Taro Kino - This Japanese product burst onto the scene last year after being called up in AA mid season. He hit .320 and bashed 21 HR in only 269 AB. That's 8 less homers than he had in almost 1000 AB's between A-AA. He looks like a future BSA regular and at 26 you would think he would be ready, but he will start the season in AAA and see what happens.
Last season we identified 15 locks for the BSA roster and this year that number has risen to 20. 20 locks means there are 5 spots to be won among 19 players. Hearts will be broken and I'm sure a lot of difficult decisions will be made to finalize that 25 man roster. Stay tuned over the next few weeks for promotions, demotions and general spring training game outcomes!
GO D-BAGS
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