Mid-Month Report; April 2019

Welcome to the first blog post Opening Day 2019!  Although we are not quite half way through the first month of the season league wide chatter is at an all time high with banter about off season trades, contract extensions, injuries and of course superstar decline.  While all this has been going on, there has been baseball being played though.  After a great spring training the D-Bags surprised no one by falling out of the gate and dropping their first 4 games of the season, all on the road, all to division opponents.  Though after losing those 4, they did win 6 of their next 8 to be at an even record of 6-6 after 12 games.

The starting pitching has been a usual up and down with Jose Lara and Sergio Martinez notching 4 of Jersey's 6 wins thus far.  The bullpen outside of a few hiccups by Yin-Zhen Zong has been very good with an ERA of 2.15, which is good for 2nd in the CL.

On the offensive side of the ball, Mikey Bryant for the 2nd straight year is off to a slow start with the bat. Through 12 games he has only hit 1 HR, knocked in 5 runs and is hitting .209.  As a team Jersey sits 7th in batting average, OBP, and 6th in runs scored.  This is below where they would like be sitting, but they have played only 3 games at home and 9 on the road.  Jersey is also more fond of facing right handed starters and thus far this season they have already faced 7 left handed starters compared to only 5 right handers.

Here are your top performers through 12 games:

Sergio Martinez: 2-0, 2.20 ERA, 13K, 1.16 WHIP.
Jose Lara: 2-0, 2.92 ERA, 10K, 1.14 WHIP.
MR Gerald Johnson: 8.2 IP, 3H, 0BB, 11K.

SS Lawrence Schroeder: .317/.396/.610, 5 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, 11 RBI
RF Dave Dodd: .289/.373/.511, 4 2B, 2 HR, 12 RBI.
CF Fransisco Ibarra: .273/.365/.455, 2 2B, 2 HR, 5 SB

Tracking Mikey Bryant's Assault on the Record Book; Year 2

Last year we started a topic where Mike Bryant stood on the All-time batting lists at the beginning of last season.  With a new season about to be underway, it's time to update this and see how far he climbed the Leaderboards during the 2018 season.

With another big year, he added and passed many players in several categories.  Though with a down April and a huge year from breakout star Jorge Martinez, he wasn't able to secure coveted 3rd straight MVP and remains 1 of only 3 players to ever win 2 MVP awards along with Jeff Cole and John Crowe.

Before last season Bryant sat behind only Todd Church on the All-Time batting average list, but a sub-par year from Church pushed Bryant back to the top where he holds a career average mark of .330, over 5 points higher than the 2nd place Paco Rosas of Greenville who is at .3249.  Bryant remains 2nd in career OPS still sitting behind only Jeff Cole.  Bryant still remains on top of the career Slugging % list, but dropped from a 31 points lead over Toronto's German Rivas to a 27 point margin.

As for the compiling categories Coffin is positioning himself inside the Top 50 of almost every major category out there.  With his 5th straight 200+ hit season he catapulted almost 40 slots to 57th place and with 2 more 200 hit seasons, 1500 career hits is within reach during the 2020 season.  Cuurently only 20 BSA players have reached the 1500 hit mark.  With a lot of active players ahead of him, even a big season might only push him up on the list 15-20 spots.

As for HR, his 42 last season pushed him into the Top 20, at No. 20, and only 3 behind teammate John Warner and former St. Louis Brown Carlos Valle.  With 29+ HR this season Bryant could join an elite group of players who have hit 250 or more BSA HR.  That list is currently at 11 players and shouldn't be added to much this year with only a few threats between Bryant and those 11.  

As for RBI, Bryant's 119 was the lowest total since his rookie season, but still good enough to jump 21 places on the all time list and put him in 32nd place.  39 doubles pit Bryant into the Top 100 in 82nd place with 223 career two-baggers, and scoring over 110 runs for the 5th straight year moved Bryant up 31 spots to 55th on the All-Time list.  

With Bryant's birthday coming this week, he will turn 31 for the 2019 season.  While he is old by no means, the BSA historically has been a young mans game.  Many players have hit the magical age of 30 and have fallen off, will this be the case with Bryant?  He can only hope not and continue to track his progress among the elite names and all time greats of the BSA.  

Current All-Time Rank. (Last season's rank in parentheses.)

BA 1st (2nd): .3300

OPS 2nd (2nd): .9771

SLG: 1st (1st): .5937

VORP 13th (20th): 417.58

Hits: 57th (96th): 1181

Doubles: 82nd (NR): 223

Total Bases: 41st (73rd): 2125

HR: 20th (35th): 221

RBI: 32nd (53rd): 753

Runs: 55th (86th): 655

WAR: 18th (24th): 41.87

.....And We Have Baseball!! 2019; 2019 Spring Training Report

After a tough season like the D-Bags had last season, the off season drags on longer than while the players eagerly await the return to the field and a try at redemption.  There were a few changes in faces over the off season as a few veterans opted for free agency and some fresh faces will be seen at the Spring Training complex over the next couple of weeks.  The D-Bags invited 34 players to Spring Training, 9 of those will pack their bags likely for AAA while the 25 man roster will be named sometime before Jersey's Opening Day game at division rival Madison on April 1st.  Here we will breakdown the positions, who is a lock, who's spot is up in the air and the position battles.

The Pitching

Starters (6)- This is probably Jersey's deepest rotation ever.  After injuries to major players the past 2 seasons, the rotation mixes veterans and young up and coming players to put a rotation 6 deep with several youngsters on the verge.

SP Jose Ramos - After such a promising sophomore campaign where he went 16-6 with a 3.75 ERA.  A major injury suffered early last season kept him out most of 2018.  He struggled in 7 starts after the injury and Jersey is hoping the off season and spring training will put him back on track.

SP Art Ellis -  After missing most of the 2017 season with an injury, the veteran bounced back to win 14 games a year ago with an ERA a shade under 4.00.  While his K/9 rate is declining, more than likely due to age, his control has picked up and Jersey is expected another solid season from him.

SP Greg Schaefer - What happened last year?  After improving for 5 straight seasons and finally coming into his own as an above average pitcher in the league, Schaef followed the rest of the team in having a career worst year.  He dropped from 18 to 10 wins, while his ERA rose nearly a full point.  His problem last year was avoiding the longball, which was also a theme on the 2018 team.  At age 29, we are looking for him to bounce back to his 2017 numbers.

SP Jose Lara- One word can describe the Jose Lara 2018 debacle: train-wreck.  Fan favorite Matt Doyle was traded to obtain Lara, who now has a ring, while Jersey has Lara and his $75 million left in guaranteed money left on his deal over the next 5 season.  The contract wouldn't bad....if his season wouldn't have been god awful.  Lara set career lows across the board in: K/9, BB/9, H/9, HR/9, WHIP and ERA.  While he can only go up from last year, he is not the same player Jersey thought they were trading for just over a season ago.

SP Jerry Burgess - One of the true bright spots of the 2018 season.  Was selected to his first All-Star game, while having his best season since 2013.  While he still had control problems, they were not nearly as bad as the previous 2 seasons and his K/9 rate was the best of his career at nearly 11 per 9 innings.  At age 32 and being in his last guaranteed year, Burgess needs a good season to warrant his option being picked up over the young guys nipping at his heels to be in the rotation.

SP Sergio Martinez - As a rookie the 22 year filled in great for an injured Ramos, throwing up a 5-3 record with a 3.65 ERA over 11 big league starts.  His BABIP of .262 tells us that maybe some luck was involved, but the kid has a bright future.  The only problem is the 5 starters above him.  Jersey is unsure weather or not they will go to a 6 man rotation, but if they do this kid has the spot.

These 6 will likely make the team and if only 5 make it for Opening Day, Martinez will see big league starts.  The next 3 starters could all fill in if needed. Some are closer than others to making the team.

SP Javier Garcia - Hard throwing, stocky, right hander had a promising first year in AAA last year winning 16 games and striking out 230 batters.  His problem is how prone he is to giving up the HR, especially when he makes it to Jersey.  He has the potential to be a back end starter and Jersey would like to see another good campaign in AAA before he makes the majors.

SP Victor Rivera - 21 year old originally discovered in Venezuela as a 16 year old, won 20 games in AAA last season despite nearly a 5.00 ERA and walking almost 100 batters.  His tools say he might be a back-end starter someday, but we see relief pitching in his future.  He is still young enough to put something together, just don't expect it this year.

SP Ramon Ruiz - After pitching just average out of the pen in 2016 and 17 in A ball, Ruiz was promoted and dominated in AA before moving to AAA for the 2018 season.  Taught a sinker in the off season, he was moved to the starting rotation throwing 4 pitches and excelled as a starter.  With only 9 starts and over 280 relief appearances it will be interesting to see how he pitches a full year as a starter in AAA.  If he pitches well, he could be a nice surprise addition to Jersey's already deep staff.

The Pen (5)- For the 2nd straight year Jersey loses familiar faces and long time D-Bags.  Gomes was last year, bolting for LA.  This off season Jersey lost Mungo Saenz to Seattle and Lucio Tapia to Baffin Island.  They earned compensation picks for both of them, but the 7-8-9 innings man of 2 years ago are all gone.  Jersey will promote from within and the pen will very young this season.

RHP Yin-Zhen Zong - A late bloomer, he had his rookie season last year at age 27. With a fastball that hits 98, he had a great year appearing in 64 games, striking out 82 batters while posting a 3.41 ERA.  He should be a lock either at the middle innings or set up role.

LHP Phillip Moran - Longtime Bruin, Moran came over as Rob Goodship was sent to LA.  After being very consistent for year 5 year with LA, Moran's numbers were up last year which could have caused the trade. Jersey expects him to take over a middle innings spot, possibly facing mostly left handed hitters.

RHP Angel Lara - Another young hard thrower who is coming into his 2nd year in the league.  Posted a sub 3 ERA last year, taking over the set up position after Tapia struggled mightily last season.  Has slight control problems but is very good at avoiding the long ball which Jersey needs at the back end of their pen.

LHP Hyo-Chin Kim - Outside of Moran, Kim has the most experience in the bullpen....and is just 22 years old.  Last season was his 3rd year in the bigs, and threw another very consistent season, throwing 90+ innings for the 2nd straight year. He picked up his K's last year by large margins and should see late innings with Lara.

RHP Jose Ruiz - A favorite to win the open closer's position, this 26 year old Mexican native, throws hard and has an above average change up to go with a curve ball he has been working on.  The last two years he has registered ERA's of 3.34 and 3.58 while striking out 10.5 and 9 batters per 9 innings.

These 5 are your locks, Jersey is looking for one of the next few to emerge as the 6th man in the pen. They have a very talented and deep pool to choose from.  Here are the candidates:

RHP Luis Cortez - The 24 year old got his cup of coffee last year and while having a dominate year in AAA, he struggled in Jersey.  In 25 innings, he had an ERA of 5.33 and gave up 4 HR while only have a 1.67 K/BB ratio.  He has a ton of talent, but his struggles last year will make an impact.

RHP John Hall - Very talented but probably the least likely to make the squad this year. Having only pitched 8 innings above AA, he should need some time in AAA to polish his game.  Throws 2 very good pitches and could be a future closer.

LHP Pedro Vega - While his numbers on the surface in AAA last season seem to be worse than his 2017 stats, it is just an illusion.  His K's were up, BB's were down, but a BABIP of .368 plagued him to a much worse ERA.  He was probably a favorite to win a spot as the 2nd lefty in the pen before the Moran trade.  At only age 23 he has time to mature before making the bigs, but should have a nice future ahead of him.

RHP Gerald Johnson - If you want someone to be excited about, here's your man.  A former late first round pick, Johnson has your back end type stuff. He can hit 99 on the gun to go with a devastating curve ball.  He was injured and missed almost all of last season.  I think if that didn't occur, he could be starting as the closer this year in Jersey.   He will begin the season at closer in AAA Tuscaloosa, but don't be surprised to see him up at the big leagues soon.

The Catchers (2)- Having turned 30 this past season and with 2 years left on his contract, Goyer remains the only viable starting option on the team.

Warren Goyer - After surprising everyone and hitting 42 HR in his first full season with Jersey, he regressed last season with 29 bombs.  What should concern Jersey though is his batting average dipped to .236 and he struck out 179 times, 9 more in 40 less AB, than the year before.  With no one pushing him at the moment he will start, but if 1st round pick Own Carter starts to hit in the lower minor league levels, he could be pressured.

Albert Lopez - This will be his 6th season as the primarily backup behind the dish.  For the 3rd straight year he appeared in 30 games and for the 3rd year in a row had a 97+ OPS+.  He isn't anything special, but can get the job done when Goyer needs a rest.

Worth Noting: With no real options in AAA, I wouldn't be surprised if Jersey signed a veteran to play in AAA just in case.  There is a handful of guys who could come up in an emergency situation but no one with the talent to start more than a few games.

1st Basemen (2)- This will be the 2nd year without Doyle.  Warner filled in for him admirably while Alberto Perez has the better glove.

John Warner -  His first year out of the large park in LA and into a right handed hitters paradise in Jersey didn't disappoint.  The veteran slugger hit 33 HR, knocked in 87 runs en route to a 126 OPS+.  He will turn 34 this season in his last year of guaranteed money and Jersey is hoping for a rerun of 2018 from him.

Alberto Perez - Last season he started 41 games at 1B, but also is serviceable at 3B.  His offensive output was the lowest we have seen since he has been a pro, but makes for one of the better backup players out there.  Don't be surprised to see him get at least 200 AB between 1B and 3B this season.

Worth Noting: Tadahisa Kisuki appears to be the heir apparent to the 1B position.  He has raked in AAA for close to 2.5 years now and will turn 23 before the season starts.  If Warner falters or start to decline don't be surprised for the kid to get his shot.  Either way, I am betting he is starting at 1B next season.

2nd Basemen (1) - There is 1 2B on the roster, 2 time MVP, 6 time All Star Mikey Bryant.

Mike Bryant - Got off to a horrible start last year which took him out of any MVP talks.  Still finished with 42 HR, 119 RBI and a triple slash line of  .325/.373/.590.  Good for 157 OPS+ and 72.1 VORP.  Will be 31 when the season starts and appears to have lost a step on the basepaths and with the glove.  Has 5 straight years of 200+ hits, 3 straight years of 40+ HR and 5 years of 119 RBI+.  Is the heart and soul of this offense.

Shortstop (2)- 2 former first round picks are listed on the roster at SS, Schroeder is the starter and Brodeur will take over as glorified utility man.

Lawrence Schroeder - After a down Sophomore year, Schroeder picked up the power and brought up the average finishing with a fine season of 30+ WAR.  He still will K a lot, but expect 30+ 2B, 20+ 2B while playing with an above average glove.

Fabrice Brodeur - After a long minor league career, Brodeur finally got a chance last year when Morrow struggled and Jersey lost Schroeder for a few weeks to an injury.  He isn't the most skilled player with the bat but hits for above average contact and is fast enough to be an extra base hit threat.  Plays good defense all over the infield.

3rd Basemen (1)- Adam Morrow is techincally the only one listed at 3B, but Perez and Brodeur who are currently listed both play above average 3B.

Adam Morrow - Morrow is an interesting study with the bat,  It seems like every other year is when he picks to have a good year with the stick.  That year would be this upcoming one.  He seems to have declined as a player in recent years, not taking near as many walks and striking out more and more.  If he struggles don't be surprised to see Brodeur to take over starting duties.

The Outfield (5)- Gone is longtime top of the order man Peter Larson who turned down his player option and fled to Seattle for more money.  In his place we have a trio of 2nd year players, a couple of rookies and one superstar in the making.

Matthieu Vancini - Former sandwhich round pick who spent a long time getting ready for the show. He always has had an elite glove and plus speed and while the potential has been the with the bat, we hadn't see what he could do until recently.  Hit .372 in AAA last year before getting called up and had an OK rookie campaign with the stick.  Rarely K's and could leadoff.

Fransisco Ibarra - A tough injury cut short a promising rookie season.  Still ended with 19 HR, 69 RBI to go with 114 K's and 26 SB.  Great range in CF, and plus plus speed.  If he puts it all together in Jersey he could be a 30 2B/30 HR/30 SB guy who hits .300.  That might not be this year but he has the talent.

Dave Dodd - Slowly maturing into a superstar in the heart of the order.  Raised his batting average, HR, RBI and BB total for the 2nd straight year.  Cut his K's back by 22 and raised his OPS by 70+ points last year.  Plays good defense in RF and has above average speed.  Has 40+ HR potential.   Had 84 XBH last year, could he have 100+ this year?

Fransisco Torres - He's the definition of an athlete.  Plays good defense, has speed and is a + baserunner.  Has tools to hit for power, take walks and avoid K's.  Has trouble making contact.  With the left handers in the outfield rotation he probably won't start much but makes an excellent pinch runner and defensive replacement if he isn't getting starts.

Jose Ortiz - Spending his 5th season in Jersey and while he loves shopping in the gaps, K's rarely and has a plus contact rate his low speed and average OF ability keep him from getting regular AB.  Probably will see time at DH this year, especially against RHP.

The rest of the bunch:  Al Ryan is gone to free agency, but there's a group of guys itching at a chance if someone goes down with injury.

Armando Gonzales - Came from the same draft class as Vancini.  Has above average contact, eye and avoid's K's,  Defense is passable in LF.  Has hit AAA pitching very well the last 2 years but struggled in 40+ AB in the majors last year.  Being right handed will have it's advantages for him.

Juan Cabanas - Former 2nd round pick of Jersey and at opening day he will be close to turning 27.  Just recently has figured out the bat hitting AA and AAA pitching last season.  He is a gap/speed/defensive guy who should start the season in AAA, but if he rips it up I can see him stealing Ortiz's 5th OF spot.

Juan Mendoza - Former 2nd round pick of Jacksonville, who was released and scooped up by Jersey.  Plays elite defense on the corner OF positions and has plus speed and great base stealing ability.  Crushed AA pitching to the tune of 39 HR and 135 RBI to go with 100 BB.  He is more of a boom or bust type player.  Won't hit for a high average at the higher levels but has serious HR power.

With the players i named, one spot is up for grabs, which is pretty low considering the battles in ST.  Jersey will either carry an extra MR arm or an extra OF.  At this point it's hard to say who will win.  The roster looks strong, but in this day and age and in the tough CL East, will it be strong enough?  We know there is a lot of talent, and will update you with the final roster when the end of the month goes around.  Let's hope for no injuries!!

GO D-BAGS