| Top 5 Stories to Watch in Spring Training | |
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1. Las Vegas Mirage The BPLA's worst team in 2003 made many significant changes in the off-season. John Bosque has signed on to play first, and will supply the team with much needed offense. Several rookies have the opportunity to help the team immediately, three of them big time hitters. Kendrick Carriere, Toe Nash, and Ruben Fradera (the 2004 #1 pick) all could have an impact on the team in 2004. Leo Abeyta could start the season in the closer role, and bolster a staff that had many problems in 2003. The team will not likely be qualifying for the postseason, but a 20-25 game improvement is not out of the question. |
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2.
Ned Kidwell - P - Indianapolis CarJackas Not one of the greatest pitchers in the league, not even one of the most well known. But this wacky knuckleballer missed three-fourths of the season last year to injury, and needed surgery to fix some shoulder problems. His health and performance are all the more important this season, as Indy traded off its #2 ace, Pedro Montoya, to the Blades. |
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3. The Midwest The league's toughest division just got a lot tougher during February, with Wichita upgrading its offense with the acquisition of Killer Ortiz. All four teams have a legitimate shot at winning the division title, with none of the four teams standing out as a clear favorite. Oklahoma City should play at the same level, as no major moves were made. Calgary played above its ability last year, but with rookie James Aguiar coming in, they should still put up good numbers this year. And Winnipeg should play better this season, as their fall was caused in most part by losing Michael Anthony for 40 games. |
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4. Slam Pitching A tough call between Winston-Salem and Indy for the best staff of 2003, the Slam have all but guaranteed the best pitching of the upcoming season. Retaining their four best starters from last year, and then adding David Rafferty in a trade with the Raiders, the Slam now have perhaps the most feared starting five in all of professional baseball. The bullpen is superb, led by John Prada who was the best closer in the entire league last season. The most amazing part is that Rafferty's numbers last season (3.58 ERA, .234 average against) were in the thin Mexico air. Scary. |
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5. New Ownership Three teams start the season with new management at the helm. Indianapolis, Portland and Richmond all switched hands over the winter. Two of the three finished above .500 last year, and Portland is the defending Pacific Division champ. Up to spring training Indy and Portland have made major overhauls of their teams. The CarJackas have cut nearly $15 million from the payroll, and Portland has gone the other direction adding over $30 million. Richmond was very quiet in the off-season, awaiting its new owner, but is looking to make changes necessary to improve on its 76-86 season last year. |
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