- MANAGER: Joe McCarthy
- HOME PARK: CBi Park
- TOP POSITION PLAYER: 2B Jackie Robinson (6)
- TOP PITCHER: Nap Rucker (6)
- TOP PROSPECT: 1B Frank Thomas (12)
- 26TH MAN: Juan Soto
A very up-and-down squad to begin with, a few guys who shoot out of the blocks but then a bunch who are slower to come on. Thomas should be the key here, because he has Davis, Robinson and Simmons ahead of him, which means he should get plenty of RISP opportunities, as should Soto at 5 behind him. But I think Robinson is the most vital cog in this machine because of all the tools he possesses. If these guys combine for their fair share of runs, the Triplets’ chances improve immeasurably because of the strength of their starting pitching. Rucker heads a rotation that has no weak spots, and which should provide enough innings to get them to the quality end of the bullpen. If they don’t then this team will be vulnerable in the middle innings, and that might prove the difference with Virginia in their group.
1961 PREDICTIONS
RECORD: 80-88, t-2nd in East, 12 GB
HITTING: .251 / 81 HR / 709 R / 108 SB
PITCHING: 3.65 ERA / 721 K / 686 R / 391 BB