[Westheim]

2045 PORTLAND RACCOONS – Opening Day Roster (first set in parenthesis shows 2044 stats, second set career stats; players with an * are off season acquisitions):

SP Sadaharu Okuda, 29, B:L, T:L (15-8, 3.37 ERA | 15-8, 3.37 ERA) – Japanese import signed on the cheap and throwing three pitches, including a 92mph fastball and a neat curve. He easily did the best of all our starters in ’44 and was thus assigned as the new recipient of the alive-and-well Opening Day Curse. Only 5.6 K/9, but he makes it up with few walks allowed and keeping homers to a minimum.
SP Corey Mathers, 26, B:R, T:R (10-11, 3.92 ERA | 36-40, 3.67 ERA) – Mix of four pitches, groundballer, 93mph fastball, and quick riser from being the #20 pick in the ’39 draft, and somehow nobody talks about Mathers at all as you know, the young right-hander in the 2042 rotation that actually got people out (most of the time). He looked like he might win 20 games in ’43, then barely won 10 in ’44, getting the worst run support in the rotation.
SP Jake Jackson, 32, B:R, T:R (14-7, 3.79 ERA | 75-84, 3.80 ERA) – groundballer with three good pitches, including a 95mph fastball, who got befallen by our Opening Day starter curse in ’43 but recovered nicely for his career-best record, a high in 6.8 K/9, and a low in 2.8 BB/9.
SP Brent Clark, 30, B:L, T:L (12-12, 3.75 ERA | 38-38, 3.60 ERA, 11 SV) – after three and a half years in the bullpen with decent success, Clark was a full-time starter for the first time in 2043 and had a few bright spots and a few not so bright spots, which translated into 2044 with relative ease. Walks were quite high for a starter at 4.3/9 although he did lead the league with 8.3 K/9.
SP Jason Wheatley, 24, B:R, T:R (9-6, 4.69 ERA | 23-22, 3.94 ERA) – boy, was it a struggle for Wheats in his second full season; he never got untracked, gnawed his way through the summer, and was getting bombed with no reservations by September, limiting him to one relief outing in the postseason. He has five pitches, some very good, and he added a full two strikeouts per nine innings in ’44 (to 7.6/9), but he also had a very low BABIP in his first full season and a rather ghastly one last year (.315 at least).

MR Chuck Jones, 33, B:L, T:L (3-1, 1.94 ERA, 4 SV | 26-13, 2.93 ERA, 19 SV) – lefty specialist that should be kept away from right-handers; if handled properly, can get his walks per nine innings under three, when he walked upwards of five in previous employments when he wasn’t handled with care. Middle year of a rather expensive 3-year deal that has yet to backfire on us.
MR Zack Kelly, 29, B:L, T:L (3-2, 4.85 ERA, 1 SV | 15-5, 3.49 ERA, 6 SV) – left-handed fifth-year pitcher with balanced splits, throws 96 with a nasty curve to complement it. Was largely competent until coming apart in the last quarter of the season, although his 28 earned runs in ’44 include an 8-run soaking in abortive long relief when the team was already mentally at the next game. Also suffered from a horrendous .370 BABIP that is almost unfathomable, while striking out 10.7 batters per nine innings.
MR Preston Porter, 23, B:R, T:R (1-1, 1.57 ERA | 3-1, 1.77 ERA) – the only young one that found a spot, Porter replaced Alex Ramirez during the 2044 season and quickly proved stinginess despite lacking obvious velocity (90mph), but keeps it on the ground and has a very nice curve; also exceptional control – he walked *three* batters in 28.2 innings in the majors … and four in 25.2 innings in AAA last year.
MR Nate Norris, 29, B:R, T:R (10-3, 2.91 ERA | 21-19, 4.35 ERA, 18 SV) – part of the Baskins trade with the Buffaloes, Norris had a really good season, coming out as a clutch piece in the pen and somehow won 10 games, all in relief.
MR Jon Craig, 30, B:R, T:R (2-5, 4.21 ERA, 1 SV | 11-11, 3.40 ERA, 9 SV) – right-hander with basic competence that was the Pointless Deadline Acquisition #2 in 2041, when the Coons were *** half-in, *** half-out in the second half of July. He was ho-hum then, and was ho-hum for much of 2044, too after a strong 2043. Was offered to other teams in the winter, but nobody was particularly interested. The Raccoons would lose him on waivers if they tried, so he remains with the team, while younger talent is sent to AAA again as injury reserve.
SU Nelson Moreno, 26, B:R, T:R (8-4, 1.99 ERA, 1 SV | 39-36, 4.11 ERA, 1 SV) – sic transit gloria mundi; the Raccoons’ previous diamond-grade pitching prospect had a third season that was boundless horror from beginning to end, and was relegated to the bullpen in September 2042, then missed almost all of 2043 with shoulder inflammation. Finally found his groove in 2044 and pitched very well in a setup role and in tied games (as his record will attest to).
CL Josh Rella, 28, B:R, T:R (3-1, 2.33 ERA, 38 SV | 8-4, 2.60 ERA, 100 SV) – look… we also don’t know how he does it with just 46 K in 54 innings, but he tied for the most saves in the CL in ’43 and went 7-for-7 in saves in our 8-0 postseason sweep. He’s got something figured out. Groundballer throwing 96 with a slide piece that was drafted as an infielder in the fourth round in 2039.

C Jeff Kilmer, 33, B:R, T:R (.230, 8 HR, 51 RBI | .253, 77 HR, 384 RBI) – continues to hit a little less every year, but also continued to be paid $2M a year through next season. Will more or less split the time rather evenly with Zarate behind the dish.
C Jose Zarate, 32, B:R, T:R (.286, 6 HR, 54 RBI | .293, 12 HR, 81 RBI) – strong defensive catcher that was stuck in AAA for the Loggers for all his 20s and didn’t get triple-digit at-bats in a season until last year’s excursion with the Scorpions. Picked up in a minor deal that gave us a 121 OPS+ hitter with sturdy defense behind the dish. Will probably go to arbitration for the rest of his career.

1B/3B/RF/LF/SS/CF Jesus Maldonado, 31, B:R, T:R (.323, 14 HR, 79 RBI | .296, 93 HR, 580 RBI) – It’s hard to forget this one: .411/.431/.571 and a 2037 World Series MVP award while playing on the losing team. He finally got the ring, too, just without the MVP title, but he doesn’t seem unhappy. Ten seasons into his career, his defensive versatility is breaking down, and the Raccoons will look to only appoint him to the corners anymore. Hit for a 138 OPS+ or better four out of the last five seasons, but also missed more than a season’s worth of games over the stretch, so maybe the reduced wear at first will help him be even more productive on offense.
2B Arturo Carreno, 25, B:R, T:R (.253, 3 HR, 46 RBI | .264, 11 HR, 98 RBI) – after two full seasons it’s safe to say that Carreno is a good defensive second baseman that will probably hit like a good defensive second baseman, but is at least easy to work with and can challenge for the stolen base title.
3B Ricky Jimenez, 27, B:R, T:R (.263, 5 HR, 43 RBI | .268, 23 HR, 135 RBI) – was signed for a risky $3M a year out of Cuba, came, saw, and conquered the Rookie of the Year title. That was in 2043. Was stuck in the quagmire for four months in ’44 and only started hitting late after seeing diminished playing time for long stretches of the season; somehow rallied to a 104 OPS+. There is no Jose Cruz for competition this year, but if he struggles again, we have alternatives again.
SS/2B Matt Waters, 24, B:S, T:R (.246, 15 HR, 68 RBI | .244, 16 HR, 75 RBI) – good defensive shortstop that unexpectedly hit 15 homers in his first full season even though the leadoff package didn’t quite come together. Also stole 29 bases; is definitely a keeper, although the Raccoons would really wish for him to draw more walks. Him or Carreno. Somebody. Please.
1B/RF/LF/2B Pat Gurney *, 27, B:L, T:R (.283, 19 HR, 86 RBI | .280, 61 HR, 288 RBI) – traded for with the Thunder for Mal Phinazee, Gurney is a surprisingly speedy corner guy that figures to get most of his playing time against right-handed pitching. Also has double-digit power when employed as a regular.
2B/3B/SS Al Martell *, 29, B:S, T:R (.267, 0 HR, 1 RBI | .257, 48 HR, 324 RBI) – versatile infielder with solid defense and a lefty stick that was a Thunder regular at 21, then fell by the wayside by age 26. Picked up on the cheap as free agent.

LF/RF/CF Manny Fernandez, 35, B:L, T:L (.266, 11 HR, 66 RBI | .284, 170 HR, 961 RBI) – as close to a 5-tool player as the Raccoons could ever find, especially in a draft. 2036 Player of the Year! Also won an RBI title in 2040, which totally saved our season (not). Signed a new 4-year deal with the Raccoons this winter, which might lead to him retiring him as a Career Critter eventually. He seems destined to take over the franchise record in RBI, which he could do with 93 RBI this season. He trails only Matt Nunley and Daniel Hall in that regard anymore, while having played several hundred fewer games than any of those two.
CF Armando Herrera *, 31, B:R, T:R (.315, 4 HR, 53 RBI | .314, 21 HR, 552 RBI) – the Raccoons’ eye-wateringly expensive star acquisition won eight Gold Gloves in nine seasons with the Wolves, so he’s got defense ticked off for sure. Has already won two rings and maintains that he has ringless paws left that need ringing. Elite hitter (without power though), that would work in the leadoff spot, although the Raccoons would REALLY like him to hit second behind someone quick(er), although Herrera himself also steals double digits every year.
RF/LF/1B Bryce Toohey, 29, B:R, T:R (.282, 26 HR, 89 RBI | .275, 78 HR, 282 RBI) – steady defensive rightfielder that continued a power outburst the last two seasons at ages 27/28 before he was acquired from the Condors. Hit a career-high 26 in ’44, not including the one in the 14th inning that claimed the Raccoons’ fifth World Series title.
LF/CF Derek Baskins, 29, B:L, T:R (.312, 4 HR, 34 RBI | .294, 43 HR, 434 RBI) – strong defender, quick enough to steal a bunch of bases, and hit .300 quite a few times for the Buffos. Now if only he hadn’t missed 66 games on the DL…
LF/RF/CF Jonathan Dustal, 27, B:S, T:L (.308, 0 HR, 5 RBI | .266, 29 HR, 134 RBI) – adept fifth outfielder that was picked up prior to 2044, but lasted only 27 games and 52 at-bats before busting his knee for the season. Switch-hitter to help balance the lineup when needed.

On disabled list: Nobody.

Otherwise unavailable: Nobody.

Other roster movement:
SP Victor Merino, 24, B:L, T:L (2-2, 3.10 ERA | 4-2, 2.70 ERA) – optioned to AAA; hasn’t amounted to more than two cups of coffee so far. A struggling team would happily stuff this young lefty into the rotation right now, but the Raccoons are not struggling – he is on his final option now, though.
MR Bob Ibold, 24, B:L, T:R (1-0, 2.77 ERA | 2-0, 6.20 ERA) – optioned to AAA; up-and-coming righty with 14 strikeouts in 13 innings in ’44, but we just didn’t find a spot on the roster for him.
MR Steven Johnston, 25, B:L, T:L (1-0, 3.52 ERA | 1-1, 3.55 ERA) – optioned to AAA; left-hander that’s rough around the edges, with two cups of coffee in consecutive Septembers.
C/1B Ruben Gonzalez, 23, B:R, T:R (.191, 0 HR, 6 RBI | .191, 0 HR, 6 RBI) – optioned to AAA; didn’t hit much in his two call-ups which amounted to 47 at-bats, but the Raccoons are convinced that he’ll be on the roster next April. He does bring pretty good defense and a fine throwing arm, and he hit for a .760 OPS in AAA in his age 22 season – the boy can’t be all rotten.
3B/LF/2B Jay de Wit, 28, B:S, T:R (.217, 1 HR, 5 RBI | .238, 6 HR, 70 RBI) – optioned to AAA; Aruba’s Finest played the whole season with the Critters twice, never hitting for even a .600 OPS, and was as a consequence upgrade upon a while back.
2B/3B/SS/LF Omar Gutierrez, 30, B:L, T:R (.210, 1 HR, 5 RBI | .273, 7 HR, 48 RBI) – optioned to AAA; versatile lefty-hitting infielder that never made the majors in a stuffed Wolves organization until somehow flopping onto the Raccoons at age 27, but lost his bench spot last season when the team needed an actual threat with the stick.
RF/CF/LF Van Anderson, 27, B:L, T:L (.349, 1 HR, 6 RBI | .239, 5 HR, 38 RBI) – optioned to AAA; kind of a ho-hum player, flexible defensively, but not hitting much at all – at least not in the long run.
RF/LF/CF Gene Pellicano, 25, B:R, T:R (.286, 6 HR, 28 RBI | .286, 6 HR, 28 RBI) – optioned to AAA; good defensive outfielder with a surprisingly productive first partial season in the majors. He actually hit more with the Critters than with the Alley Cats, which contributed to his return to AAA in fact.

Everybody not mentioned by now has already been waived or reassigned during the offseason.

OPENING DAY LINEUP:

I liked our lineup last year, and not that much will change about it!

(Vs. RHP: 2B Carreno / SS Waters – CF Herrera – 1B Maldonado – RF Toohey – LF Fernandez – C Kilmer – SS Waters / 3B Jimenez – 3B Jimenez / 2B Carreno – P)
Vs. LHP: 2B Carreno – CF Herrera – 1B Maldonado – RF Toohey – LF Fernandez – C Kilmer – SS Waters – 3B Jimenez – P

Note that there’s not a lot of lefty bats in that lineup against right-handers. But there are many variations possible with Gurney, Baskins, an Martell on the bench (even Dustal), and more often than not one or more of those will actually be in the lineup over one or the other regular.

OFF SEASON CHANGES:

The Raccoons won last year’s offseason according to BNN in terms of WAR gains, then also won the championship – I’m good with that. This year, we’re more middling, coming 7th of the 24 teams, with +2.3 WAR, but also added only three players, two free agents and one trade acquisition. Most of the stuff that wins rings is already here!

Top 5: Warriors (+10.2), Miners (+7.9), Crusaders (+6.2), Bayhawks (+4.6), Thunder (+3.6)
Bottom 5: Knights (-4.9), Rebels (-5.3), Blue Sox (-5.6), Condors (-6.7), Wolves (-8.7)

The remaining CL North teams are 9th (VAN, +1.1), 13th (IND, -0.3), 18th (BOS, -2.9), and 19th (MIL, -3.5);

PREDICTION TIME:

The prediction last year was that the Raccoons would win 95 games, win the North, and ended up more or less doing that, winning 96 in the regular season (and leading by 10-ish games for most of the last four months), and another eight in the playoffs for the team’s first title since Alberto Ramos (now trying his luck as a first baseman in the Loggers’ system…) was a young and hot thing!

With the team mostly sticking together, with the notable exception of Sal Ayala, I don’t see where we’d go wrong. Also, the remainder of the division lacks a serious threat. The Indians won’t hit, the damn Elks (now without Dan Schneller) won’t pitch, and the Crusaders had a couple of great players, including Raccoons scourge Willie Ojeda, they had too many holes at this stage to be a dangerous competitor.

The team should thus win another division title, perhaps as convincingly as last time, and maybe even reach for 100 wins this time. Since I’m a perpetual miser, though, I’ll say they stop at 98.

PLAYER DEVELOPMENT:

For a seventh straight season, the Raccoons take a top 3 position in the pre-season farm rankings, but dropped from first place to third place. Which is not something to be upset about – we lost f.e. our top prospect in Matt Waters (#5 last year) to major league maturity … AND won the World Series. There’s no ring for leading the farm rankings. There’s only rings for the World Series.

Last year we had 11 ranked prospects, of which six sat in the top 100. The number is down to 9 ranked prospects this year, but seven are in the top 100.

Who besides Waters does no longer count against our farm bounty? #97 Gene Pellicano exceeded rookie limits, while four others, including three outfielders, that were ranked outside the top 100 are simply no longer ranked this year. The list includes #145 CL Brad Barnes, #172 RF/LF David Sanders, #184 RF/LF Matt Glodowski, and #197 RF/LF Daniel Wright.

6th (new) – A SP Victor Salcido, 19 – 2042 international free agent signed by Raccoons
14th (+2) – AAA SP Tony Negrete, 22 – 2038 international free agent signed by Raccoons
41st (+24) – AAA SP Adam Capone, 25 – 2040 first-round pick by Raccoons
80th (+8) – AAA C Ruben Gonzalez, 23 – 2038 international free agent signed by Raccoons
90th (new) – INT 1B/LF/RF Alan Puckeridge, 17 – 2044 international free agent signed by Raccoons

95th (+32) – INT OF Arturo Romero, 19 – 2042 international free agent signed by Raccoons
99th (new) – AAA SP Bubba Wolinsky, 22 – 2041 first-round pick by Raccoons
158th (-143) – AAA SP Jeremy Baker, 23 – 2043 first-round pick by Raccoons
194th (new) – A 3B/SS/2B/LF Shane Honig, 19 – 2044 seventh-round pick by Raccoons

The franchise top 10 would be completed by 23-year-old AA SS Josh Floyd, a seventh-rounder by us in 2042.

The top 10 overall prospects this year are:

1st (new) – WAS AAA SP Bruce Mark jr., 23
2nd (+4) – DAL AAA LF/CF Juan del Toro, 20
3rd (new) – SFW AA 3B/CF/1B Randy Wilken, 21
4th (+7) – DEN INT SS Carmem Barrento, 19
5th (+2) – OCT AAA SP Luis Copa, 21

6th (new) – POR A SP Victor Salcido, 19
7th (+17) – DAL AAA SP Adam Middleton, 21
8th (new) – NAS AA SP Andy Overy, 19
9th (+8) – LVA AA C Ray DeFrank, 21
10th (new) – MIL A OF/1B Will McIntyre, 18

Wilken was the top pick in the 2044 draft, while Mark was selected at #2. McIntyre was the #12 pick by the Loggers. Overy comes from the same draft, but was taken at #33 in the supplemental round.

So only two of last year’s top 10 are back – what happened to the rest of them? Mostly they firmly entrenched themselves in the majors and thus are no longer eligible.

Twice-topper of the prospect rankings Mike McCaffrey pitched the whole season with the Scorpions, going 13-8 with a 2.94 ERA. Fellow pitcher Kevin Daley (#4) made 26 relief appearances for the Condors for a 5.49 ERA, but that was enough to erase his eligibility. Last year’s #10 prospect Ricky Contreras debuted for the Titans, making 13 appearances for an 0-1 record, 4.11 ERA, and a save, also enough to lose rookie eligibility. Among pitchers, the worst trajectory was described by the Capitals’ Sean Fowler, who remained in AA and dropped from #9 to #22 accordingly.

For the four leftover hitters,

The Miners Ed Soberanes debuted for 55 games and a .335 average with 2 homers and 16 RBI to lose rookie eligibility from the #2 spot. One behind was Denver’s super utility Eric Miller, hitting .252 with 5 HR, 29 RBI in 97 games (71 starts). The #8 prospect from a year ago, SFB catcher Sean Suggs, lost rookie status with another 20-ish games late in the year, hitting .256 with 1 HR, 9 RBI. The most success probably had the Raccoons’ Matt Waters, playing the full season as reigning #5 prospect, and hitting .246 with 15 homers and 68 RBI as well as 29 stolen bags, as well as a World Series ring.

Next: first pitch.