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luckymann · 09-03-2020, 08:31 PM

LAST YEAR: 61-79 24 GB, 7th / .304 / 4.25
BNN PREDICTION: 62-78 7th / .258 / 3.03
FARM SYSTEM: 2nd
PAYROLL: 12th, $20,562
HIGHEST PAID PLAYER: SP Bob Ewing, $2,500
CASH BALANCE: $109,662

The franchise formerly known as the Bronchos took their change of nickname to the Naps as a sign to shake things up a little, with them being one of the more active clubs in the offseason trade market. And yet, for all their industry and endeavour, BNN predicts they’ll improve by the sum total of 1 game from their poor 1902 return. The main reason for that is that pretty much every one of their trades swapped players of little consequence for similar players. It may have bolstered their ranks and that may be a good sign, in that it shows a belief in the majority of their everyday playing group as is. The problem is, when you come second-to-last, bolstering rarely cuts it and the everyday playing group you have isn’t getting the job done.

Of that playing group, only OF Willie Wilson comes even remotely close to star billing. Kid Elberfeld is a good SS but is past his prime at 34. The rest are serviceable, almost to a man above average glove / average bat types. They do, however, have by far the most promising rotation in the AL, led by offseason bargain FA signing (and #1 prospect) Cy Falkenberg and workhorse (and highest-paid player) Bob Ewing. Perhaps that is the strategy: field a bunch of guys who’ll defend resolutely and score enough runs per game to support a fantastic pitching staff who’ll almost certainly win you more games than they’ll lose you. If so, Cleveland Management, I’m sorry to inform you that BNN thinks you have your math wrong and will come up 8 games shy of .500 ball this year. But, hey, at least you’re being true to your new nickname.

On the other hand, perhaps they’re simply patient men playing the long con. They are in possession of the 2nd best farm system in the league, with not just the aforementioned Falkenberg, but rookie SP sensation Barney Pelty among their prospects. 1B Roy Leslie – who’ll start the year at PSL Williamsport – also looks a promising sort. So, like the guy at the racetrack with the smile on his face before the race has even started, perhaps they know something we don’t and we’ll end up with an ear full of lemon juice.

Only time will tell. And results.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: OF Willie Wilson, SP Cy Falkenberg, SP Barney Pelty

Opening Day squad.

09-03-2020, 08:31 PM	#192
luckymann Hall Of Famer Join Date: Nov 2019 Posts: 13,387	1903 Cleveland Naps LAST YEAR: 61-79 24 GB, 7th / .304 / 4.25 BNN PREDICTION: 62-78 7th / .258 / 3.03 FARM SYSTEM: 2nd PAYROLL: 12th, $20,562 HIGHEST PAID PLAYER: SP Bob Ewing, $2,500 CASH BALANCE: $109,662 The franchise formerly known as the Bronchos took their change of nickname to the Naps as a sign to shake things up a little, with them being one of the more active clubs in the offseason trade market. And yet, for all their industry and endeavour, BNN predicts they’ll improve by the sum total of 1 game from their poor 1902 return. The main reason for that is that pretty much every one of their trades swapped players of little consequence for similar players. It may have bolstered their ranks and that may be a good sign, in that it shows a belief in the majority of their everyday playing group as is. The problem is, when you come second-to-last, bolstering rarely cuts it and the everyday playing group you have isn’t getting the job done. Of that playing group, only OF Willie Wilson comes even remotely close to star billing. Kid Elberfeld is a good SS but is past his prime at 34. The rest are serviceable, almost to a man above average glove / average bat types. They do, however, have by far the most promising rotation in the AL, led by offseason bargain FA signing (and #1 prospect) Cy Falkenberg and workhorse (and highest-paid player) Bob Ewing. Perhaps that is the strategy: field a bunch of guys who’ll defend resolutely and score enough runs per game to support a fantastic pitching staff who’ll almost certainly win you more games than they’ll lose you. If so, Cleveland Management, I’m sorry to inform you that BNN thinks you have your math wrong and will come up 8 games shy of .500 ball this year. But, hey, at least you’re being true to your new nickname. On the other hand, perhaps they’re simply patient men playing the long con. They are in possession of the 2nd best farm system in the league, with not just the aforementioned Falkenberg, but rookie SP sensation Barney Pelty among their prospects. 1B Roy Leslie – who’ll start the year at PSL Williamsport – also looks a promising sort. So, like the guy at the racetrack with the smile on his face before the race has even started, perhaps they know something we don’t and we’ll end up with an ear full of lemon juice. Only time will tell. And results. *PLAYERS TO WATCH: OF Willie Wilson, SP Cy Falkenberg, SP Barney Pelty* Opening Day squad. Attached Images Last edited by luckymann; 09-05-2020 at 09:20 AM.