I have finished painstakingly editing of my world to include all of Mexico's 2,469 municipalities with the correct names and populations as of the 2020 census. My original plan was to set it to the 1930 census and update it every 10 years or so but then figured it would take longer to edit than to even sim 10 years.
Anyway, we're ready to get started. The concept of preseason doesn't exist in this league yet, so we're all set for Opening Day! In the following posts, we'll delve into team profiles, going over their best players and seeing what the media predicts them to do this season! As a note, this is my first time ever doing my own logos (and drawing in general) so please don't judge me too harshly.
Firstly, it's the
Tunas de San Luis.
As San Luis Potosí (located in the state of the same name) is a land-locked city, the team is not named after the fish but rather after the fruit of several cacti species (I believe they call it prickly pear in the USA). This fruit also gives the team their trademark color of bright pink.
They are owned by Ricardo Martínez, a San Luis native who comes from a wealthy family with Spanish roots who ultimately make their money from a handful of the many silver mines in the region. This will allow him to pump a good amount of money into the club and let the ballgame people do their thing. However, he is also known as a somewhat ruthless owner who's not afraid of changing managers. As he is a fan of the sport, he balances priorities between profit and winning.
They are managed by Jesús Grana, also a San Luis native. He's a controlling manager who plays the ballgame in a conventional way. He has a good track record at handling both developing and aging players.
Predicted record: 4th place, 45-39 (4 GB) - .278 AVG (4th) - 2.46 ERA (2nd)
Now let's take a look at their playing staff:
LHP Francisco Camacho - 31 y/o from Irapuato, Guanajuato
The captain of the team, Camacho is expected to be San Luis' ace this year. He's not the hardest thrower, reaching up to 91 mph, but a good blend of a curveball, changeup and sinker make his stuff good enough to avoid hard contact. Camacho is one of the best pitchers in the league but might be limited by injury concerns at his age.
RHP César Plascencia - 28 y/o from León, Guanajuato
Below average overall, his good curveball makes him suitable enough to start games for San Luis. Not the best player, but always a hard worker, Plascencia will play second fiddle to Camacho.
RHP Luis García - 33 y/o from Mexquitic, San Luis
Born just 20 km away from San Luis city, García might just be at the tail-end of his career. His ball placement is good enough for a starting spot and his changeup will shoulder the majority of the load as he looks to have a successful season.
RHP Juan Rocha - 33 y/o from San Diego, Guanajuato
Despite being one of the most talented relievers in the league, he has been called "clubhouse cancer" by fellow teammates in the amateur ranks. The sidearm action of his fastball-slider combo will make for a lot of easy ground balls.
C José López - 25 y/o from Teapa, Tabasco
López is an above average defender, albeit with one of the best arms in the league. He possesses good discipline and power when making contact with the ball.
1B Daniel Aguirre - 26 y/o from San Luis, San Luis
A durable bat, Aguirre will rarely strike out and will make good enough contact with the ball. Altough on the slower side and not too good in defense, the hometown kid should be a positive contributor to the team.
2B Max Braud - 29 y/o from Salamanca, Guanajuato
One of the best at his position, Braud excels both on the field and in the hitter's box, although he won't hit many home runs. His french ancestry and name have earned him the nickname "El Emperador" (The Emperor) after Maximilian the I, Mexico's 2nd emperor.
3B Eduardo Arreola - 24 y/o from Soyaniquilpan, Estado de México
Average with the glove, Arreola's good contact, power and ability to avoid striking out will keep him in the lineup. His work ethic and durability should also ensure he stays in the league for a while.
SS Marcos Martínez - 25 y/o from Villa de Cos, Zacatecas
Not the strongest batter, although he has a good enough grip on the strike zone, Martínez truly excels at fielding with his great arm being the highlight of his skill set.
LF Jesús Guajardo - 35 y/o from San Luis, San Luis
Mainly a 3rd baseman, his bat is too good to keep on the bench. He should be able to hit a good number of home runs.
CF Guillermo Aceves - 33 y/o from Guadalupe, Zacatecas
Blazing speed on the basepaths and on the field, Aceves has become unmotivated at his age. Injury concerns could also play a role in what could be one of his final seasons.
RF Roberto Hernández - 26 y/o from Rincón de Romos, Aguascalientes
Overall a solid player, he's only slightly limited by his ability to make contact with the ball although he should improve once he matures as a ballplayer.
Bench (OVR/POT)
C Daniel Figueras - 27 y/o from Juventino Rosas, Guanajuato (40/40)
2B Francisco Escamilla - 28 y/o from León, Guanajuato (50/50)
2B Oziel Rojas - 17 y/o from Guadalajara, Jalisco (20/65)
LF David López - 26 y/o from Morelia, Michoacán (40/40)
LF Pedro Santos - 28 y/o from Asientos, Aguascalientes (35/35)
CF Ángel Morales - 33 y/o from Guadalupe, Zacatecas (40/40)
Reserve
C Juan Cortez - 38 y/o from Matehuala, San Luis (35/35)
1B Mario Hernández - 27 y/o from Soledad, San Luis (35/35)
1B Félix Saldívar - 26 y/o from Corregidora, Querétaro (35/35)
2B Alejandro López - 18 y/o from Los Cabos, Baja California Sur (20/45)
CF Alberto Campana - 19 y/o from Huimanguillo, Tabasco (20/45)
RF Rubén Escobar - 28 y/o from Soledad, San Luis (35/35)
