Finally, to top off our team previews we visit my hometown of Guadalajara, Jalisco.
The second biggest city in the country (in modern times), Guadalajara was at one point the capital of New Galicia. It was and still is one of the most important economic and cultural hubs in Mexico. Of course I could name the team after the lions that appear in its flag, or maybe "the Pearls" after one of the city's nicknames. Instead I turned to the volcanic activity in the zone. The Tequila (which means place of jagged rocks) and Colima volcanoes are nearby, both being sources of the sacred rock: obsidian.
The team is owned by local entrepreneur José González, who made his fortune selling newspapers. A bit short on patience, González is not afraid of spending money to help the team win.
57 years old, Roberto Rodríguez has been appointed as team manager. The former infielder has been hailed as an excellent coach and manager, often using unorthodox tactics to get an edge.
Here are the players at his disposal:
RHP Faustino Campos - 27 y/o from El Salto, Jalisco
A great pitcher who'll throw a lot of innings, he's also a very respected figure in the clubhouse.
LHP Carlos Casillas - 21 y/o from Zapopan, Jalisco
Carlos' all around excellence at such a young age make him a candidate for both the newcomer and pitcher awards.
RHP Jacinto Santos - 27 y/o from Hidalgo, Michoacán
A great option to round out the rotation, his talent makes up for a lack of work ethic.
LHP Raúl González - 29 y/o from Sta. Bárbara, Chihuahua
Your run-of-the-mill pitcher, Raúl lacks the stamina to pitch long outings.
C Eliseo Rodríguez - 28 y/o from Tlajomulco, Jalisco
Rodríguez is one of the best behind the plate, though his arm and bat are lacking.
1B Alberto Ávila - 25 y/o from Tlaquepaque, Jalisco
He's talented with the bat but not strong enough to put the ball in the seats.
2B César Loaiza - 23 y/o from Pto. Vallarta, Jalisco
Loaiza is another favorite for the newcomer award and one of the most talanted hitters in the league.
3B David Tovar - 31 y/o from Ameca, Jalisco
The veteran still has one of the best arms in the league, though his contact skills have declined he is still a very disciplined hitter. Overall a positive influence in the clubhouse.
SS Jonás Alegría - 35 y/o from Tepic, Nayarit
A great fielder at his age, his ample experience prevents him from making any sort of mistakes. Not the best hitter but has a good grasp on the strike zone and will at least put the ball in play more often than not.
LF Javier Álvarez - 27 y/o from Jiutepec, Morelos
A below average bat but he's one of the fastest players out there and has perfected the art of the bunt.
CF Raúl Pérez - 23 y/o from Zapopan, Jalisco
Already one of the best young players in the game, Pérez strives for perfection.
RF Guillermo Villanueva - 27 y/o from Tenancingo, Estado de México
Memo is great with the bat, but he never really learned how to properly field and his slowness doesn't help him either.
Bench
C José Ángeles - 25 y/o from Tizayuca, Hidalgo (40/40)
1B Ismael Acuña - 36 y/o from Arandas, Jalisco (40/40)
1B Carlos Rodríguez - 26 y/o from Tlahuelilpan, Hidalgo (45/45)
2B Amador Gallegos - 26 y/o from Morelia, Michoacán (45/45)
3B Ángel Ziranda - 21 y/o from Nahuatzén, Michoacán (50/50)
LF José Contreras - 29 y/o from Morelia, Michoacán (40/40)
Reserve
RHP Hermenegildo Lomas - 26 y/o from Saltillo, Coahuila (30/30)
RHP Roberto Olmos - 33 y/o from Atlixco, Puebla (30/30)
LHP Iván Solano - 41 y/o from Acuña, Coahuila (25/25)
RHP Mario Jiménez - 25 y/o from Churintzio, Michoacán (35/35)
C Luis Saldivar - 27 y/o from Acuitzio, Michoacán (35/35)
2B José Pérez - 16 y/o from Pto. Vallarta, Jalisco (20/45)
2B Gerardo Román - 31 y/o from Venustiano Carranza, Michoacán (35/35)
3B Ángel Vargas - 32 y/o from Xalisco, Nayarit (40/40)
SS Javier Zayas - 18 y/o from Escobedo, Nuevo León (20/45)
LF Oscar Valladolid - 25 y/o from Chietla, Puebla (50/50)
RF Luis Alonso - 28 y/o from Etzatlán, Jalisco (35/35)
RF Tezcatlipoca de León - 30 y/o from Morelia, Michoacán (25/25)
