[ayaghmour2]

Weekly Record: 4-3
Overall Record: 10-9 (6th, 3 GB)

Homer Ends Scoreless Streak: It got to 9 innings, but the first batter in the 2nd inning of Roy Ellis' third start, Hal Kennedy, launched his 3rd homer of the spring, giving the Foresters a 1-0 lead that wouldn't last too long. Ellis quickly recovered, not allowing another run the rest of his four inning start, while extending his walkless streak to 12 innings. Ellis left in a 1-1 game with 3 hits and 2 strikeouts, now owning a 0.75 ERA (528 ERA+) and 0.58 WHIP. Easily the most effective of our starting pitchers, he's still expected to remain in the 2 spot, as despite some bad luck with errors, Andy Logue (1-2, 2.87, 11) has been extremely effective. He does have an extra start over Ellis, who opens the week against Logue's former team, the Montreal Saints. All six of our guys will (or at least should) make five starts, but it's looking like we have a clear 1-2. Ironically, both Henry Henderson (2-0, 0.93, 6) and Bob Allen (0-0, 1.74, 6) have been lights out at the bottom of the rotation, making me seriously consider a six man where those two will pitch out of the rotation and the pen. As exciting as that may be, I still think Henderson is best served going to AAA for the first time, as at 21 he's got a ton of upside and could develop into a middle rotation arm.

Starting Catcher Wrapped Up?: After launching two more home runs, Chappy Sanders has seemed to have clinched the Opening Day catching role, as our somehow non-top 100 prospect is sporting a .295/.326/.568 batting line with 4 homers, 8 RBIs, and a 148 WRC+. The #145 ranked prospect and #11 catcher, he's tied for first among catchers with his 4 home runs, and among backstops with 30 or more PAs, he's ranked 6th in slugging. On the team, he's outperforming Dode Edwards (.174, 1), who Buck seems to like, though Milt Payne (.286, 1, 4) and Gus Wilson (.667, 1, 3) have homered in limited time. Those two are probably going to compete with Bill Plunkett (.000) for the backup role, though it's looking increasingly likely that Chappy and Plunkett open the season as our catching do. Chappy has looked good in the outfield too, meaning a third catcher wouldn't be too hard to manage. I've been scouring the wire for a good backup infielder, but if I can't acquire one, I've toyed with keeping an extra catcher until someone who fits what I'm looking for finds their way on the wire. With Payne out of options, it's a way to keep him around a little longer, though I can't see someone else deciding to claim him should he be DFA'd.

Out of Option Check: Speaking of a lack of options, Payne is one of seven members of the 40 currently out of options, and not the only one at risk of being pushed off the roster. A few guys are locked in regardless, Andy Logue and Hank Walker aren't go anywhere. Neither is Arch Wilson. And Byron Burnett has the 4th outfield job for himself. But the rest?

Bob Decker seems the safest of the next group, even if he can't hit, because he's one of our few non-starters who can handle shortstop. A natural third basemen, he's a capable middle infielder as well, which gives him an edge at a utility role. His speed allows him to pinch-run late in games, and while our infield defense is outstanding, should we add a big bat he can both run and defend for the guy he replaces. Or of course, he could pinch run for a pinch hitter, such as recent acquisition John Morrison, who like Decker needs to clear waivers to head to Milwaukee. The 32-year-old is a first basemen only, but he's got legit pop and a great eye, something Decker can't come close to. But if Morrison gets on, Decker is the perfect substitute, and the two can almost work in tandem in late game situations. Morrison hasn't gotten to play much, but the vet is 3-for-9 with a homer and 5 RBIs, much better then the .152/.200/.152 Decker has hit. I think there's room for both of these guys, and their ability to compliment each other gives them an improved chance of surviving the 20+ cuts we'll be forced to make in two weeks.