We might not be feeling a lot of excitement from the Crowes in terms of baseball skill, but we're loving the name game. What twisted parent elected to name their child Robert Robertson? I also have a particular fondness for Braxton Blank and Jerry Bent.
Back to the actual baseball -- leadoff man CF Randall Pierre-Louis is an exciting young talent for Adelaide. Expect a lot of hits from him, and a lot of runs as 1B Doug Barr and RF Stephen Williams provide the power to drive him in.
The rotation is led by southpaw Jerry Bent. He has a devastating changeup and splitter, but a lack of secondary options might hold him back.
Let's clear up any confusion here. The Fitzroy Bohemians have a MVP candidate in switch-hitting LF Guy Pearce. He is
not the same Australian Guy Pearce that appeared in films such as
L.A. Confidential (with Russell Crowe!) and
Memento. Don't be silly.
They are brothers. Their parents just really liked the name Guy.
Pearce (the baseball player) has appeared in Australian soap opera
Neighbours playing the character of Mike Old -- the older brother of Mike Young who was played by Pearce (the actor) from 1986 to 1989. Was this needlessly confusing and terrible television? No. It was amazing.
When he's not showing off his five-tool acting skills, Pearce brings all five tools to the baseball field. He won’t be alone -- expect significant contributions from CF Charlie Patterson and SS Chad Kordus.
The pitching isn't as exciting but it should be solid enough. The Bohemians are definitely a strong favourite for the division title.
1B Wyatt Nicol isn’t your typical first baseman. Don’t expect too many home runs, but expect a lot of pesky singles from the New Zealander. CF Kapo None and RF Willy McCullough will also make plenty of contact, with 3B Carson McCloud bringing the power.
Frank Martin might lack raw stuff on his pitches, but his pinpoint control is among the best in the business.
Seth Fitzpatrick is shaping up to be one of the best pitchers out there. He comes to the party with three elite pitches: a fastball, changeup, and cutter. Plus, he’s got a sinker he can mix in to keep hitters off-balance. The New Zealander was signed by the Phoenix until 2007 and will be a strong favourite for Pitcher of the Year.
There are questions about whether the Phoenix have put enough talent around Fitzpatrick to compete for the division title, but expect big things from power-hitting 1B Mason Isnard and 18-year-old 2B Karl Parkes.
Do you like dingers? You should get plenty of those from the Bears. Do you hate stolen bases? These guys respect property ownership.
Oddly, we’re going to highlight leadoff CF Kelly Seay -- who actually won’t hit many homers and probably will look to steal some bases. I’m going to be honest: this writer wrote the first line without checking what Seay brings to the table and is now quite fond of it. That’s on him.
RF Darrel Walker is the kind of Bear that fits our opening stanza: 6'4", 230 lbs, and aching to inflict long-lasting damage on baseballs. SS Nathan Eigenbrode is another one to watch.
Moving to the pitching -- our favourite guy here is Bobby Bloodworth. Not just for the name, but for the five pitches he commands and his precision on the mound. There’s not a lot of velocity to speak of, though. Unfortunately, the bullpen has taken a hit with closer Jax McCallum sidelined for 15–16 months due to a torn flexor tendon in his elbow.
21-year-old lefty Bailey Mulligan should be on track to crack the main squad this season. The #12 prospect in all of baseball projects out to a handy four-pitch mix and control that'll make him welcome in any rotation.
Let it be known that the St Kilda Seagulls will never turn down a left-handed pitcher. The top four in their rotation -- and most of their bullpen, including closer Alex Jarvis -- are southpaws. This rotation is led by Tucker Tutpuaki, a 22-year-old who is still a bit off his final form. All three of his pitches (sinker, changeup, curveball) are elite, and should only improve.
SS Graham Till is nicknamed “The Artist,” and his paintbrush of choice is the single. The 33-year-old has an uncanny ability to hit them where they ain't—but he’s not up there swinging at anything. He waits for his pitch. Keep an eye on LF Maxwell Harper as well, who should prove himself a singles merchant too.
A potential prospect promotion to watch for: St Kilda's #3 prospect, 3B Eruera Haenga. The 21-year-old is well on his way to bumping current 3B Lachlan Witte to the bench.