Warriors Insider - 2038

[Warriors]

All-Star Game Update -- July 12, 2038

Following two months in which the Warriors played .500+ ball with a 27-26 record, we struggled through the month of June. Despite a 9-16 record for the month, players, coaches, and fans feel optimistic. Most notably, team ownership hired Tim Ackley as the new GM, one who plans to strengthen the entire organization. Doing so will take some time and is in part dependent on a strong minor league organization, which is in shambles. GM Ackley first met with the Warriors coaching staff and introduced some in-game strategy adjustments. Then he began scouring available talent pools seeking young players who have a better up-side than young players already in the organization. It may take time to see tangible results, but the franchise needs to begin somewhere.

A 6-4 record over the last ten games provides evidence, we hope, that the changes are taking hold at the PEBA level. The team is playing an exciting brand of ball that resulted in 20 SBs in 24 attempts in those ten games. In the minors, massive changes in personnel continue to take place and teams continue to fall short in the majority of games. Strengthening the system is a longer-term, and significant, challenge.

The all-star game break provides PEBA fans with an opportunity to spotlight two Warriors who deserved to be named to the Sovereign League squad.

Dave Petersen -- The 39 year-old veteran was honored by being named the starting 1B. After missing nearly the entire 2037 season nursing a ruptured medial collateral ligament, Petersen has rebounded with an outstanding season performance to lead the Warriors and secure a fifth appearance in the all-star classic. To date he is batting .336 with a .413 on-base average and a .535 slugging average. His .948 OPS leads the team. His 2.6 WAR mark is topped only by his fellow all-star.

Henry Davis -- Another veteran having an outstanding season is SS Henry Davis. At 36 years-old, Davis has already compiled a 3.5 WAR, the highest of his career, and will be making his first all-star game appearance. In 82 games at shortstop this season, Davis has fielded 362 total chances flawlessly to compile a 1.000 fielding percentage (!!) and a 5.4 zone rating. He also has 17 SBs to his credit along with 16 HR, 45 RBI, and an .831 OPS. Excellent production at the plate to compliment his superlative defensive prowess.

Post all-star game, the Warriors plan to strive to play .500+ ball. Overall, the offense and defense are performing well, but the pitching is weak. We will stay the course at the major league level and continue to seek prospects who might strengthen the farm system.

Go Warriors!

[Warriors]

Dog Days of August -- August 16, 2038

The Warriors survived a dreadful month of June (9-16 record), regrouped and adjusted to new leadership in the front office, and rebounded in July with a 13-13 month. As of today, the squad continues to play very well compiling a 9-5 record in August to close in on a .500 record for the season and pull within one game of 2nd place in the Great Lakes Division. Considering that the pitching staff is ranked in the bottom third of most team pitching statistics categories, knocking at the door of a break-even record might be unexpected if not for the offense. The Warriors lead the Sovereign League in batting average and rank highly in most other categories. Unfortunately, the team has not been able to produce runs to the extent one might expect. The recent emphasis on contact, plate discipline, and aggressive but smart base running seems to be making a difference. Fans seem have been responding to the improved results in the win column and entertaining style of play by flocking to the ballpark in increasing numbers. Recent home games have averaged over 40,000 in attendance.

Spotlight on Rene Padilla

At 24 years old, Rene Padilla is now deep into his third season pitching in the big show. A native of Costa Rica, Padilla was discovered at the age of 16 pitching in the capital city of San Jose. He displayed a wealth of raw talent, enough that the Duluth scouting team immediately signed him to a minor league contract. After less than a year working with coaches at the international complex, he was promoted to the rookie league where he made 10 starts as a 17 year-old. Soon after the conclusion of the season, he was named the PEBA #11 prospect. He quickly mastered the competition at every level in the minor leagues on his way to his PEBA debut at the tender age of 21.

In three starts following his September 2035 call-up, he pitched 21.2 innings while compiling a 2-0 won-lost record. Further, he compiled a 0.00 ERA (!!!) and a 0.60 WHIP (!!!) with 17 strike outs and only 4 bases on balls. He was ready for the bigs! In the three seasons since, he has anchored the starting rotation. In his rookie year, he registered a 15-7 record, was named to the all-star team, and was honored with the All-Leather Award for pitchers. This year, he was named to a second all-star team.

As the current season progresses, Padilla seems to be continuing to improve. Although his ERA currently stands at 4.52, he has been pitching more effectively of late. In his last eight starts, he won five while being tagged with only two losses. His WHIP improved to 1.05 during that stretch. Also encouraging is the 3.30 FIP he has recorded for the season. There is no doubt that "Capuchin" is the ace of the pitching staff. Fans are looking forward to seeing Padilla build upon his early career success and add to his already excellent 38-23 career record.

Looking Ahead

The Warriors will continue to strive to finish the season with more wins than losses. Talented young prospects who are ready for a cup of coffee at the PEBA level are few in number, so the team most likely will not expand the roster by more than a couple of players. The Warriors simply will press on and try to disrupt the hopes and dreams of our competition as we approach playoff season.

Go Warriors!

[Warriors]

Looking Back, Looking Ahead -- December 8, 2038

Winter cold and snow is fast approaching giving Warrior fans and the front office team time to reflect. We also have an opportunity to speculate about the upcoming season.

Following a dreadful June that saw new GM Tim Ackley assume control, the Warriors actually played pretty well. From the onset of July through the remainder of the season the Warriors recorded a 47-37 record. In fact, in September we even made a run at the division title before falling short at 83-79 and in 2nd place. Nevertheless, we are pleased with our showing. Several aging position players - we're looking at you, Henry Davis, Dave Petersen, Bartolo Mora, and Armando Gandarilla - outperformed expectations. However, our on-field results were hampered by our woeful pitching staff.

One top performer, Henry Davis, seemed to allow his career year at 37 years old go to his head. He first refused to negotiate with the new management team. Then he spurned a $15.1m qualifying offer to seek riches elsewhere. Good riddance, Henry. We will simply have to replace you with someone who is nearing full-time shuffleboard and croquet age.

As the Winter Meetings approach, we are planning for the future. The overhaul of the minor league organization must continue. Recently we surged from 32 to 31 on the organization strength list! We're on our way! Check that. We just plunged back into the 32nd position, the only organization with no prospects in the top 100. We have a long way to go.

Our needs are many, beginning with a replacement shortstop. Francisco Gonzales, a 29 year-old with 20 PEBA plate appearances, has the inside track. But he definitely is not the answer. We have many holes to fill, primarily pitching, pitching, and more pitching. As we proceed through the Winter Meetings, the remainder of the off-season, and the run up to the 2039 season, we hope to flesh out a more concrete, long-term plan. Then we will have to stick with it. There are no quick fix approaches that lead to success. Patience, fans.

Go, Warriors!

[Warriors]

One Small Step, Warriors Add An Infielder -- December 19, 2038

GM Tim Ackley announced today that the Warriors have inked a 1-year contract worth $1.3m with infielder Tung Thum.

Thum has appeared in 540 games during five seasons playing for the Charleston Statesmen recording a career .226 batting average and a paltry .584 OPS. He does, however, have superior fielding skills -- an outstanding range, a cannon for an arm, and an uncanny ability to turn a double play. Quite simply, the 27 year-old is a defensive wizard. A switch-hitter, Thum is expected to provide depth at four infield positions. In fact, he could start at SS in at least a part-time role.

Thum is visiting family and friends in his native Taiwan and could not be reached for comment. We hope to welcome him to his new home in Duluth before the ice melts.

[Warriors]

One the Eve of the Winter Meetings -- December 21, 2038

The PEBA Winter Meetings are upon us. The new front office team is looking forward to meeting and networking with the brains behind the other 31 franchises that comprise the mighty PEBA. Trade activity is projected to be brisk, but we do not anticipate much action involving the Warriors.

We have several talented players who could strengthen contenders and fill holes, but most are long in the tooth. Thus, we do not anticipate being able to acquire young prospects talented enough to fuel our rebuilding effort. Nevertheless, we will entertain all offers.

We have a long-term direction and plan. Let's hope for a positive outcome from our efforts at the winter meetings that will fuel the beginning of the execution of the plan. The road to the top of the Great Lakes Division and beyond will be a long one, but if we stick to the plan we are confident we will succeed.