Winter Continues in Duluth, Spring Baseball Arrives in Scottsdale

[Warriors]

The view Warriors fans have while gazing eastward to Lake Superior may be beautiful, but it belies that fact that it is March and spring training is in progress. Somewhere. Certainly not in Duluth where the local curling club recently competed against the Norwegian national team in a friendly match. The throwback trousers sported by the participants paid tribute to the team that competed in the 2018 Olympics. The ground may be snow white outdoors, but the colorful uniforms worn indoors gave everyone hope that in the near future the colors of spring will be awakening as the weather begins to warm, Soon the sounds of balls spanked by wooden bats, leather closing around sharply struck projectiles, and cheers building to a deafening crescendo will fill Doyle Buhl Stadium. For a few more weeks, though, fans who did not travel to Scottsdale to soak up large doses of sun and spring baseball must follow the Warriors from afar.

What might the Warriors faithful expect after a season in which the team won 83 games, finished second in the Great Lakes Division, and failed to secure a playoff berth?

Notable subtractions include SS Henry Davis, who opted for free agency after clubbing 29 home runs, knocking in 89 runs, stealing 34 bases, compiling a 4.5 WAR, and being honored as an all-star selection. Moving on via a trade was RF David Trujillo after batting .320 and compiling an .823 OPS. Each provided significant contributions, but as the front office team initiates a rebuilding effort focusing on younger players at the major league level and an overall strengthening of the organization several veterans were deemed expendable.

We anticipate the transition to be a long one. Older players must be replaced. Several contracts must expire. The entire minor league organization needs to be populated with good, young prospects. In the meantime, the Warriors will be led by several talented players who should help maintain good levels of fan interest and attendance. In 2039, the roster will be very much a carryover from 2038. The Warriors should prove to be a competitive team – good hitting, suspect pitching, decent fielding, and unpredictable results.

Outfielders/Designated Hitter – Listed as a LF, Bartolo Mora will see full-time duty as the DH. At 37 years old, he remains a power and stolen base threat who will bat in the heart of the order. Leading off and playing LF on a regular basis will be Juan "Chief" Velasquez, another offensive threat who disrupts defenses at bat and on the bases. Replacing Trujillo at the other corner outfield position will be Dave Docherty. Last season, Docherty captured the AAA RML Outstanding Hitter and Platinum Stick at RF Awards following an outstanding season. He has earned the opportunity to break into the starting lineup this year. Jose Rivera will return to patrol CF and will be supported by newly acquired defensive specialist Oniji Kichikawa. Also seeing playing time will be veteran Raul Garcia and speedy Michael Barber.

Infielders – The face of the franchise is Antonio Herrera. The extremely popular star will again man the hot corner. At not quite 27 years old, Herrera already has six full seasons under his belt. He intends to build upon last season when he belted 39 big flies, plated 115 RBI, registered an .891 OPS, and accumulated a strong 4.7 WAR. The spring battles for the other three starting roles are hotly contested ones. At 1B, veterans Dave Petersen (now 39 years old) and Armando Gandarilla (37) are competing. Petersen appears to have lost a step or two at bat and in the field following a career year. Meanwhile, Gandarilla has the edge on the strength of his solid, all-around skills. The middle infield roles are up for grabs. Certainly, Noah Hill will be starting at one position. He earned the All-Leather Award at 2B last season and also has the ability to play SS. Other candidates include Tung Thum, Al MacPherson, and Keith Hill. Perhaps even others.

Catchers – The Warriors will have two above average fielders donning the tools of ignorance. Veteran Dominic Culpepper is the returning starter. This season he will be complimented by Roberto Aguilar, a 25 year-old rookie who had a fine season in AAA in 2038 and was acquired as a Rule 5 selection. Hopefully the duo will handle the pitching staff well.

Starting Pitchers – The leader of the pitching staff is Rene Padilla. Padilla, who will turn 25 years old in a few more weeks, will be striving to improve upon last season when he compiled a 16-9 won-lost record, a 4.15 ERA, and a 6.0 WAR. Accompanying Padilla will be a smorgasbord of mediocre pitchers. Hopefully use of the word smorgasbord will not translate into opposing teams feasting on their deliveries. Candidates include Chris Acevez, Michael Doyle, Cooper Harris, and Gary Murphy. All will be provided with opportunities to shine. Currently, they complete the starting five, but that could change. Young Guido Westerbos may be ready to crack the rotation.

Relief Pitchers – Guo-fang Hsi, 24 years old, stepped into the closer role last season and fared very well earning 27 saves and recording a 3.20 ERA. Supporting him primarily will be Melchior Lohse, also 24 years old. Also, Roberto Cisneros will be counted on for support out of the pen. Rounding out the bullpen are many, some who will contribute and some who will be replaced. Overall, coaches find more questions than answers among the bullpen hopefuls.

The Minor League Organization – Unfortunately, the only two prospects worth noting are LF Takejiro Saikawa (22 years old, AA) and LF Pedro Avila (19, R). The cupboard is virtually bare. As stated earlier, building an organization filled with talented prospects will be a long term proposition.

In summary, the 2039 edition of the Duluth Warriors most likely will be as pretender rather than contender. We should be able win a good share of games, more on the strength of our hitting vs. our pitching. We shouldn’t embarrass ourselves on the field. In fact, we could even surprise when one least expects us to do so. Regardless, fans should have fun enjoying the fine play of Herrera, Valasquez, Mora, and Padilla.

Go Warriors!