Kalamazoo 2009 Outlook

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Kalamazo Badgers: 2009 Outlook

11/2/2008

It is tough at this point in the off-season to discern if the Kalamazoo Badgers will be contenders in the 2009 season. Likewise, there are the tough personnel decisions that will accompany this dilemma.

OF:

Much hinges on the post Greg Arnold affect, as the slugger left the club late in the season. Right now there is a two horse raise to replace him between Joe Johnstone and Arthur Myers. The loser of the battle over right field duties will most likely find themselves on waivers. The outfield is still deep. The outrageous play of late season call-up Bernard Phillips leaves optimism where many thought there would be despair, with the impending free-agency of Carlos Mardigal. And right now it looks as if Manager Ellison will be putting the young slugger at the top if lineup to start the season. Then, of course, there is George Crocker who resigned for big bucks at the onset of the off-season. Having the flexibility to take him out of a lead-off role and into the middle of the lineup should help get him in discussions for the 2009 Royal Raker Award.

MI:

Right before is departure, as a parting gift to the Kalamazoo franchise, head scout Enzo Martinez discovered what looks to be a gem in Raul Garcia. He will start the season as the everyday second baseman with All-Star Brett Hurst taking over the DH. This leaves All-Leather team hopeful, Robert Jackson, staying put at shortstop for the foreseeable future. The Badgers are hoping recent minor league acquisition Kien-lung Hsaio can provide depth at both middle infield positions.

CI:

With the previous managements long-term deal with John Collins, him and the Badgers are married for the time being. The club is hoping he reverts to 2007 form where he launched 37 home runs. Sixto Rodriguez will be at the hot-corner until either prospect Joel Swedlove or Hugo Elorza is ready. All told, the lack of major league experience at these positions is a slight concern for management heading into Winter Meetings. When speaking with management, the said there is definitely interested in acquiring AAA corner infielders.

P:

The situation in the rotation and bullpen are stable. Even with the loss of Kenny Williams to New Jersey and the upcoming free agency of Marv Cooper, the starting five is still potent and intact with Patt Paige and Geoff James leading the way. There are also a plethora of young guys in AAA Grand Rapids itching for their chance in the PEBA if a spot becomes available. The bullpen remains perfectly intact from last season. There are whispers that Tomokazu Komatsu is on the block to perhaps open a spot in the bullpen for minor leaguer Tokimasa Hasegawa.

Overall, my outlook for next season remains the upbeat with a run at the playoffs expected. Ultimately, the Kalamazoo Badger’s success will be correlated with their pitching performance. The main hope in this department is steady improvement from the staff and the reemergence of Patt Paige as one of the PEBA’s premier starters. The offense once again looks potent with Crocker, Hurst, and Collins in the middle of the lineup. David Ellison made sure I got this out into the press quickly to provide info for any teams wanting to deal. A minor league report should follow once I have the chance to visit my last minor league destination in Ketchikan, Alaska

Howard Roarke, Kalamazoo Beat Writer

*All links are on the story posted on the PEBA webpage!