4/5/2009: Laredo, TX – In this edition of Calzones Corner, we will take a look at the how the Calzones line up for the upcoming season, as well as a brief look at some of the top prospects.  Don't be surprised if you don't recognize many of these names.  Be even less surprised if any of them fail to make it through the entire season in Laredo.

 

Starting Lineup –

CF Martin Griffin – Griffin will start in centerfield and bat leadoff for the Calzones this season.  After getting his first taste of the big leagues last season as the Calzones fourth outfielder for the final two-thirds of the season, Griffin is thrust into the spotlight this season.  He will have to improve upon the .230 average he posted last season in 204 at bats.  Something closer to the .292 average over 511 minor league at bats would go a long way towards setting the table for the Calzones.  Griffin offers almost no power, and his base running instincts are suspect, but he does have the speed to put up on the plus side of 30 steals if he can keep the OBP above .350.  His great range and above average skills in the outfield will be an asset.

2B Julio Lara – The 18-year-old phenom enjoyed a meteoric rise from HS to the big leagues in just three short months last season.  Hitting a combined .440 in 318 professional at bats last season after being drafted in the 10th round of the amateur draft, Lara thrust himself into the starting second base job.  His defensive skills are above average, with soft hands and he should only get better with the glove.  The questions surround his plate discipline.  He could become the first PEBA player with 200 hits and 200 strikeouts in the same season.

LF Tim Eaton – Originally acquired with the intent to use him in the leadoff spot, the Calzones lack of power has pushed the multitalented young outfielder down a little in the order.  With the ability to drive the ball, 54 extra base hits last season at AAA and the ability to swipe a bag (36 last season), Eaton posted a 47.8 VORP at AAA last year.  The Calzones are hoping for similar production at the major league level in the near future, though they realize that could be a year or two away.  With above average range and an above average arm, he is a very good corner outfielder.

C Manuel Gonzalez – After a disappointing season in New Jersey last year, the local favorite was re-acquired by the Calzones during the offseason in the hopes that he may return to something closer to the form he showed in 2007.  Still, the fact that he averages 13 HR and 59 RBI the last two seasons and is being asked to hit cleanup for the Calzones should speak volumes for how scarce runs may be to come by this season.  His skills behind the plate are only average at best, so the Calzones are really rolling the dice that Gonzo can finally live up to his stellar scouting reports.

1B Carlos Aquino – Despite a less than stellar rookie season, including a month long demotion to AAA, the Calzones still believe that Aquino can be a productive hitter.  He made more consistent contact over the final two months of last season, and the expectation is that the power will follow soon.  He has the ability to coax a walk and that should lead to a decent on base percentage.  But for Aquino to be anywhere near a success for the Calzones, he needs to drive the ball and produce runs. 

RF Cooper Scott / Will Thomas – Possibly the most expensive platoon in PEBA history.  The Calzones are set on having the defense of Griffin and Eaton on the field everyday, and Yoshida as the primary DH, which leaves two of the Calzones biggest contracts sharing right field.  Which is fine, because Scott has a career .217 average against southpaws while Thomas hits a career .236 against right-handers.  Scott is in the final year of his contract, and production closer to his 2007 numbers of 23 HR and a .290 average would look a lot better going into free agency than last years miserable 8 HR and .223 avg.  He is slightly above average in right field.  Thomas can be a free agent after this year, though the Calzones cringe at the thought that Thomas may exercise his player option at more than $11 million for next year.  Thomas may sulk a bit being in the less used portion of the platoon, but his barely average skills in right field make the bench a more appropriate place for him most days.  Overall, if both players play like this is their walk year, 25 HR and 90 HR combined might not be out of the question.  But then again, if Scott duplicates last season, and Thomas sulks and duplicates the first half of last season, this could be the biggest mess since some idiot named Duhbya declared war on a third world country and couldn't get the job finished in 7 years.

DH Takahiro Yoshida – Likely to hurt himself if he ever had to wear a glove, Yoshida shows enough consistency at the plate to be the Calzones full time DH.  While duplicating his Mexican League numbers of the last two seasons might be difficult, it might not be out of the question for Yoshida to contribute 15 HR, 75 RBI, and a .280 average.  Then again, a lot of that may depend on how many rallies that platoon in front of him manages to kill.

3B Allen Robinson – Not likely to make many people forget Michael Kelly anytime soon, Robinson has good skills at both corner infield spots and should be well above average with the leather at third base.  Untested at the PEBA level, expect the youngster to struggle at the plate this season.  The Calzones would be happy if he hit .230, with 8-10 HR and fielded his position. 

SS Roberto Martinez / Stephen Everett – Both excellent with the glove, but neither really expected to hit much.  All 8 of Martinez HR the last two seasons have come off right-handers, so an occasional bolt not out of the question, but don't expect much more than a .230 average.  Martinez offers a little bit of speed.  Everett does show the ability to hit lefthanders at a .300 clip over the last two seasons, though if he is thrust into extended playing time I would expect a much lower average than that.  He had some very fine minor league numbers, though they did not carry over into the PEBA level last season.  The Calzones have some hope that Everett could eventually deliver on the promise of those minor league numbers, though for now they will play it safe and use the platoon.  Whichever player is on the bench on a particular day will be brought in as a late inning defensive replacement at second base, with Lara likely moving over to 1st base in the late innings to replace the lumbering Carlos Aquino.

 

Bench –

C Brock Brett – Brought over from the Tempe Knights in a mid winter deal, Brett's ability to call a game and handle pitchers has the Calzones making the unlikely move of having Brett make the jump from AA.  Brett will be specifically assigned to handle Bill Taylor's starts, so he should see the lineup once every 5 days.  On those occasions, look for Gonzalez to shift to DH or get a rest, depending on whether the Calzones are facing a lefthander or not.  The hope with Brett is to have him learn at the PEBA level over the next couple of seasons as Gonzalez's backup before eventually taking over the starting role somewhere down the line. 

OF Ray Harrington – His blazing speed make him an excellent bench option as a pinch runner late in games.  His great range and soft hands make him the ideal defensive replacement at any outfield position, though this year he will likely see most of his time as the defensive replacement for the overpaid right field platoon.  Despite his lack of plate discipline, don't be surprised if Harrington gets extended playing time in the leadoff role should injuries strike.

 

The Rotation –

Luis Pena – A combined 28 wins, 2.69 era, two playoff appearances, and one world championship the last two seasons.  In the final year of his contract.  Great endurance, can work deep into games, a solid k/w ratio.  In the final year of his contract, the Calzones are hoping Pena pitches as well as he has the last two seasons, and are thus able to move his contract at or before the trade deadline to a contender needing a late season rental for the stretch drive.

Chris Nicholson – A combined 30 wins, 3.19 era, two playoff appearances, and one world championship the last two seasons.  In the final year of his contract…  blah, blah, blah…  in the same boat as Pena, likely to be on the shopping block all season to a contender in need of a late season rental.

Kisho Ageda – If he pitches like he did in 2007 when he won 13 games, might not be a half bad third starter.  But the reality is, if he pitches like he did last year it will be a long season for the Calzones.

Bill Taylor – The Calzones have brought Taylor back from the baseball purgatory that is Tempe, and much like they did during his first stint in San Antonio, they will coddle Taylor.  While he projects as a better pitcher than Ageda, the Calzones want to rebuild Taylor's confidence and get him some easier matchups lower in the rotation.  They also view Taylor as more salvageable than Ageda, thus the thinking behind throwing Ageda to the wolves.  Brock Brett will personally catch Taylor's starts.  If Taylor can rebound to his 2007 form when he won a combined 18 games at Joplin and San Antonio, the Calzones may have the first piece to their future rotation.  If he pitches like he did last year in Tempe, Taylor may have an immediate future as fry cook at the Krusty Krab.

Tu-an Sima – The Calzones believe the young Sima could eventually blossom into a decent middle of the rotation starter.  This writer thinks they are seriously deluded.

 

Waiting in the wings –

With Nicholson and Pena on the block, and the inevitability of injuries befalling the rotation, the following pitchers are likely to see at least some time in the rotation this season. 

First up will be Flobert Hoeks.  Hoeks was 8-7 in 21 games between SA and WV last season, but his penchant for giving up fly balls that land on the other side of the border has the Calzones concerned.  Still, Hoeks should some rotation this year, though he will likely start the season at AAA. 

Santo Renteria would be next in line.  He is getting a look this spring, but will start the year at AAA.  He is presently 7th on the depth chart at SP, and there is nothing resembling a viable option beyond Renteria.  The plan is for Renteria to only be called up after a pitcher is dealt at the trade deadline, if at all. 

Estaban Romero might be the emergency solution if the Calzones had to go to an 8th starter this season, though the Calzones would really like to get Romero a full season at AAA.  Romero has shown slow but steady progress, and he is just 22, and the Calzones think he may have some real untapped potential.  With six pitches, the soft tossing right-hander keeps hitters off balance, and his excellent endurance lets him work deep into ballgames.  He doesn't walk many, but his pitches have shown a tendency to be a little straight at times and that could be a problem if he advances to the PEBA level. 

Lorenzo Manbujano.  If you hear this name again this season it's because someone died.

 

The bullpen –

Closer – Bobby Wright – 34 saves in two years of sharing the closer role.  Took over the role fulltime midseason last year after the trade of Spanky Ortiz.  Excellent control: 23 walks and 131 strikeouts in 112.1 innings the last two seasons.  Emerging as a dominant closer in the league at age 23, and only figures to get better.

Setup – Pedro Vazquez – The lefty has actually been more effective against right-handers, limiting right-handers to a .217 average in his young career, compared to .252 for lefthanders against him.  Good control, walking 10 while striking out 44 in 51 innings last season.  Just 21 and still has upside, only figures to get better.

Setup/Middle relief – Hisashi Oike – His excellent control and dominating fastball make him an excellent setup man, but his strong endurance makes him an even better candidate to work in the middle innings when the Calzones need to shut down the opposition.  Most days he will be the first man out of the bullpen.  Expect him to lead the league in appearances. 

Rafael Perez – Another pitcher rescued from Tempe, Perez rebounded nicely after his stint in that hot place and posted a 3.65 era in 28 appearances.  He needs to improve upon the control yet, but most days he will be the first lefthander out of the pen in the middle innings.

Francis Phillips – With a 6 pitch repertoire and 95 mph heater, Phillips came out of nowhere last season to help plug the holes in the hemorrhaging Calzones bullpen.  He has the stuff to strike out nearly a batter per inning, and he can keep the ball on the ground, making him a good option to come in and work out of a jam. 

Hiroya Kobayashi– The young right-hander did not live up to expectations in WV, and the Calzones are not exactly expecting much from Kobayashi.  He'll most likely see the mound when the game is already out of hand.

Yasujiro Takata – The young lefty has shown considerable promise at the AAA level, and been a complete disaster at the PEBA level.  He'll be given one last chance at redemption, though he will have to do it from the mop up role.

 

Others likely to see time in the bullpen this season –

Kevin Koch – The veteran with good control but a straight fastball is likely to be the first call-up in the event of injuries.  Not destined to be anything more than a middle reliever. 

Cristo Roman – Despite spending most of last season at the PEBA level, the Calzones have relegated Roman to AAA until such a time as they need a pitcher with control issues to bring his gas can to the San Antonio mound.  Destined for mop-up activity (if anything) at the PEBA level.

Pedro Sanchez – If the Calzones were extremely desperate for another lefty in the pen, they might turn to Sanchez.  Not likely, but they might.

Will Guffin – Damn, we hope not.

Oscar Kennedy – Starting the year at AA, still thought to be more than two seasons away from the PEBA level.  But if he can duplicate his numbers from last season, 0.81 ERA in 66.1 combined innings at A and AA, he may rise quicker than that.  Don't expect a late season call-up, but if he continues to progress, don't be surprised by one either.

Ricardo Colon – The Calzones have mixed feelings on the 24-year-old lefty, reflecting the mixed numbers he put up at different levels last season.  Has been demoted to AA to start the season because of roster issues, but expect him to return to AAA as soon as an opening arises.  If he can duplicate last year’s numbers at AAA he might yet get a shot at the Calzones bullpen.

 

Highlighting the top position prospects –

C Shinsaku Ito – AAA – Looks like he will hit, but skills behind the plate are suspect.  A conversion to DH could be in his future.

C Chad Hull – AA – his numbers so far have not reflected it, but scouts think he has the tools to someday be a mediocre catcher at the PEBA level.  So far he is just a bad catcher at AA.

1B Takuhiro Kamida – AAA – Getting a look this spring, but the Calzones would really like him to get a full season at AAA.  Has hit at every level, and his 40 doubles last season have the Calzones hoping Mongo eventually turns into more of a power hitter.  Considered GM Matt Higgins pet project.

1B Rod Stewart – SS A – Great speed and defense for a 1st bagger, but lacks the power.  Will need to progress as a hitter, but just 19, very intelligent, good work ethic. 

2B Miguel Angel Gonzalez – AA – His speed and defense are both above average.  But needs to make progress with the bat.  Not exactly a star-caliber prospect at the moment, more of a project.  The cupboard is pretty bare at second base in the Calzones organization. 

SS Juan Ortega – AAA – Just 21, but has performed very well with the bat at AA each of the last two season, though he struggled late at AAA.  A full season at AAA this year is in store, and if makes a little more progress with the bat he might eventually get a shot at the PEBA level, though don't expect stardom. 

SS Lucio Vera – AA – Great glove but no bat, future utility infielder.

SS Adrian Romero – SS A – At the moment Romero is the long term future at SS for the Calzones.  Great speed, above average defense, good work ethic and intelligent.  But has to do a lot of work with the bat yet.

3B Josh Shaffer – SS A – Just 19, it will be awhile before we see Shaffer at the PEBA level. 

CF Miguel Duenas – AA – His defense, especially his cannon arm, and his speed, make him intriguing.  Just 21 and scheduled for a full season at AA.  Really needs to make strides with the bat, but his other tools should keep around awhile.

LF Jose Maldonado – A – Has the potential to hit for a lot of power.  And walk a lot.  And strike out a lot.  Think Jack Cust.

CF Alexandre Larouche – SS A – Speed, defense, power, but will strike out a lot.  A poor man's Bobby Bonds is how he has been referred to by some scouts.

We'll be back next week with a wrap up of the Calzones first week of PEBA action.  See you at the game.