Crystal Lake Sandgnats Team Analysis

[Apollos]

This is the first of a three part series on position players, pitching, and the front office, that will analyze the Crystal Lake Sandgnats organization.

The Gnats have at times struggled scoring runs. They lack a blue chip player with power. Attempts to shore up the offense came up short. The Gnats will now look to sign a free agent or will develop from within the organization to overcome this failing. The team emphasizes defense and will usually put the better defender on the field over a better hitter. The development of some of the promising young players is key as the CL market is considered to be mid range. The teams strength is it’s pitching both at the major league and the minor league levels.

Infield Analysis
Francisco Morales came up originally as a third baseman. His defensive range was not good and he had trouble with his footwork. The coaches suggested that he grab a glove and take infield practice at first a position for which it appears Morales has great aptitude. It did not take long before he won the position. He has been hitting of late but a first baseman with a .370 slugging percentage raises the question of whether or not he will hit enough to hold the job. The Gnats were looking for a left handed first basemen prior to the trade deadline. His defense keeps him secure for now.
Jesús Márquez has played third base all season. He suffered from a hand injury early and then a lower back strain causing him to have a slow start. The Gnats showed patience and faith (he signed a long term contract) and Marquez has responded by putting up some offensive numbers. Now healthy he is turning on the ball. He is second on the team with 66 RBI’s.
Shortstop Brian O'Donnell's slow start led to indecision about an extension. He came around and now is hitting .298 with 17 homeruns. As of this writing it would appear that O’Donnell will be testing the free agent waters. A plus defender at short, the Gnats will be hard placed to replace his presence at the plate or on the field.
Second baseman Powell Clark has been the Gnats lead off man all year. A late season slump has hurt his numbers but he has still managed to get on base and lead the team with 43 stolen bases. An excellent eye and bat handler, Clark will bunt or leg out infield hits whatever it takes to get on base. He has done everything the coaches have asked of him. While his range is a tad short for second, he has soft hands and handles everything he can get to. He has made only three errors all season.

Outfield Analysis
Felipe Coronado is a rookie right fielder. He has shown steady improvement at the plate and in the field. Working with the hitting coach, Coronado has learned to take the ball the other way and to turn on inside pitches. He has been consistent if not solid all season driving in 44 runs while smacking 16 homers. For a big man, he is 6-6, Felipe glides in the outfield. His arm is plus plus. He also has some speed and is 22-7 on steals.
Anthony Pace is the lone positional all-star. He truly has been a great player. He leads the team in all offensive categories .309-19-83. His range in center is good making up for a weak arm. He has deceptive speed. He is a pleasant man and is popular with the fans and in the club house.
Jack Miller is another of the Gnat babies. Highly regarded by scouts, Miller has as yet failed to live up to expectations. He is an excellent defender however. With the Gnats emphasis on defense and pitching his hold on left field is secure for this season. Miller needs to realize his vast potential at the big league level. He especially needs to improve his strike zone judgment. Failing in that, the Gnats could look to the free agent market in the off season as they attempt to upgrade the offense.

Catcher
Scot Christian came to the Gnats in a mid season trade. He quickly became the go to guy behind the plate. He provides solid production with some power and has gold glove defense. He has been effective with runners in scoring position and has provided offense at a position that was sorely lacking.
Júlio Romero was recalled from AAA when Nathan Clark failed to hit. While both players are good defenders, (Romero’s arm is better) he is left handed, a plus in an organization that lacks left handed hitters. Romero hit at AAA but that success has as yet failed to carry into the show.

Bench
Michael Grymes has played all over the outfield. He has hit well at times and not so well at others. A left handed hitter, Grymes plays well against right handers but cannot touch left handed pitching forcing platoons. Until he learns to hit left handers, his role will be limited.
Mike Kent came up to play third when Marquez was injured. He has stuck around as a handyman. He does not do anything sufficiently well to warrant a full time job.
Glen Hester is the handy man. He plays all the infield positions and is a plus defender. Although a weak stick against right handers, Hester murders lefties so he platoons whenever the Gnats face a lefty.