Reno Plain Dealer
Saturday, March 3, 2012

After quite the chaotic offseason, it’s almost baseball time again in Reno, as the 2012 PEBA season is not too far away.  Most of the moves made during the off-season were done for financial reasons.  However, Reno management feels the moves should make the team more competitive this year.  Time will tell as far as whether or not that prediction proves true.

Here’s a look at position battles and some new guys that will be wearing Reno blue this season:

CATCHER
Projected Starter: Richard Small

Small will be playing for his 4^th organization this year.  He finally received time as a regular last year in Connecticut.  Not an offensive star, Richard will be depended on heavily to handle the Pinner staff.  His offense, though, is an improvement over last year’s returner, Chi-young Ouyang.

INFIELD
Definite starters: Billy Krause & Hank Bailey (both returning starters)

Fighting for a starting job: Chris Harris, Jonas Roberts, Nathan Bolitho, Drew Simpson, Ángel Alvarado

Harris was the lone free agent signing for Reno, agreeing to a 2-year deal.  He has some defensive versatility and potentially could develop into a decent OBP guy.

Roberts spent most of last season on the bench.  In two years of spot duty, he has put together decent numbers.  His great defensive skills could help him get on the field if he steps up and hits the ball.

Bolitho comes to Reno from Aurora.  Stuck in the deep farm system, the former member of the Borealis could step in and help Reno right away.  The 28-year-old Aussie has underachieved the past two years in AAA.  Like Roberts, he will shine defensively – his bat will determine how much we get to see him in action.

Simpson was decent last year, splitting time in the Florida & Reno organizations.  His only real defensive skills are at 3B, so he certainly isn’t in the situation as the players above – if he doesn’t hit, he will be sleeping in Glendale more often than not this season.

Alvarado might be the most intriguing off-season acquisition this year.  A former star in the Mexican League, he put up monster numbers last year at AAA Evansville.  Look for Alvarado to share time at DH and 1B this year.  The more he hits, the more you’ll see him.

OUTFIELD
Definite starters: Rafael Soto (returning starter) & Mario Martínez

If Martínez looks familiar, that’s because he is.  He underachieved in Reno in 2009, thenfollowed that season by putting decent power numbers up in Manchester and San Antonio the last two years.

Fighting for a starting job: Alejandro Torres (returning starter), Murray Harris, António Chávez, Jorge Zapata.

Harris had a great 2^nd half last season at AAA Glendale.  His main competition is definitely Torres for that 3^rd outfield spot.

Looks like Chávez and Zapata are fighting for that 5^th outfield spot.

TOP HITTING PROSPECTS

• OF António “Trashmaster” Morales: 2011 1^st round draft pick.  Estimated Time of Arrival: 2014
• 1B Lou Powell: 2009 2^nd round draft pick.  Estimated Time of Arrival: Mid-to-late 2013
• 2B Todd Fairchild: 2010 1^st round draft pick.  Estimated Time of Arrival: 2014

NEXT WEEK: A CLOSER LOOK AT THE RENO PITCHING STAFF