Friday, October 9, 2009
Mike Lupica reporting for the Tempe Times

Tempe's strong September gives the team high expectations heading into the offseason. This offseason Tempe goes in with the team pretty much set for next year. The goal, according to Knights GM Chris Van Hauter, is to land another quality left-handed starting pitcher, a power hitter, and possibly a catcher. The other positions are pretty much set:

HITTING

Catcher – Richard Carney batted .225 with 37 RBI. While Van Hauter loves his defense, he might be relegated to being a backup if Tempe signs a catcher in the offseason. However, Tempe may trade him because Douglas McEvoy can hit better and is adequate as a defensive replacement.

1B – Jeremy Lawrence was solid coming over from Charleston, batting .287 with a .361 OBP. The job is his for 2010 and the Knights feel he should compete for the All-Leather award at first base.

2B – Edward Allen / Terry Thorton. Thorton will start against right-handers while Allen will start against lefties. This platoon, according to the Knights GM, will be subject to change if either of these players struggles. Allen hit very well against left-handers last year and Van Hauter feels, by platooning him with Thorton, it will take some pressure off the young player and he can relax, which will help him learn the game better. Allen will get his share of at bats, not only at second base but also at short, and gives Tempe a solid veteran who knows the game and can help the team in a lot of ways.

SS – Cipriano Carnossi will be the starter and the team loves what he brings to the organization. With such a young team, a proven veteran like Carnossi will bring leadership, something the Knights were sorely lacking last year. Carnossi may be shifted to 3B if the Knights fail to land a third basemen in the offseason and if Ken Price struggles. One thing that’s for sure is that Carnossi will be a key part of Tempe's offense.

3B – This is the area Van Hauter is looking to improve in the offseason. Price struggled both on offense and defense and may be dealt away in the offseason. If he stays he will be on a very short leash once the season starts and will be benched if he does not produce. It looks like Price's days in Tempe are numbered.

LF – Wayne Whaley batted .352 with a .432 OBP while with Tempe. He does everything right and will be Tempe’s LF for a long time.

CF – David LaFrance struggled in his first year in the pros but the Knights love his potential and feel he will be a 30 homerun, 100 RBI guy in a few years. At age 21, the sky is the limit for LaFrance and he has “star” written all over him.

RF – Tim Eaton is the leadoff man the Knights so desperately needed. Eaton stole 31 bases for Tempe and is All-Leather in right field. Eaton is the spark which will start Tempe’s much-improved offense in 2010. Along with LaFrance and Whaley, the Knights have the potential to have one of the best outfields in the league.

DH – Octávio Pexego. One of the best hitters in the league will finally be surrounded by other offensive threats in Tempe's lineup. With Pexego healthy, Tempe's offense will be much improved in 2010 and will no longer have to scratch for runs.

PITCHING

SP – Markus Hancock is a star and will anchor Tempe's rotation form years. He was dominating at times last year and the scary part is that he has not even reached his full potential yet. As it stands now, he is one of the best pitchers in the game.

SP – Chet Collins is one of the most underrated starters in the game. He is one of Tempe's most dependable starters, and in 2010 Van Hauter feels that he will have his breakout year.

SP – Patrick Hunter is the biggest question mark form Tempe. If he can harness his immense talent and get the ball over the plate, Tempe can have two of the most dominant pitchers in the game and a devastating 1-2 punch. Hunter promises he will come to the camp in shape this year and will be more aggressive towards hitters. Van Hauter feels if he can cut his walks in half he can be a 15-game winner and, together with Collins and Hancock, form a formidable staff for years in Tempe.

SP – Tetsu Takuda has the advantage of being left-handed, which gives him the edge to grab the 4th spot in the rotation. Pitched well at time with Tempe and has some good stuff. He could win 10-12 games.

The fifth spot is up for grabs, but Tempe will look to sign a free agent to compliment Hancock, Hunter and Collins. If Tempe signs a stud then their rotation could be scary good.

Bullpen – Tempe's bullpen is pretty much set and the Knights feel it is a very good one which can close the door on any team.

CL – Miguel Lozano was lights out for Tempe last year and is one of the best closers in the league. Was everything Tempe hoped he would be and there is no reason why he won’t be dominating next year.

MR – Bryant Duncan has Hall of Fame stuff. He will get the ball to Lozano and should take over the closer role in 2011. In his last 23 innings of 2009 he allowed only 3 runs, so Duncan is up to stay and should be a mainstay in Tempe for years.

MR – Rafael Pérez. Teaming with Duncan will give Tempe a reliable 1-2 punch in the seventh and eight innings.

Tempe's lineup for 2010 will look something like this:

1. Eaton
2. Lawrence
3. Whaley
4. Pexego
5. LaFrance
6. Price
7. Carnossi
8. Thorton / Allen
9. Carney

Starting Pitchers: Hancock, Collins, Hunter, Takuda

Closer: Lozano

Setup: Duncan, Pérez