The MN Blue Ox rumbled into the Dream League with ridiculously childish and impossible expectations. Well, the expectations have only grown as the rosters were revealed and league action got under way. Team captain and starting catcher Buddy Douglas reported to camp two weeks early to work with new #2 starter Olmedo Jose. Jose came up from Cleveland in a swap for crown jewel Toby McPherson. McPherson’s low durability soured many of the hearty Minnesota natives and much of the tri-state fan base. McPherson, in a fit of rage, is rumored to have thrown a four-seamer at the head of GM Cantarski. The ball sent the new GM to the carpet of his plush luxury box office. McPherson did leave without further incident but was seen rubbing his shoulder as he slid into a cab. Aside from the tumultuous trade, The Ox also picked up young RF Corey Fordham from Omaha and gave up centerpiece catcher Alex Rijo and a couple of relief pitchers that will contribute.
Offense The offense is looking solid one through eight with Buddy Douglas anchoring the middle of the lineup and on base specialist David Maduro providing RBI opps. For other lumberman Cal Stevenson, Benny Bravo and Corey Fordham.
Pitching The Ox set up nicely with what looks on paper to be a quality rotation especially in the middle. The rotation is aging and is feeling some pressure to make a push this year. We set up like this
1 Jeff Nen
2 Olmedo Jose
3 Jon Everett
4 Darren Brush
5 Quilvio Seanez
The bullpen is lacking one good arm and will be looking for another brother in arms as the season marches on. As part of a show of solidarity the lunchbox bullpen will not do interviews this year and have asked that the media just call them by their last name. Top three relievers include:
LR Douglas
SU Santana
CL Pisciotta
Fielding MN gloveman continue a proud tradition of doing the little things to win ball games. Cantarski set out to create a top tier defense and added two key gloves in Stevenson (promotion) and Fordham (trade) to accomplish the goal. Now it comes down to execution. The range is their in spades for this team, if the gloves can follow we’ll be in business.
No comments:
Post a Comment