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2006 PREVIEW:AMERICAN LEAGUE WESTby Alan Lecher Los Angeles Skyhawks (71-91, 3rd place,)
Key Departures: Bobby Crosby (SS), Preston Wilson (CF) What must go right: One of the original members of SPIBL, the Los Angeles Skyhawks have had a rough go of it thus far. Despite qualifying for wildcard playoff berths in two of the four seasons, this team has yet to finish a campaign .500 or better. However, one player is looking to change all that and bring a division title to the City of Angels for the first time ever. Jason Bay (.266, 34 HR, 104 RBI), fresh off of winning the AL Rookie Of The Year award in 2005, has his sights set on loftier goals and Skyhawk management thinks that now is the time to strike. Building around the young outfielder Bay, GM Brad Ficek has assembled a group of veterans that know how to win. The infield has been revamped to the point where every single player is different from the starting lineup of one year ago. With a healthy Troy Glaus (.239, 19 HR 42 RBI, STL) and Adam Dunn (.239, 37 HR, 96 RBI, ANA/LAS) manning the corners and Craig Biggio (.283, 21 HR 69 RBI) and Rafael Furcal (.266, 14 HR, 41 RBI, 31 SB), both previously with Baltimore, up the middle, this team has enough fireworks from just its infield. Add to the mix Craig Monroe (.300, 27 HR, 79 RBI), who returns to play right field. John Smoltz (2.58, 41 SV, BAL) has been converted back to the starter role and is expected to be the staff ace. The capable Tim Hudson (15-10, 3.44, ANA/LAS) also returns, while the young and talented arms of Joe Blanton and Bruce Chen are hoping to fill out the rotation. Bob Wickman returns to close games after a year hiatus from baseball to fulfill his lifelong dream of captaining a four-man bobsled team. Skyhawk maniacs, get out your feathered Sky-hats because this exciting ball club is going to be in it all season long. What could go wrong: Health is a major concern for Los Angeles as their depth is sorely lacking. If the veteran Mike Lieberthal (.214, 12 HR, 45 RBI), coming off the worst season of his career, does not rebound or gets injured, the light-hitting J.D. Closser waits in the wings. Besides Furcal, there is very little team speed and manufactured runs will be hard to come by. Los Angeles will live and die by the long ball, which means a streaky season. The Skyhawks are an older team that is built to win now. It’s the last chance for some of these players. They are also a team without any cohesion or history together. If they struggle early and the egos get in the way, it could spell doom. The X-Factor: The Skyhawk bullpen looks to be the weakest link on the team. Wickman has reported to spring training 20 pounds overweight and 2005 All-Star Justin Duchscherer (3.76, 5 SV) is said to be suffering from a tired arm after pitching 103 innings in relief last year. If the bullpen can hold their own, Los Angeles will win a bunch of games in 2006. Numerically speaking: The Skyhawks’ team batting average of .241 was good for worst in the American League in 2005. Oakland Diamond Kings (104-58, 1st place)
Key Departures: Kris Benson (SP), Orlando Cabrera (SS), Mike Mussina (SP), Magglio Ordonez (RF), Tony Clark (1B) What must go right: Just two wins. That is how much more that the Diamond Kings needed to earn a trip to the league championship last season. They definitely had the firepower then and most of the key players are returning. First and foremost is the King of Swing himself, Barry Bonds (.352, 64 HR, 121 RBI). He is coming off his fourth straight MVP season and was quoted as saying that his time is running out for another championship run. Adrian Beltre (.300, 52 HR, 160 RBI) also returns and has said that he worked on his fielding for much of the winter, seeking an all-around game. Other key batters are Sean Casey (.307, 26 HR, 119 RBI), Jason Kendall (.303, 4 HR, 58 RBI, 22 SB), Juan Uribe (.255, 16 HR, 64 RBI) shifting to SS, and Mike Cameron (.228, 26 HR, 78 RBI, 28 SB). If all of these bats can have a repeat performance, offense will not be anything that GM Larry Reeves has to worry about this season. With the departure of 19-game winner Kris Benson, Ryan Franklin (17-7, 5.28) steps up as the ace. He is coming off a career year where he took full advantage of the DKs’ potent offense to win 17 games. 16-game winner Odalis Perez (16-11, 4.52) also returns. Wily veterans Ramon Ortiz (1-2, 4.19) and Woody Williams (11-10, 4.04) join the club this year to fill out the rotation. The amazing Shingo Takatsu returns after a near-perfect 2005 campaign (1.09, 41 SV), but rumor has it that his shenanigans last month at a bay area sushi bar involving two squid and a geisha girl have left Oakland management disturbed and confused. He now may be battling Salomon Torres (3.31, 5 SV) for the closer role. Nevertheless, if the Diamond Kings can stay healthy in 2006, it could mean another exciting run to the top of the charts. What could go wrong: Who would have thought that after 104 wins and a near-trip to the world series last year that the Diamond Kings would have so many question marks surrounding them. It is apparent that age and injuries have caught up to this team and these factors may have a significant effect on their chances at a repeat division title. Although he has remained quiet about his true status, Bonds has hinted that he may not be ready for action by opening day. Last year was a virtual cakewalk for Oakland in a relatively weak division, however this season all four teams could potentially vie for the top spot. And with the quality of teams in the rest of the American League, there may be only one team making the postseason from the AL West. It’s all or nothing for the Diamond Kings in 2006. The X-Factor: Although Oakland’s 281 homeruns in 2005 was good for third-best all-time in SPIBL (2002 COL - 334, 2004 OAK - 287), Bonds’ absence from the lineup might hinder that amazing run support. If the run support is there again, Oakland’s veteran pitchers will get the job done. Numerically speaking: Last season, Barry Bonds and Adrian Beltre combined for 116 homeruns, which is the most for a power tandem in SPIBL history (In 2002, Sosa hit 75 to Aurilia’s 57 for Colorado, however due to a mid-season trade, only 35 of Sosa’s homers were with Colorado). San Diego Black Sox (89-83, 2nd place, wildcard)
Key Departures: Cesar Izturis (SS), Ivan Rodriguez (C), Greg Maddux (SP), Scott Linebrink (RP), Rondell White (LF), Woody Williams (SP) What must go right: 2005 was a magical year for the San Diego Black Sox. Ending a three-year drought, the franchise finally earned a playoff berth behind an all-around solid team effort. And after tasting victory in round one, GM Zack Weingartner is very eager to return. Much to the surprise of fans and critics alike, their top two offensive producers from 2005 - Cesar Izturis and Ivan Rodriguez - were shipped out. In their place, however, is one of the best hitters in SPIBL history, Todd Helton (.334, 34 HR, 124 RBI, CHA), along with big slugging third baseman Vinny Castilla (.264, 32 HR, 130 RBI, COL). If they can repeat their stellar 2005 campaigns, Black Sox fans will soon forget any departed heroes. Also returning to the lineup are such quality players as Brian Giles (.267, 14 HR, 77 RBI), Jose Guillen (.235, 28 HR, 90 RBI), and the speedy table-setter, Scott Podsednik (.240, 10 HR, 59 RBI, 71 SB). When Pod is on the bases, he keeps opposing batteries on their toes. Catcher A.J. Pierzynski (.279, 13 HR, 61 RBI, CHA) is excited at the thought of being an everyday player once again. Last year, Cory Lidle emerged as a true #1 starter (18-6, 3.32) and is eager to prove that his 18-win performance was no fluke. Doug Davis (10-16, 4.24) is a solid innings-eater and John Patterson (7-3, 3.99) looks ready to explode onto the scene and may give the Black Sox a terrific #2 starter. Paul Byrd was picked up via free agency and looks to be healthy and ready for the mound. Another big addition, Trevor Hoffman (3.02, 36 SV, PIT), solidifies an already solid bullpen that includes veterans Tom Gordon (3.17, 32 SV) and LaTroy Hawkins (2.50, 39 SV). The San Diego Black Sox will definitely have an influence on the playoff picture come October. What could go wrong: With Izturis and I-Rod history, new leaders must emerge. Pierzynski is not known for his diplomatic handling of new pitching staffs, however San Diego management has faith that he will get the job done. He will have his hands full with some youngsters in the rotation as well. Patterson and Shawn Chacon, a converted reliever, are relatively unproven and may not be ready for the stress of October baseball. The starters are going to be pushed to their very limits due to a lack of depth at that position. The same holds true for the San Diego bench, where only a handful of players are currently penciled in. The AL West is an evenly matched division this year and it should be a dogfight until the very end. The X-Factor: With a possible lack of power and average potential from the San Diego lineup, Todd Helton becomes a huge factor. He will need to do it all for his team in order to provide the necessary run support. Numerically speaking: The Black Sox were on both sides of no-hitters in 2005. John Patterson threw a no-hitter against Los Angeles on July 16. Less than a month earlier, on June 20, Jamey Wright (LAS) no-hit the Black Sox. San Francisco Sea Lions (64-98, 4th place)
Key Departures: Paul Byrd (SP), Kenny Lofton (CF), Eric Hinske (1B), Julian Tavarez (RP) What must go right: A few years ago, the Sea Lion organization was the toast of the American League, making two straight playoff appearances including a trip to the ALCS in 2003. But then things went south really fast for San Francisco, who has won just 115 games over its past two seasons. Salary cap constraints were the main culprit, however in 2006 GM Paul Dougherty feels that he is finally past those financial headaches and ready to be a competitive force once again in the AL West. The Sea Lions have not had a 15-game winner since 2003, however the front office made some moves to give them more than one chance to do so this season. Free agents Brad Radke (16-9, 4.24, TOR) and David Wells (9-10, 5.53) were picked up, while Brett Tomko (5-15, 6.24) joins the team from Boston where he struggled. They join Jeff Weaver (7-16, 6.40) and Josh Towers (7-7, 4.12), who are also looking for better results this season. If a starter falters, 2005 20-game loser and lifelong Sea Lion Steve Trachsel (11-20, 5.99) will be waiting for his chance. Crafty veteran Mike Timlin (2.74, 3 SV) joins the team from Chicago where he rejuvenated his career with a solid season. Insiders say that he may get an opportunity as a full-time closer for the first time in his career. The top four hitters in the San Francisco order are sure bets to get the job done. Juan Pierre (.326, 7 HR, 63 RBI, 96 SB) almost broke 100 steals for the second straight year, while Placido Polanco (.301, 18 HR, 70 RBI) can’t help himself but bat over .300. The offense will live and die with Derek Jeter (.305, 23 HR, 91 RBI, 24 SB) and Paul Konerko (.270, 41 HR, 128 RBI). With all these tools, the San Francisco Sea Lions should find their way down glory road in 2006. What could go wrong: Glory road could be a congested place in 2006. Division rivals Los Angeles is much improved while San Diego and Oakland are coming off of their best seasons. The AL West should be a competitive group of teams this season, which means that any deficiencies will be magnified and exploited throughout the course of the year. The Sea Lions are banking on a collection of veteran arms to start games all season. Honestly, how much do the likes of Tomko, Timlin, and David Wells have left in their tanks? San Francisco will need to make it through the long year relatively free of injury because they are lacking in depth at key positions. Look for them to sign a cheap free agent or two over the next few weeks. The X-Factor: 2005 #1 draft pick Nick Swisher is expected to be the stating right fielder this season. Some question his readiness, but San Francisco is starving for power in their lineup with Konerko the only major homerun threat. Numerically speaking: Steve Trachsel has been a Sea Lion his entire career, accumulating a record of 47-54.
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