by Jablowmi » Thu Feb 23, 2006 12:12 pm
Two themes for this Anaheim team: (1) "platoon," and (2) "you're friggin' joking, right?" The "platoon" theme? The Jablowmis will open with at least 3 platoons and could move quickly to 4. Theme #2 relates to a response provided by Owner/GM/Manager Haywood Jablowmi to the following statement, "you're going to have Whitt, Phelps, Smalley and Oquendo in your lineup for many, many years."
The roster shakeup has already begun with the Jablowmis shipping a disgruntled Bo Jackson ("Bo knows the Kingdome"), Nick Esasky, Dan Schatzeder, Dave Dravecky and someone Coach Jablowmi didn't know was on the roster, Hosken Powell, to Ugly Jerry for LH stalwart, Ron Guidry, Ron Comer and Warren "the Cro" Cromartie.
[b:30ffc4edf6]Starting Pitching [/b:30ffc4edf6]
The Jablowmis went high here, spending more $ than usual. The staff is anchored by Bert Blyleven, but then quickly followed up by the R/L combination, Ron Guidry and Steve Rogers. Bryn Smith will begin as the #4, with Tommy John, Pete Vuckovich and several unmentionables waiting in the wings. A nice solid, potentially exceptional, staff.
[b:30ffc4edf6]Relief Pitching [/b:30ffc4edf6]
Again, the Jablowmis spend way more $ than usual, although nailing two personal favorites of Coach Jablowmi, Joe Sambito and Steve Farr. Rounding out the short pen are Lee Smith, Bob Stanley and newly acquired Steve Comer, who may also spot start on occasion. Lee Smith and his large contract/ass may begin the season in Triple A Scranton.
[b:30ffc4edf6]Middle Infield [/b:30ffc4edf6]
Nothing to write home about here with Jose Oquendo and Roy Smalley. Good OBP, good D at 2B, bad D at SS. Let's move on.
[b:30ffc4edf6]Corner Infield [/b:30ffc4edf6]
1st round draft pick Mike Schmidt, Coach Jablowmi's all-time favorite (real) player, stands tall in an otherwise scary infield. Kevin Seitzer awaits in Scranton for a potential disaster. At 1B, initially, is platoon of HR only guys, Ken Phelps and Rob Deer. If they don't get the job done, Al Davis, the Cro and Brook Jacoby are waiting in Scranton.
[b:30ffc4edf6]Catching and DH [/b:30ffc4edf6]
Platoon #2 can be found behind the plate, with most of the ABs going to Ernie Whitt who can provide some cheap power, while the RH C will be either Bob Melvin (uh oh) or Steve Yeager. Rich Gedman and Ben Santiago waits in Scranton, although a trade for a cheap RH catcher is likely.
At DH, a Coach Jablowmi favorite, the underappreciated Lonnie "Skates" Smith.
[b:30ffc4edf6]Outfield [/b:30ffc4edf6]
The outfield, a strength offensively, but questionable defensively. Darryl Strawberry and Andre Dawson will man RF and CF, while platoon #3 will roam LF. The LF platoon, a strong one and another favorite of Coach Jablowmi, is Oscar Gamble and Richie Zisk. There is also good depth in Scranton with Steve Kemp/Leon Roberts and a Jablowmi-favorite, Luis Polonia. Others that could conceivably see time include Dwayne Murphy, Gene Richards, Uncle Milty and Eddie Milner.
[b:30ffc4edf6]Overall [/b:30ffc4edf6]
See Theme #2 above.
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