2046 Tampa Terror

[dusters06]

After a very successful 2045 campaign the Terror look to build on last seasons ALCS visit. Failing to produce runs in key situations turned out to be the kryptonite of the club. It didn't take long after the teams loss to the LA Bomb Squad for GM Kevin Shorey to start making moves. It all began with sending last years AL batting title winner Julian Rivera paired with upcoming star Ken Foster to division rival Boston in return for star OF John Page and ace Adrian Nieves. Kevin didn't stop there as he helped bail Montreal out of the great financial fiasco of 2045 by bringing in Derrick Washington (for the 4th time I believe) and power hitter extraordinaire Henry Pearson. In a final push to secure the lineup, Tampa dealt Mr Consistent Ethan Turner to the Greeks in return for Lou Evans. This move allowed Tampa to slide Anthony Spencer back over to his natural position of 1B. New faces Ray Edwards and Roy Hickey join the club from Alabama and Philly and will serve as key backups to 1B and 3B.

Opening day lineup:
1. Derrick Washington CF
2. John Page LF
3. Anthony Spencer 1B
4. Henry Pearson RF
5. Lou Evans 3B
6. Artie Jones C
7. Ray Edwards DH
8. Tony Limon 2B
9. Takaaki Taguchi SS

In a lineup that struggled to protect Anthony Spencer last season, this years team looks to have the power to contend for another trip to the ALCS.

Starting Rotation:
1. Adrian Nieves
2. Bill Bass
3. Arturo Quintana
4. Mike Reese
5. John Robinson

Bullpen:
CL Alfredo Rodriguez
MR Walter Schoutens
MR Juan Flores
MR Stanley Fuentes
MR Javier Rodriguez

Recap: while Anthony Spencer had a breakout year hitting .320 with 40HR and 119rbi and finishing 3rd in the AL MVP race, a few players seemed to take a step back. Artie Jones struggled all year finishing with a .216 average. Injured arm Juan Mendoza saw a substantial ratings drop which resulted in him being given away to the Shockers. Late season acquisitions Bill Bass and Mike Reese both posted ERA above 4.5 in their stint with the club. Both come in to the season as unknown variables. Overall, this will be a much improved team and hopes are high of a division win and WS appearance given the drop off of the AL.

Season prediction: 104-58, division winners, beat Miami in ALCS, beat Richmond in WS.
Bold predictions: Anthony Spencer wins AL MVP. Tampa has 5 30/100 hitters.

[wdoupis]

beat Richmond in WS.

Ha, Richmond in 5.

[Boston_Rob]

beat Richmond in WS.

Ha, Richmond in 5.

C'mon Billy, Richmond beats Cincy in 5.

[wdoupis]

beat Richmond in WS.

Ha, Richmond in 5.

C'mon Billy, Richmond beats Cincy in 5.

+1

[mreijimiyake]

I'd hope without any major injuries we get to the playoffs. At that point with Denson, Campbell and a strong bullpen you have to fancy your chances.

Hopefully we have strengthened, especially in the BP and against LH pitching also.

Will be an interesting year for sure.

[Cnasty]

The changing of the guard in the Blue!

[Boston_Rob]

The changing of the guard in the Blue!

[dusters06]

beat Richmond in WS.

Ha, Richmond in 5.

And here I was being generous putting Richmond in the WS

[dusters06]

The changing of the guard in the Blue!

Maybe for a season or 2, we'll see after that...these "rebuilds" are minimal and still alot of strong teams in the AL

[Seeitsaveit13]

The changing of the guard in the Blue!

He believes himself... that's all that matters Rob!