Spring
Training Report: Tritons Seeking New Heights With Their Depth
April
16, 2010 (Federal League Wire Service)
After
a thoroughly disappointing last place finish last season,
Tri-Cities manager Mike Whittaker contemplated his future.
Whittaker came close to ending his managerial reign, but emerged
from spring camp with a rededication to transforming the Water
Dwellers back into contenders.
For
perhaps the first time in club history, the Sons of Poseidon
have a variety of options in their mound corps. Last season, Don
Burgess emerged as the staff leader, but this season, the
Tritons have assembled a supporting cast behind him. Well
traveled prospect Joe Adair brings his talented, but as yet not
fully harnessed, left arm to the Tri-Cities. Adair was an
off-season free agent pick up.
With Burgess and Adair as the top two starters, Whittaker,
normally the Tritons' workhorse, can become the #3 starter and
long reliever. Whittaker has tabbed Lorne Battiste to be the
team's closer.
New acquisitions, George Von Achen, his son Derek Von Achen,
former Goliaths Cody and Kenny Smith, and Abelardo Ambron will
compete for innings out of the bullpen. Mike Walczak, and his
knuckleball, also resigned with the club after a truncated
campaign last season.
The other big news from the Tritons' camp is the team's decision
to move all-star outfielder Kyle "Static" Klingensmith
to shortstop. The Water Dwellers have not had any stability in
that key position in many season.
The infield is also blessed with depth as long time Tritons John
King and Donny Gagliano return from injuries.
While the Tritons have had some successful seasons in team
history, it has never been predicated on pitching and defense.
This season, by adding depth in both areas, Whittaker has
apparently reversed that trend.
Spring
Training Report-New Look Beacons Hoping For Same Old Results: Any
season that ends without a championship title is considered a
failure in Lighthouse Point, so the 2009-2010 Fall/Winter
campaign was a waste of time from the Beacon perspective. If the
season was difficult, the off-season was downright tumultuous as
the Illuminators said goodbye to two of their most decorated
players.
After
clashing with manager Keith Nicoll on his post season workload,
two time Best Pitcher Award winner Rick Schaut was shipped to
the Sunsets the day after the Expansion Series concluded. During
the same time period, two time league MVP, and the reigning Best
Pitcher Award winner, Jimmy Efre informed the club that he was
leaving the team to pursue other baseball opportunities. The
loss of both Efre and Schaut deprive the Guiding Lights of over
53% of their wins, as well as, leaving the team without a
leadoff hitter and a gaping hole in center field.
The signing of veteran lefty Jim Engle as spring camp was ending
will alleviate some of manager Nicoll's pitching woes. Engle
will join Brant Spring, hoping to bounce back from an
inconsistent season, and Andrew Gellert, hoping to return to
form after season ending surgery last August, in the Beacon
rotation.
Without any other apparent option, the Beacons will move
leftfielder Jamie Siragusa back into the leadoff spot. A veteran
of 20 seasons as a Beacon, Siragusa spent 10 seasons in the
first position in the order before the Beacons drafted Efre. The
last eight campaigns saw Siragusa occupying the third spot in
the lineup, the position he originally filled when he first
joined the Beacons.
With Siragusa moving to the top of the order, free agent signee
Ryan Scott will assume the third spot in the order.
What's new is what's old as Rich Martell rejoins the Beacons
after retiring from the game over five years ago. The still
relatively young Martell adds another power bat to a lineup that
already includes sluggers Pat Vadala, Chris Basso, Adric Saxon,
the aforementioned Scott, and Jose Morales.
Beacon management has been pleasantly surprised by rookie
Jonathan Ruiz, a late round draft choice. Ruiz, who was
originally slated to be Jeff Fazio's understudy at shortstop,
may end up being the answer to the centerfield question,
although Nicoll maintains that no decisions have be made.
In any event, without a return visit to the Expansion Series,
and another championship, there may be an even greater shake up
in Lighthouse Point next off-season.
Spring
Training Report-Sentries' Search Comes Up Short: Margate
Sentries' manager Phil Laufman is a frustrated man. At first,
frustrated by his inability to complete a major trade during the
off season, Laufman experienced more of the same during his
spring training efforts to find a replacement shortstop for
holdout Jose Chinea. Laufman has been continually rebuffed
by the league's other managers in trade offers, almost to the
point of bemusement.
Although
the Sentries tried a group of prospects at the key position,
Laufman concedes that is likely that batting champion Andrew
Peterson will man the spot, even though it is not his primary
position.
On a positive note, draftee Armando Argudin has apparently won
the centerfield job, giving the Gatekeepers their best outfield
defense in recent memory. Argudin will play in between Lawrence
Weissman in left and a platoon of Moises Rivera, Jorge
Caballero, and newly acquired Michael Gagnon in right.
The Sentries also still possess a formidable lineup with Best
Newcomer Award winner Jonathan Hernandez at the top. On base
percentage machine Dave Munguia will bat second ahead of former
MVP Ray Ubiera and sluggers Peterson, and Chris Albert.
As always, pitching will be the biggest question mark. If a
starting staff of Ubiera, Peterson, Bob Westheimer, and Rich
Albanese can keep the opponents close, the offensive firepower
may carry the Sentries into the Expansion Series for the first
time in nine seasons.
Spring
Training Report-Tigers' Tale To Be Told By Twirlers: After
reaching the Original Division's Championship Final Series two
seasons ago, the Deerfield Tigers saw their demise come during
the semi-final round of the playoffs last season. The strength
of the team in both of those playoff runs was their starting
pitching and this season promises to be no different.
Two
young hurlers, A.J. Nieto and Stephen Reyes, the team's first
and second round draft picks respectively, have been source of
most of the team's spring buzz. Both Nieto and Reyes are the
type of hard throwers that the Tigers typically seem to favor.
Both have to conquer their battles with their control to be
effective.
Last season's quartet of starters, Pedro Lopez, Pete Taraskevich,
Drew Phillips, and Teddy Bird, all in the typical Tiger mold as
hard throwing righties, have various issues that may prevent
them from beginning the season with the club. If this is so,
Nieto and Reyes will have to shoulder the load during the early
part of the campaign.
The Tigers are still searching for a everyday catcher after
third round pick Jeff Costanzo abruptly walked out camp.
Costanzo, having originally agreed to terms with the club,
apparently reneged on his agreement and refused to to sign with
the Tigers.
Last season's starting backstop, Best Newcomer Award winner Dan
Ojst, is likely out for the season. To fill the position, the
Tigers will be trying out some last minute free agent during the
last week of spring practices. The development of Nieto and
Reyes may depend on the Tigers' ability to find a seasoned
catcher.
Spring
Training Report-Stars Wishing Upon Improvement: On
the heels of what was largely a disappointing season, the
Hollywood Stars look to begin the new campaign with both promise
and practicality.
The
cause for promise centers around the team's first round draft
pick, lefthander Jason Jones, and the return to the lineup of
centerfielder Raul Nieto.
Jones has, by all accounts, had an impressive spring, and, along
with Juan Gonzalez, Sandy Cabrera, and Joe Grant gives the Stars
their best starting staff in recent memory. Nieto, who missed
all of last season, except for one game, with a ruptured Achilles
tendon, is fit and ready to return to the middle of the Stars'
always dangerous order.
The practicality is evidenced by the team's overdue commitment
to undertaking a rebuilding project. For the first time in many
seasons, the Stars resisted the urge to trade away draft choices
to acquire veteran players. Armed with a full compliment of
draft picks, the Stars added Jones to the pitching staff, speedy
Eric Rosenberg and slick fielding Bill DeVust to the infield
corps, and picked up Paul McEnery to bolster the outfield
defense. The versatile Rosenberg should also see some outfield
duty.
These newcomers will join all-star shortstop Jeff O' Kelley and
solid veterans such as Teo Zorrilla, Reggie Benson, and catcher
Ed Quijada to provide the Stars with a relatively deep roster.
A major setback, which occurred when catcher Nelson Colon,
coming off of the best season of his career, did not report to
camp, was mitigated by the return of second baseman Albert
Quezada. The dependable Quezada, who missed all of last season,
provides a solid bat, but also an element of team leadership
that the team sorely lacked last season.
The goal for the Stars will not only be to improve in the
standings, but to establish a foundation for seasons to come.
Spring
Training Report-Sunsets Expect To Rise: Despite
believing that his team has as good as an everyday lineup as
there is in the league, Sunrise Sunsets' manager Eric Raskin is
most excited about the depth and quality of his pitching staff.
With
veteran ace Joe Feller on board for a full season, Raskin can be
comfortable in the knowledge that he has an experienced big game
staff leader. The acquisition of former Beacon Rick Schaut gives
the Twilighters another arm with a championship pedigree.
Additionally, big things are expected from newcomer Shane
Chatham.
With Feller, Schaut, and Chatham handling the starting duties,
Jose Torres, who has had a strong showing in the spring, will,
once again, be free to be the workhorse out of the bullpen.
If having a solid pitching staff were not enough to give the
Sunsets confidence that they will improve on last season's
fourth place finish, they can derive some assurance from their
prolific offense. Brian Hauss, Brandon Zeeb, Joe LaRocca, and
Demetrio Green form the powerful nucleus of a lineup that will
be augmented by the arrival of their new cleanup hitter, Rob
Wiley. James Schariest and Brandon Hull will counted upon to set
the table for the sluggers.
Veteran Michael Govern, another off season pickup, has impressed
in the spring and could win an outfield job.
Art Randolph was acquired in a trade with the Margate Sentries
and, despite an early spring setback due to a knee injury, he
may win a starting spot in the infield. Raskin reports that
Randolph has swung a strong bat in all of his spring
appearances.
The Sunsets are still trying to get holdout Tyler Costanzo
signed in time for opening day. Costanzo, who was being counted
on as another strong lefty bat, has disappointed club officials
with his refusal to sign.
With
strong pitching and hitting, only the Sunsets' occasionally
shaky defense remains an unanswered question as the resurgent
Twilighters look forward to the start of, what they expect to
be, a championship campaign.
Spring
Training Report-Sun Devils Hope To Possess Good Health: Last
season, the South Florida Sun Devils seamlessly handled the
managerial change that took place when retiring pilot Jon Simon
handed the reins to his long time right hand man, Anthony
DeFilippis, and the Solar Satans tied for the Original Division
flag.
After
leading the Senior Circuit table for most of the campaign, the
Diablos were caught from behind by the eventual league champion
Parkland Mets, losing the pennant by virtue of a tiebreaker. The
near first place finish, in the wake of major injuries to both
Jose Zabala and Sean Grove, garner DeFillipis the division's
Best Manager award in his maiden voyage.
This season, the plan is to keep Zabala healthy, to get Grove
back by mid season, and to rely on the tried and true Sun Devil
blueprint of strong pitching, smart baserunning, and timely
hitting.
In Grove's absence, Jason Lipoff developed into the division's
most productive pitcher. Lipoff will again anchor a staff that
includes Matt Papa and hard throwing Chris "Evel-Ka"
Snevel. If Matt Stubbs, who also missed a significant
portion of last season, is able to return on a full time basis,
the Sun Devils will boast the loop's best hill staff.
If fully recovered, the Devils can count on Zabala to be one of
the league's best hitters, as well as its most dependable
shortstop. Power hitting catcher Ryan Stuart, who might have
merited serious MVP consideration had he not missed almost half
of his team's regular season games with various maladies, will
supply a great deal of the run production with Zabala getting on
base in front of him.
The Nefarious Glowing Orbs are hopeful that both DeFilippis and
Ralph Consiglio can build upon the all-star quality campaigns
each had last season. Even with a completely healthy roster, the
Devils are not normally the league's most prolific offense, so
neither DeFilippis nor Consiglio can afford to fall off if the
team is to return to the top of the standings.
Although the Sun Devils did not choose to tinker with the roster
in any drastic measure, they did sign first round draft choice
Jonathan Briggs, as well as, calling up outfielder Todd Braid.
Briggs may emerge from spring camp as the new second baseman,
while Braid will be given every opportunity to displace slick
fielding Jeff Wenger in center field.
Along
with Consiglio, DeFilippis, Wenger, and Braid, speedster Robert
Carter will again factor in the outfield picture. Stalwarts
Bryan Greer and Dave Perry remain on hand to lend their
experience and versatility.
After close calls in each of the last two season's the Sun
Devils will break camp this season focused on achieving the
ultimate goal.
Spring
Training Report-Goliaths Intend To Repeat: The
Davie Goliaths entered last season with much trepidation. A two
season championship draught hung over their heads and, arguably,
the best player in franchise history had retired.
In
addition to Danny Negron's retirement, Michael Kandersack's
injury, and David Sanquini's disappearance from the roster, the
Goliaths would be led by a new manager as former Triton manager
David Bourns took over at the helm. Bourns' previous managerial
foray had been less than an artistic success.
An opening day 11-0 loss to the Margate Sentries did nothing to
bolster the confidence of the team, but as the season
progressed, Bourns grew into the job, ultimately guiding the
Philistines to a championship.
This off season, Bourns refused to let the G-Men grow
complacent, demanding that many of his players lose 10 pounds
before spring camp. Bourns stated that he intends to stress the
elements that led to last season's success: the running game,
patience at the plate, and solid pitching.
The pitching staff will continue to be led by post season heroes
Eric Brotherhood and Jeff Hall. Matt Sperry or Brian Genetti may
join the starting rotation this season. Genetti returns to the
Goliaths after missing all of last season.
Bourns considered that Brotherhood may have been overworked last
season during the regular campaign and will look to reduce his
workload. Bourns also indicated that he would like to develop
one of his pitchers into a clearly defined closer role. The
skipper noted that he would give his entire bullpen staff an
opportunity to win the closer's job.
A healthy Michael Kandersack will solidify the outfield and add
additional speed to the lineup, Bourns pointed out. He also
noted that Jose De Los Rios, the team's starting third baseman,
might be called upon to catch about 30% of the time to save the
wear and tear on all-star receiver David Cruz.
Veteran
utilityman German Tovar was signed to add depth to the bench.
Bourns
expects that he will follow the same philosophy as last season
and that with familiar personnel returning, and a season under
his belt at the helm, the team should perform at a high level
the entire season. Bourns was overheard telling his team, “We
have the tools to win another championship, that is our goal and
anything short of that is unacceptable”.
Spring
Training Report-Bocaneers Aiming For Playoffs: After
experiencing perennial success as a Celestial Division
franchise, the Boca Raton Bocaneers occupied the unfamiliar
depths of the cellar in their first season as an Original
Division entry.
Although
the pains of losing ran deep, manager Scott Arenberg saw some
positive aspects in the 'Neers' maiden campaign in the Senior
Circuit. Aside from gaining experience, the Corsairs were able
to pass judgment on some prospects and simply pass on some
others.
A series of acquisitions, through trades, signings, and the
draft, have given Arenberg and the 'Neers cause for optimism.
Among the returnees, Arenberg is counting on the further
development of pitchers Ricco Farrington and Mike Gendreau.
Farrington, a lefty showed promise in his rookie season and
seemed to improve with each outing. Arenberg is hoping for
greater consistency from the hard throwing Gendreau.
Arenberg seems to be leaning toward Gendreau as a potential ace.
According to the Corsair skipper, Gendreau features a live fast
ball and a sharp curve, but like Farrington, needs to throw more
strikes.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, last season's workhorse and
innings leader, Doc Guida will be returning. Guida has
absolutely no problem throwing strikes consistently, but he did
have a few issues with keeping the ball in the park consistently
as the wily veteran suffered through the least productive season
of his illustrious career.
Stephen Wells, who played last season with the Oakland Park A's,
is emerging as a spot starter and relief ace for Arenberg.
Also
coming aboard from the A's are all-star first baseman Jason Diaz
and former A's player/manager Danny Torres. Diaz gives the
Bocaneers what they sorely lacked last season, a middle of the
order presence. Torres, who can play all over the field, gives
Arenberg some much needed flexibility.
Ricardo Zanabria, who help the A's down the stretch last season,
will join the Bocaneers and assume the bulk of their catching
duties. Zanabria offers the 'Neers defensive stability and a
solid bat.
The 'Neers were counting heavily on first round draft choice
Drew Davis, but, as of yet, Davis hasn't signed. If Davis joins
the team, he will, most likely, fill the void at shortstop that
will be created by Arenberg's decision to move Ryan Lohnes to
centerfield. Lohnes, who covered shortstop for the Swashbucklers
last season, is better suited to the outfield. If Davis fails to
sign, Anthony Rosado and speedy Jason Pena, the team's second
and third round picks, will be given an opportunity to fill in
at the position.
Arenberg also has the experience and positive attitude of
Sportsmanship Award winner Tom Marra to lean on as well. Marra,
who is valuable as a pinch hitting specialist, might emerge from
camp as the opening day DH.
Arenberg's
aim for this season is to get the Bocaneers into the playoffs
and then make the natural progression toward true contention.
March 19, 2010-Hot Stove Report-Teams And Players Changing
Places: With
the new season just four weeks away, many league teams are
beginning their spring practices this week. As those training
sessions begin, many will begin with some new faces.
Perhaps
the biggest changes will take place on the roster of the
Lighthouse Point Beacons. The Illuminators began the off season
by trading ace pitcher Rick Schaut to the Sunrise Sunsets.
Schaut, the club's all time wins leader, had expressed his
disappointment with his role on the team during the playoffs.
The trade of Schaut was quickly followed by the announcement
that two time league MVP Jimmy Efre had decided to end his eight
season tenure as a Beacon. Efre, who left the team to pursue
"other baseball opportunities", also won the Expansion
Division's Best Pitcher Award last season.
The Beacons will have to find a replacement for Efre in
centerfield and at the top of their order. Although the team has
no expectation that Efre will return, the Beacons are keeping
the flychaser on their reserved list.
The Beacons are not the only Junior Circuit team that will have
an altered roster this season. The defending champion Davie
Goliaths will welcome back leftfielder Brian Genetti after a one
season absence. Genetti, who missed all of last season, will
give the Philistines some much needed outfield depth.
There will be a lot of introductions necessary when the
Tri-Cities Tritons and Hollywood Stars open their camps. The
Water Dwellers drafted eight players and the Stars drafted
seven. Notable newcomers for the Tritons include both Smith
brothers. Kenny and Cody Smith both spent most of last season
with the Goliaths. The Tritons also drafted highly regarded
lefty pitcher Tony Colon.
Meanwhile, the Stars are pinning a lot of their hopes on
Jason Jones, a left handed pitcher. Jones, the Stars' first
round draft choice will be given an opportunity to be the leader
of the team's injury torn pitching staff.
Despite
the pronouncement that all of their players were available for
trade during the off season, the Margate Sentries were only able
to engineer one deal. The Gatekeepers acquired sure handed
outfielder Michael Gagnon from the Sunsets for second baseman,
and former MVP, Art Randolph. The acquisition of Gagnon bolsters
the Sentries' outfield defense, while Randolph became expendable
when the Sentries decided to offer more playing time to Best
Newcomer Award winner Jonathan Hernandez. Shortstop Jose Chinea
and outfielder Cesar Abreu, Jr. are among the other notable
departures for the Fightin' Phils.
In addition to adding Schaut and Randolph to their roster, the
Sunsets drafted four players that may be able to contribute
immediately. Former Deerfield Tiger Rob Wiley will add another
powerful bat to the Twilighter lineup. Wiley can play either
first or third base. Hard throwing righty Shane Chatham is
expected to battle for a spot in the starting rotation behind
Joe Feller and Schaut as the Sunsets hope to develop the trio
into a big three.
Lefty hitting Tyler Costanzo and versatile Mike Govern will both
be looking to earn a starting job in camp.
In The Original Division: Fresh from their first playoff
appearance as a Senior Circuit club, the Oakland Park A's appear
to no longer be a viable franchise in the division. The team
transferred its operation to Weston and will play as the Hawks
this season.
A's manager Danny Torres has signed on with the Boca Raton
Bocaneers and has brought former A's Stephen Wells, Jason Diaz,
and Ricardo Zanabria with him. Former league MVP Andrew Medina
is an almost certainty to follow his former mates to the 'Neers.
The
A's name will be revived as an expansion team in the Celestial
Division where the team originated.
March 10, 2010-Draft Meeting Conclude; Beacons Deal
Schaut To Sunsets:
The 2010 Spring/Summer
season draft meetings were held in Pompano Beach, Florida on
Monday, March 8 and Tuesday, March 9. The Original Division and
Expansion Division managers collected and drafted a total of 36
players.
Drew Davis, a 24 year old shortstop from West Palm Beach was the
first player selected overall. Davis was the first pick of the
Boca Raton Bocaneers.
The Lighthouse Point Beacons held the first pick in the
Expansion Division draft and used the selection to choose power
hitting first baseman Ryan Scott.
The Tri-Cities Tritons made the most selections with eight. The
Parkland Mets and the Weston Hawks of the Senior Circuit did not
make any selections.
For a complete, team by team, list of the players drafted, click
here.
There was some player movement that developed at the meetings as
the Margate Sentries shipped former league MVP Art Randolph to
the Sunrise Sunsets for outfielder Michael Gagnon. The Sunsets
also acquired right handed pitcher Rick Schaut from the
Lighthouse Point Beacons for a first round draft choice.
Schaut, a two time Best Pitcher Award winner with the Beacons,
is the all time wins leader for the Illuminators.
