With the start of the regular season just a week away, the Julian Javelina haven kept a steady eye on short stop Khalil Greene through out spring training - and they like what they see. Greene, who is a notoriously slow starter, has been swinging a hot stick in exhibition play, particularly in the last week or two. The young short stop is hitting .390 in Cactus League play to go along with 4 home runs and 14 rbi. Perhaps even more impressive, Greene has been using the whole field.
"Early in his career, Greenie was so focused on driving the ball that he spun off of the plate," explained GM Jamie Hoyle. "As a result, he couldn't reach the slider down and away, and the outer half of the plate became a hole in his swing."
Not anymore. Greene has shown improved patience this spring, keeping that front shoulder in and spraying the ball into right center field. He's also exhibited increased focus with runners in scoring position, and has made an effort to make more consistent contact when presented with RBI opprtunities.
"Another big thing for Khalil has been picking and sticking with one approach at the plate, rather than changing his stance or hand position from one at bat to the next," said Hoyle. "He's worked hard at staying consistent, and it's paid off - we just hope it carries over into the season."
Diminishing returns notwithstanding, there is no questioning Greene's potential as an offensive weapon at short. He has, after all, averaged 15 home runs and 65 RBI over the last three years despite never having played more than 140 games. And after last June, when he hit .361/.400/.619 with 5 HR and 12 RBI, it's clear he is capable of carrying a team for weeks at a time.
"I think the important thing for me is just staying healthy," said Greene. "I have a bad rap for being brittle, or soft, but these have been fluke injuries that all came from playing hard. It would be different if I was lazy in the field and pulling muscles, but I'm playing hard. Just give me 145 games, that's all I need."
Hoyle and the Javelina are hoping for just that - a long, healthy, productive season for their young SS.
"There is no question that if he stays healthy, he'll produce. He may never hit .300, but there is nothing wrong with a SS who hits .270 with 20-25 home runs and 80-90 RBI, is there? I think we'd take that, or something close to it, without much complaint."
Swings and misses...
Along with Greene, there are several other Javelina having solid springs...Josh Barfield is hitting .364, Ervin Santana has had several solid outings, and Brad Hawpe looks like he's ready to take the next step...Javelina brass are excited about the spring training performance of Dan Haren and feel he could take a step toward being a legit #2 starter this season...Hoyle identified the order of the starting rotation with Johan Santana making the Opening Day start, followed by Aaron Harang, Dan Haren, Ervin Santana and Jake Westbrook...Josh Barfield figures to lead off.
Friday, March 23, 2007
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Handicapping the West
Most fantasy leagues are cyclical in terms of the balance of power, and it seems the eMLB is no different. After years of seeing the East dominate, the divisions have been re-aligned and the balance of power has finally shifted westward. Javelina GM Jamie Hoyle handicaps the Western division and answers some questions about teams around the league.
How do you see the West shaking out?
Depending on what happens with injuries and trades, I think there are two or three teams that are capable of winning the division. I don't see any reason to believe the Javelina won't win the division, but it should ultimately come down to us and the Rangers, and the Bums may sneak in there.
What do you think your team's biggest strength is?
That's tough to say, because I think we are fairly balanced. If I had to pick one area, I'd probably go with the starting pitching. That's the one area of our team that is head-and-shoulders above the rest of the division - at least in my opinion.
What do you feel is your biggest weakness?
I think we have two or three potential problem areas. I'd like to find a second closer at some point, we could find ourselves in need of an upgrade at short, and we could probably need another hitter capable of drawing a walk.
Can you give us a detailed break down of how you see the division shaping up?
If I were pressed, I'd line up the division as follows:
1. Julian Javelina - I think we have a very deep balanced lineup. I would say our pitching will carry us more often than not. I believe Morneau, Bay and Thomas provide and nice foundation of power for a lineup stocked with 25-30 hr hitters. You have to love Santana and Harang atop the rotation, and we have some very nice sleeper candidates in Haren and Erv Santana at the back of the rotation. Like I said, I'd like to find a closer along the way, and I am always tinkering.
2. North Texas Rangers - I think they're going to hit - alot. I like their offensive potential around the infield, and think they are going to pop the ball. I think they need to tweak their OF to be serious contenders. I don't trust Ordonez, Roberts or Gonzo to stay healthy and they don't have much pop in the OF. I also think Delmon Young is a year or two away from being a power threat. Their pitching scares me, and not in a good way. Penny is an injury risk, someone I think is certain to be on the DL at some point. Their rotation as a whole needs to concentrate on pitching and not throwing, and their candidates for the 4-5 spots all have problems.
3. Encinitas Beach Bums - On paper you might think they're better, but you have to look closer. I believe Sexson, Kent, Giles and Schmidt are all in decline. Kent will be hurt at some point this season, Giles' bat is too slow to hit the FB and too fast to hit the change up - the result is a lot of pop ups. Sexson isn't walking as much, which is an indicator that he's declining. Schmidt's heater has lost life and zip. I also wouldn't be surprised to see Freddy Sanchez slip a bit, and he's battling a knee injury. I think the rotation has other issues, too. I don't trust Cliff Lee - he was very hittable last season. I'm also not a fan of Buerhle or Bonser. I think Valverde and Dempster make their pen questionable.
4. Dallas Redbirds - I should point out that I think the Bums and Birds are fairly interchangeable. I think the Redbirds' starting pitching will carry them for much of the season. It's hard to argue against a top two of Big Z and Hamels, even though I do think some may overestimate Hamels' ability to make a major contribution this year. Pettitte will win some games, but his other stats may not be that great, and I think Garcia and Garland are very, very hittable. I do like the pen. I think the Redbirds' OF will be very good, which is nice because I don't like the infield - particularly up the middle.
5. Nor Cal Sluggers- This team probably fits in that interchangeable category, as well. I'm not a fan of their offense. The outfield is decent, made better by the addition of Sizemore, but won't hit for much of an average. Can Griffey stay healthy? Is Patterson for real? Can Swisher hit for a higher average? These are all big questions for this team. Delgado isn't getting younger, and neither are Durham or Hillenbrand. Outside of Delgado, I'm not a fan of the infield - I think it's loaded with players primed for a major decline. This team will need Halladay and Sheets to stay healthy and dominate because the rest of the rotation is going to be a problem. They walk too many hitters, don't make people miss any more, and don't stay healthy. This is a team that could see all five starters spend time on the DL. They are going to miss Josh Johnson and their bullpen will be hit-or-miss - pardon the pun.
6. Bay Area Big Dawgs - No es bueno. For those who don't speak Spanish, that means "It's not good". This team has problems. There isn't too much pop, Nick Johnson may not even play this year, the lineup is as old as dirt (maybe older), and the pitching is an odd combination of promise and ER residents. I think it will be a very long year for this team. Only Columbus keeps them out of the 18th spot for the season.
How do you see the West shaking out?
Depending on what happens with injuries and trades, I think there are two or three teams that are capable of winning the division. I don't see any reason to believe the Javelina won't win the division, but it should ultimately come down to us and the Rangers, and the Bums may sneak in there.
What do you think your team's biggest strength is?
That's tough to say, because I think we are fairly balanced. If I had to pick one area, I'd probably go with the starting pitching. That's the one area of our team that is head-and-shoulders above the rest of the division - at least in my opinion.
What do you feel is your biggest weakness?
I think we have two or three potential problem areas. I'd like to find a second closer at some point, we could find ourselves in need of an upgrade at short, and we could probably need another hitter capable of drawing a walk.
Can you give us a detailed break down of how you see the division shaping up?
If I were pressed, I'd line up the division as follows:
1. Julian Javelina - I think we have a very deep balanced lineup. I would say our pitching will carry us more often than not. I believe Morneau, Bay and Thomas provide and nice foundation of power for a lineup stocked with 25-30 hr hitters. You have to love Santana and Harang atop the rotation, and we have some very nice sleeper candidates in Haren and Erv Santana at the back of the rotation. Like I said, I'd like to find a closer along the way, and I am always tinkering.
2. North Texas Rangers - I think they're going to hit - alot. I like their offensive potential around the infield, and think they are going to pop the ball. I think they need to tweak their OF to be serious contenders. I don't trust Ordonez, Roberts or Gonzo to stay healthy and they don't have much pop in the OF. I also think Delmon Young is a year or two away from being a power threat. Their pitching scares me, and not in a good way. Penny is an injury risk, someone I think is certain to be on the DL at some point. Their rotation as a whole needs to concentrate on pitching and not throwing, and their candidates for the 4-5 spots all have problems.
3. Encinitas Beach Bums - On paper you might think they're better, but you have to look closer. I believe Sexson, Kent, Giles and Schmidt are all in decline. Kent will be hurt at some point this season, Giles' bat is too slow to hit the FB and too fast to hit the change up - the result is a lot of pop ups. Sexson isn't walking as much, which is an indicator that he's declining. Schmidt's heater has lost life and zip. I also wouldn't be surprised to see Freddy Sanchez slip a bit, and he's battling a knee injury. I think the rotation has other issues, too. I don't trust Cliff Lee - he was very hittable last season. I'm also not a fan of Buerhle or Bonser. I think Valverde and Dempster make their pen questionable.
4. Dallas Redbirds - I should point out that I think the Bums and Birds are fairly interchangeable. I think the Redbirds' starting pitching will carry them for much of the season. It's hard to argue against a top two of Big Z and Hamels, even though I do think some may overestimate Hamels' ability to make a major contribution this year. Pettitte will win some games, but his other stats may not be that great, and I think Garcia and Garland are very, very hittable. I do like the pen. I think the Redbirds' OF will be very good, which is nice because I don't like the infield - particularly up the middle.
5. Nor Cal Sluggers- This team probably fits in that interchangeable category, as well. I'm not a fan of their offense. The outfield is decent, made better by the addition of Sizemore, but won't hit for much of an average. Can Griffey stay healthy? Is Patterson for real? Can Swisher hit for a higher average? These are all big questions for this team. Delgado isn't getting younger, and neither are Durham or Hillenbrand. Outside of Delgado, I'm not a fan of the infield - I think it's loaded with players primed for a major decline. This team will need Halladay and Sheets to stay healthy and dominate because the rest of the rotation is going to be a problem. They walk too many hitters, don't make people miss any more, and don't stay healthy. This is a team that could see all five starters spend time on the DL. They are going to miss Josh Johnson and their bullpen will be hit-or-miss - pardon the pun.
6. Bay Area Big Dawgs - No es bueno. For those who don't speak Spanish, that means "It's not good". This team has problems. There isn't too much pop, Nick Johnson may not even play this year, the lineup is as old as dirt (maybe older), and the pitching is an odd combination of promise and ER residents. I think it will be a very long year for this team. Only Columbus keeps them out of the 18th spot for the season.
Santana Key to Javelina Hopes in 2007
The Julian Javelina enter the 2007 season sporting a new uniform, a new stadium and a re-vamped roster. The team has made several key improvements to a roster that scuffled to a 14th place finish in 2006, not the least of which toom place in the heart of the pitching staff. GM Jamie Hoyle placed a premium on his starting pitching, and at first glance is seems he got the most bang for his buck.
Joining last season's ace Aaron Harang are the unhittable Johan Santana, Danny Haren, Ervin Santana and Jake Westbrook. The coaching staff feels the additions both through trades and the draft will provide the necessary improvement, particularly in the #4 spot in the rotation. That, of course, is where Ervin Santana resides.
Santana, who just turned 24, is coming off of a season in which he tallied 16 wins to go along with 141 strike outs, a 4.28 ERA and a WHIP of 1.23. Most scouts agree that Santana has the stuff to be a dominant starter, they also agree that he must first harness his command in order to realize his promise. The Javelina coaching staff feels his pursuit of the strike out is what is hindering his command.
"What we'd like to see Erv work on right now his hitting his spots, rather than striking guys out" said Hoyle. "We'd like to see less concern over how he gets guys out and more focus on just getting outs. Everything else, including the strike outs, will follow that lead."
To his credit, Santana agrees with his GM.
"Strike outs are flashy, but not necessary," said Santana. "If I change speeds and hit my spots, things will work themselves out. All I want to do is win, everything else is icing on the cake."
Team scouts believe Santana is very close to realizing his immense talents. Most of the staff agrees they would be happy with another 150 strike out season, but that something closer to 165 wouldn't shock them. Either way, if he can win another 15+ games, Hoyle has added a very valuable piece to his rotation.
Swings and misses...
Xavier Nady seems to have moved past his intestinal ailments and has returned to team workouts...Khalil Greene his hit first home run of the spring on Wednesday...LF Jason Bay's knee has improved greatly and he will make his spring debut on Wednesday...Justin Morneau and the team are working dilligently on a contract extension which would keep him in Julian through the 2008 season.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)