2006 Olympia Grunge

[Kingdom]

Manager Chris Cornell unveils the new Grunge roster.


1. Jason Kendall C
This is kinda a problem, but Kendall has the best credentials to lead off. I just really never knew he played much defense, so bonus there.

2. Edgar Alfonzo DH
Lands here due to his eye and avoiding k's ratings.

3. Nomar Garciaparra 1B
I'd really rather him be at SS, but I'll play him anywhere to get his bat in the lineup. Oh, he's so going to make a return.

4. Hideki Matsui LF
I believe he's without a doubt, my best hitter. And a great defender.

5. Carlos Beltran CF
Thank God I'm not the mets. I'm going to unleash him too, so he can press on for a 30/30 or 40/40 season.

6. Emil Brown RF
Some power, some speed, some defense. I'm not expecting a lot.

7. Jose Vidro 2B
I suspect he'll be batting 2nd or 6th before too long.

8. Jorge Cantu SS
Besides being one of my favorite players in real life, I think Cantu will round out into a quality middle infielder.

9. David Bell 3B
I was going to go with Doug Mientkiewicz in the lineup, but the computer gave me this pretty solid hitter and defender at a reasonable price.

Notable backups
C: JR House
How could I pass up drafting a West Virginia native?
1B: Doug Mientkiewicz
He's a hell of an athlete at first, and he's got an 8 in avoiding k's and eye. He's just a slap hitter at the hot corner, and that's not good.
1B: J.T. Snow
He's just an older version of Mientkiewicz.
2B/SS: Alex Cora
I like his defense and.. he has a little power too.
2B: Robby Alomar
Actually, he'll unlikely ever get out of AAA. But no way in hell I'm cutting one of the best second basemen ever.
OF: Larry Bigbie
He's 6'4 and he has little power. What the heck!

In the future:
Andy Marte, 3B
Bell/Alfonzo will just keep things warm until it's time to partay.


Rotation:
1. A.J. Burnett, RHP
Thank God I'm not the blue jays. I.. don't know what to expect.
2. Adam Eaton, RHP
He's nifty against righties.
3. Scott Kazmir, LHP
Hard throwing lefty that's only 22.
4. Gil Meche, RHP
71% groundball ratio, and I play at Petco too.
5. Seth McClung, RHP
Again, how could I pass up drafting a West Virginia native? And, Rob Bell will prolly be here after a deal is approved. McClung needs fine tuning.

Bull Pen
Brian Fuentes, LHP
Well, he might end up closing, but right now he sets up.
Guillermo Mota, RHP
He's a good reliever when not closing. And he's not closing.
Jorge Julio, RHP
He's a good reliever when not closing. And he's not closing.
Juan Cruz, RHP
I might throw him back in AAA, and see if he developes a little. He might also be in the rotation one day.
Dan Miceli/Matt Mantei, RHP
They... are unimportant.

Closer
Frankie Francisco, RHP
I think the only other guy I wanted more than him to be in the pen was K-Rod. And I don't know why. He throws a mean chair, though.

In the future:
Jeff Neimann, RHP
He's trade bait. I don't see him being on my team in the future.
Kyle Waldrop, RHP
Pretty solid looking 20 year old, drafted by the computer.
Brandon League, RHP
Since I can't get him in s3sl...
Matt Capps, RHP
His name, seems so humorous.
Bill Bray, LHP
Hard throwing, lefty ground ball pitcher. Almost ready.
Craig Hansen
I'm putting the future of my pen on the line with him, much like the real Red Sox are.


Overall, we don't have a lot of power, but since we play at a canyon for a park, it's about quality rounded hitters and I think there's plenty. We have limited speed, so we won't be trying to mime Bipster. The pitching will take a bunch of licks until Capps, League, Bray, and Hansen come to play. And it won't be long before they do. As long as we finish ahead of Los Angeles and Arizona in the N.L. West, I'm calling it a success!

[DiamondDave]

I think the middle of your lineup is formidable. But will the rest of the lineup provide them with any chances for run production? That has to be the concern. I think you and I will be right around the same position when it comes to the next draft.