The Steelheads come into the 2024 season with renewed hope and excitement. The 2023 campaign saw the streak of 100 loss seasons come to an end at 4. Albeit losing 99 is not something to celebrate, the season showcased some of the young talent this organization has accumulated as a reward for being so bad for so long.
Pitching
Zach Anderson busted out with 18 wins and a 3.9 WAR. He is the ace of the staff and should be the rock of the Steelhead pitching for several years to come. With a 14 win season he will reach 50 wins for his career.
Jim O'Brien had a very good rookie season. 10-13 3.48, 3.2 WAR definitely showed signs of being a big contributor.
Ed Johnson proved our patience by posting a 4-0 record, 1.85 EA in 83 relief innings. He will be the closer in 2024.
Hitting
Bingham Klebel hit .341 and really showed why he was the 2nd pick in the 2019 draft. He starts 2024 on the DL, but hope to be back to defend his FL batting title.
Mike McKinney is a hulking first baseman who hit .292-21-73 as well as 41 doubles. At 26 years old, his best seasons are ahead of him.
Ron French has developed into a solid LF. He hit over .300 for Idaho and is poised to continue his development.
Mal Parks really came on in September and the 2nd baseman looks to build on his first full season in AFBL.
New Comers
3rd round pick in 2020, Jim Fish is poised to make a splash in his first AFBL season. He will be the #3 starter. Big things are expected from this 6'9" pitcher.
Cesar Hernandez, acquired in a deal from West Virigina will start the year in the bull pen with his eye on a starting job as the season progresses.
Dan Dixon will be the everyday catcher. The 20 year old rocketed through the organization and shows tremendous potential.
Ed Cameron got a taste of the big leagues in 2023, his first year as a pro. He will play in right field and hopefully continue to grow.
Outlook
The ownership and management is expecting another jump from 63 wins to at least 70 this season. The hope is to compete for a playoff spot in 2025.
