Coming off another 100 loss season Idaho hopes to climb back to respectability in 2022. The youth movement is well underway and the Steelheads hope to see continued growth from these kids.
The starting lineup will see a couple of changes in 2022.
Leadoff, RF Jorge Cordero. Cordero had a nice debut season in AFBL hitting .256 stealing 15 bases in 72 games.
2nd, SS Jim Rogers. Rogers, the reigning defensive player of the year at SS hit .270 in his second season in 110 games. He cut his strikeouts in half and at 22 the future seems bright.
3rd, CF Bingham Klebel. The 2nd overall pick in 2019 has had 2 uneven seasons in AFBL, but spent the offseason improving all facets of this hitting and is poised for a breakout season.
4th, LF Stan Edmonds. Stan was the defensive player of the year at LF in 2021. He suffered a sophomore slump, but his dedication to his craft should allow him to rebound nicely in 2022.
5th (against righties), C Alex Perry. Perry had a down year with only 15 HR, but is still solid behind the plate.
6th 3B, Tuomas Kauppinen. TK had a nice rookie season with 14 HR and played solid defense at 3B.
7th, 1B Tony Rocha. Rocha is a surprise addition to the lineup. He has worked hard and will the the lefty platoon partner at 1B.
8th, 2B Steve Carr. Solid veteran 2B/3B.
Against Lefties, Dana Little will man 1B and hit 4th.
Additional changes to the opening day roster figure to see Jeremy Ball providing depth in RF, Garry Baker in CF and the last roster spot will be a battle between 1B/3B Victor Zapata, veteran LF Dave Riggs, utility IF Alex Harvey, and 2B prospect Mal Parks.
The pitching rotation should be improved as the young starters use the experience they gained in 2021.
Jake Howard will be the ace. He won 12 of the teams 51 wins last season.
Derek Boyd, 2017 1st rounder will be the #2 starter. He struggled in 2021 to a 3-10 record with a 5,28 ERA, but has improved his 3 pitch arsenal and should be stronger in 2022.
Zach Anderson, 3rd round pick in 2020, had a 6-8 debut season. He figures to get better in 2022.
Jose Garza, Ron Jasperse, Toby Caldwell,Lou Wilson, Damien Fromm will round out the rotation. Garza seems like a lock for the 4 or 5 spot, the others are all candidates for the 5 hole.
The bullpen will be strong again, lead by closer Perron. Bishop continues to develop as a setup man. Virgil Roberts and Eric Osborne provide solid left handed relief. Fujita, Wilcox, MacDonald, et al provide depth.
With spring training around the corner excitement is in the air in Idaho.
