The final season for owner LT before taking over the expansion Idaho Steelheads is going to be an interesting one. The Piasa are poised to compete for a playoff spot - can the team stay healthy enough and consistent enough to get over the hump?
Starting Pitchers
The starting rotation is top heavy. Doug Wallace is the ace of the staff. Coming off a career year he hopes to build on that success and challenge for a Most Valuable Pitcher award. Bin Zhu, is a solid #2. He looks to complete a season for the 1st time in 3 years. At 35, this is no guarantee. The 3rd starter is a second year lefty, and reigning rookie of the year, Greg Teal. Interestingly, Illinois shuffled the deck and moved Damien Lefebvre from the bullpen into a starting role. The 5th starter is innings eater Steve MacIntosh.
Bulpen
The bullpen features reliever of the year Sam Jacobs. He is a lights out closer, looking to maintain his success from the 2015 season. Two rookies, Jim Hawkins and Brad Morcom join the bullpen. Zach Moore struggled as a starter in 2015 and has now assumed a middle relief role in 2016. A couple of vets were demoted to AAA, but are ready should the kids falter.
Starting Lineup
C - Joel Evans is a solid backstop entering the prime of his career.
1B - Clarence Thomas is a power who raked 42 HR last year. He looks to better than number and perhaps pass the 100 RBI mark this year.
2B - Artie White is a steady veteran coming off an injury plagued campaign.
3B - Jose Gonzalez is coming off an All Star season where he hit 38 HR and drove in 122 runs.
SS - Ed Jackson is alwasy among the leaders in plate appearances and is looking to challenge for the stolen base crown.
LF - Jim Sackett busted onto the scene last year with 33 HR. Hopes to build on that this year.
CF - Stan Anderson is a defensive star hoping to make hay as a regular for the first time.
RF - Greg Hammond has fought off injuries the past 2 years but has big potential.
No doubt this team can score runs, the key will be health and hopefully reduction of strikeouts.
Bench
Hector Quintero, Joey Mullins, Steve Carr, Andy Clark, and Ed Scott are a versatile group who can fill in in a pinch.
The team is looking forward to a great season and hopefully a playoff appearance. Let's get it going!
