The Wisconsin Wire 3.6 - 1998 Hitting Preview

[elligator]

1997 saw the Wolves make a leap and snatch the JL Midwest in their jaws. Alas, they didn't even prove to be a speed bump to Baltimore in the playoffs. So what's next? What will the Wolves look like in 1998? Here's an early preview of the starting lineup should the team stand pat with their personnel.

Catcher - Hashiro Dakiki went from a defensive specialist to a complete player in 1997. However, he's still blocked by one of the best catchers in the game: Hurley Reyes. Expect to see Reyes either take over at 1B or get moved in the offseason. Until then, the job is still his.

First Base - All signs point to the Wolves allowing slugging 1B Brock Lee to test the free agency waters. Brock's agent and the club are reportedly millions apart in negotiations. Barring a dramatic change, expect to see Lee in another uniform next season. All of this to say that it is increasingly likely that either Hurley Reyes or Jarvis Murphy will be manning 1B next season for the Wolves.

Second Base - Scouts say he was ready earlier this season, but late September call-up and MBBA #2 overall prospect Charles Puckett will certainly be the starting second baseman for the Wolves. Puckett is a classic five-tool player and is ready to assume his spot on the team. To do so, he will have to knock 2B Jarvis Murphy either over to 1st, to the bench, or to another team. Bet on it to happen.

Third Base - Masuichirou Bunjiro is a bonafide star at 3rd base. He's posted a 55 OPS in each of the past two seasons. He's locked in at the hot corner.

Shortstop - What more can be said about Bopper Kengos? In his rookie season, he is simply one of the best players in the MBBA. Some critics half-heartedly say that he doesn't have much plate discipline, but when you hit over .360, you can afford to be a free swinger.

Left Field - Hitting machine Alphonso Torres is not facing any challengers to his spot in the lineup. He might be dangled as trade bait though.

Center Field - Clifford Smith is a natural left fielder and when he was asked to move to centerfield, he proved it by sulking and sucking pretty much the whole season. He might benefit from a change of scenery to a team where he can resume his left field preference.

Right Field - Locked and loaded. Budding star John Catron finished fourth in the JL in homers with 44 and in RBI with 134. His spot in the heart of the order is assured.

All the above goes to say that the Wolves will have a sensational offense next season. However, unless a couple of guys at least are moved, also expect some stepped on egos as there is more talent than space in the Wolves lineup.

[recte44]

Three of the most exciting young players in the game in Cricket, Catron and Bopper. Nice base to build from.