SP1 - Eddie BryantThe Oakland Ace had his option picked up this season($17 mil), and is being counted on to win 15+ games for the struggling Acorns. With a young offensive lineup providing support, he may be able to reach this goal for the first time since season 8.
SP2 - Mo LevraultMo has emerged as the Ace in the St. Louis rotation. The crafty south paw is counted on to put up a 4th straight sub 4 era for the Arch Angels. Hopefully he can regain the confidence he had in season 10 with 17 wins and lead St. Louis to a 4th consecutive division crown.
SP3 - Joe DiFeliceJoe has been underappreciated, and under rated by GM's his entire career. But he keeps putting up the numbers. With a career ML era of 2.99, it's no wonder St. Louis is excited to see him back in the rotation for season 12.
SP4 - Ugueth MonteroUgueth came cheap to St. Louis last season, and he promptly posted a 2.21 era in 25 starts for the Arch Angels. If he can stay healthy, he has the skills to flat out embarrass hitters.
RP1 - Hector KieschnickHector was another newcomer to St. Louis in season 11. Thrown into the fire in his first ML season, Hector compiled 50 saves with a 1.64 era on his way to winning the Fireman of the year award. This youngster looks to be a dominate closer for years to come.
RP2 - Calvin BeckerCalvin has been around, and while not as dominate as he once was, his experience makes things happen. Calvin is the anchor to the Oakland pen this season... and with his age, it may be his last.
RP3 - Wilkin LeeWilkin slides into this role almost by default. The NL West is extremely thin on RP talent, and Wilkin's youth and upside makes him the best of the rest. If OKC can keep him healthy, he should be a force to reckon with for years to come in the Outlaw bullpen.
C - Tyler MonahanIn a division where defensive catchers ride the pine, Tyler emerges as the best of the offensive group. OKC is counting on him for another 1.000+ OPS season.
1B - Craig StrongBy no means a dominate first baseman, it's just that the NL West doesn't have a dominate firstbaseman. Helena uses a committee to fill the role, if they ever place a player in the position permanently, they'd likely claim this All Division slot.
2B - Russell YeagerThe NL West has several talented 2Bman, Yeager earns this honor with his solid glove and hitting skills. Look for
Howie Ward to try to claim this spot by mid season.
3B - Norberto ManzanilloThis 2 time Gold Glover is aging fast, but still has better skills than any division 3Bman. Consistency has been Norberto's greatest asset throughout his career.
SS - Joe RothYoung Joe is without a doubt the best SS in the NL West, and just a small part of the Helena youth movement coming of age. In his 3rd ML season, Helena management is hoping for an improvement in offensive production, and Joe is primed to deliver.
RF - Ivan AlfonzoCan you say STUD? Not only is Ivan the best Rf'er in the NL west, he's the best in Alexander... and he's only 23. You can almost hear his agent calculating the cost of this guy's long term contract.
CF - Harry Milton and Erubiel Martin - too close to callMilton made the All-Star team last season, Martin didn't. Martin and Milton both made their way to the NL West last season from Rochester. It'll be a tight race to see who the best CF'er in the West is this season.
LF - Harry SilvaAt age 22, Silva is entering his second season as a ML LF'er. He's got all the tools to be a Hall of Famer. He began his career with 32 rookie HR's, and figures on increasing that number this season. Silva is part of the solid 3 man core in Oakland that fans are hoping will turn that organization around.
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