Off Season Blitz - St. Louis

The St. Louis Arch Angels have been very aggressive in the off season, having made multiple personnel changes. Only 3 players from last seasons starting lineup remain... with competition being added for the SS spot. Spring training could see that number drop to 2 starting position players. (Clay Edwards, Pete Miles, and possibly Kirk Morris)

First base is potentially the weakest change with an anticipated platoon arangement:

Mark Kim St. Louis Arch Angels Age: 27 B/T: L/R Born: Okinawa, JP Position(s): 1B/LF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

AND

Will Prince St. Louis Arch Angels Age: 26 B/T: R/R Born: Odessa, TX Position(s): 1B/LF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

____________________________________________________________________________

2nd Base sees newcomer:

George Fonda St. Louis Arch Angels Age: 28 B/T: R/R Born: Monson, MA Position(s): 2B/IF/OF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

He's a speedster with decent hitting skills, above average range and glove. Formerly a utility player, expect to see him in the lead off role for St. Louis this season.
____________________________________________________________________________

At 3rd Base, St. Louis brought in a perinial all-star from the Free Agent ranks:

Norberto Manzanillo St. Louis Arch Angels Age: 31 B/T: R/R Born: Cartagena, CO Position(s): 3B/RF View Hardball Dynasty Profile

St. Louis is expecting Norberto to add a leadership in the dugout that has been sorely lacking in the organization for the last 3 seasons.
_____________________________________________________________________________

At CF, St. Louis called on division rival, and long time trade partner, Oakland:

Pedro Santos St. Louis Arch Angels Age: 26 B/T: R/R Born: Las Vegas, NV Position(s): CF/2B/OF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Pedro Santos has been an exceptional rightfielder during his career... he'll captain the outfield in center this season for the Arch Angels surrounded by the 2 returning stars Clay Edwards and Pete Miles. Santos is expected to fill the 2 spot in the lineup that has been upgraded for run production. St. Louis management feels his sub par offensive numbers are due to having very little support. And feels he'll excel in this lineup.
_______________________________________________________________________________

At Catcher, St. Louis has made a youth shift, bringing in 2 young players to split duties. Both are solid defensive catchers that have a very solid understanding of the game. These two rookies are going to be counted on to play beyond experience, and keep control of a historically eratic pitching staff.

Bob Buckley Syracuse Attack Age: 25 B/T: R/R Born: Hurley, MS Position(s): C View Hardball Dynasty Profile

AND

Buck Boyle Syracuse Attack Age: 22 B/T: R/R Born: Fabens, TX Position(s): C/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Neither is an offensive threat, but both have skills to make a difference from time to time. They are being brought in solely for defensive and game knowledge reasons.
____________________________________________________________________________

St. Louis has also looked to the bench, and has brought in a nice role/utility player:

Hardball Dynasty's

Andy Woodall

Andy is expected to back up 7 positions this season with his defensive skills.
__________________________________________________________________________________


This seasons newcomer to the rotation was brought in last season. Spent most of the year as a AAA player. St. Louis acquired him to be a relief specialist, but much like the RL counterpart in St. Louis, the Cardinals, the Arch Angels have a lack of quality depth of starting pitchers.... so this young man will be thrust into stardom as a #5 starter.

Torey Gonzales St. Louis Arch Angels Age: 22 B/T: S/R Born: Moca, DO Position(s): P (SP4) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Look for him to move back to the bullpen once the playoffs begin. With Charles Suzuki, Mo Levrault, and Don Darnell anchoring the playoff rotation.

Orber Ordaz remains the one starting pitcher without a definite role. St. Louis had attempted to trade him this season... but found little demand for him. Ultimately Eddie Bryant was the Starter that left town in a big trade involvng Pedro Santos. Ordaz is expected to eat up regular season innings, keep the bullpen fresh, and hopefully squeeze out 10-14 wins with a much improved offense behind him.

And as everyone knows, a team is only as good as it's coaching staff. St. Louis brought in Harry Belliard, a former coach from the glory days, and Sam Myers from juggernaut Pawtucket to help lead St. Louis back to thier contending days.