S19 Tornadoes preview

Texas Tornadoes

S18 record: 96-66

Finish: Second place, AL South
2010 final payroll: $ 80 million
Estimated 2011 opening day payroll: $80 million
Offseason action:
Rp Pedro Lee after a productive season in Texas got a 2 year extension. Dh Todd Scott found a better offer in the NL. SP Ronnie Leach had a bad season and played himself out of a job in Texas. Ronnie leach will be a huge impact in Tucson. LF Brian Mouton coming off a career year is still sitting on the free agent wires. Coming off a 27hr and 99RBi season, you would think there would be some interest in him. Added was Speedster 2B Edgardo Trinidad. He might find a home at the bottom of the Texas lineup and add some speed from the bench in key spots.

Reality check

Aurelio Espada Texas Tornadoes Age: 31 B/T: S/R Born: Rio San Juan, DO Position(s): 3B/IF/OF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

All-star third baseman Aurelio Espada has missed an average of 50 games a season the past 2 years. If he can play 20 more games Texas might be 100 game winners. 26 year old Ivan Crespo hit more than 45hr last season; expect more of the same as he might see action all over the field. 1B Vicente Arias no longer has an MVP form, but still has a lot of value in the lineup with his speed and power combo. He might not be worth his 14M contract, but he is still valuable to this team. SS Jared Malone might find his playing time everywhere but SS where he struggles in the field. His bat is great and can't be forgotten in the lineup. Backup Gerald Wang might allow them the luxury of starting Malone at SS and pulling him when defensive is critical. Pedro Veras will serve a similar role throughout the season. CF Howie Grace has received 2 September call-ups but hasn't shown a lot in his opportunity. This season he starts out of the gate as the heir apparent in CF. His defense leaves a lot to be desired, but he has the Texas softball bat required to play here. Last season's starter Javier Martin might find a home at 2B where his defense will be a better match and his bat can still be a factor.
The rotation is set behind Ace 3rd year man Diego Gomez, veteran Vin Delgado who is coming off should issues in season 18, 20 game winner Danny Young and prospect starters Barney Russ and Davey Gonzalez. Both Russ and Gonzalez have shown talent but have lacked consistency in their starts and have spent time in the pen as a result. Mark Voyles and Bert Sosa will be the long relief corps and should be ready to jump in for a spot start or two if needed. Benito Cortez will return as the late inning nail along with his 2 exceptional setup men Armando Segui and newly resigned Pedro Lee. If Texas can control their workload and not overwhelm them this pen will be in for good things and Cortez could be looking at a 40 save season.

Summing it up with a Quote:
"I'm ready to put up the numbers I was signed to do, my arm is completely healthy this season" -SP Vin Delgado