Future Look : Portland Killer Whales

In this series we will take a look at some of the teams in Plumpy and analyze their future. Including projected starting lineup, rotation, bench and what pieces they may need to acquire.

First up in the series will be the Portland Killer Whales.

Portland Killer Whales (AL) indiansrck27 View Hardball Dynasty Profile

The Killer Whales biased or non biased may very well have the best minor league system of all teams in Plumpy. stacked with top of th erotation SP, back end SP who can become top guys inside Portlands home park, and great position players. So lets start it off with Portlands future starting lineup.

ETA: Season 18 is when the Killer Whales lineup could come full circle.

Lineup

C - J.B. Scott - Scott projects to have only average contact and power but that came be over came by his superior eye and ability to hit the ball versus both R and L pitchers. He will hit for a high averag ebut mostly singles are in his future. If Scott even sniffs the stats he piled up in S15 on the way to a dominanting MVP season this comp pick will make everyone who skippe dhim cringe.

Current Level AA
ETA : Season 17

1B - Bruce Kohlmeier - Kohlmeier is one of the few players that remained with the organization since Irck has taken over a GM some 7 seasons ago. Kohlmeier is a speed contact hitting 1B who gets rave reviews from GM Irck and thats why he has stuck. He is an all around great player and good thigns are expected.

Current Level : ML

2B - Wascar Nunez - Wascar was the big IFA signing in season 14 by the Killer Whales. Nunez projects to be a good contact hitter with a great eye. Like JB Scott Wascar had a monster year in AA last year and look sto buil don his success. If eh can stay healthy Nunez will be a staple in Portland for years to come.

Current Level : AA
ETA : Season 17

SS - Tomas Calvo - Tomas Calvo was the big IFA signing of season 15. Calvo projects to be a stud defensive SS with speed to swipe 40 SB a year. Versus lefties Calvo will become a great hitter, but the knock on him is the inability to hit righties. It remains to be seen if he can have any success versus them. GM Irck loves Calvo though, and was not deterred by his VS R.

Current Level : High A
ETA : Season 18

3B - TBD The Killer Whales currently do not have their future 3B. GM Irck has stated that he hopes to bring in a college 3B to be the future, or possibly an IFA who is not far off from the majors.

LF - Randy Raines - One of the biggest steals in season 13s draft Randy Raines fell to pick 46 in the comp round where the Killer Whales were estatic about the kid. 3 seasons later Portland couldnt be happier wit the development. Raines projects t have great contact, solid power and solid versus lefties and righties. He is no superstar but he will be a good every day COF. Add some speed and a good eye and Raines will have a great career.

Current Level : AAA
ETA : Season 17

CF - Pete Beckham - Beckham moves from 2B to CF for the Killer Whales where his high contact and speed are being raved about inside the Whales clubhouse. Beckham doesnt have your prototypical CF glove but it hasnt hurt him so far.

Current Level : ML

RF - Trevor Winn - Winn like Beckham has high contact and speed and like beckham will be looked upon to start the offense and score runs. If the Whales dismal offense ever wants to be a factor Winn needs to hit for a high average like he can.

Current Level : ML


DH - Damaso Delgado - Already going into his second seasons Damaso delgado is one of the best hitters in baseball. Last seasons ROTY look sto build on his massive year. If he can play in more games than he has previously he is a perrenial MVP candidate even in the extreme pitching park of Portland.

Current Level : ML

Pitching

SP - Del Moya - 1 of 3 big IFA signings of season 13 by the Killer Whales. Moya projects to be a #1 or #2 depending on Vic Pena. Moya projects to have great control, can pitch versus L and R, high velocity, and keeps the ball out of the air. The only knock is that MOya only has 2 quality pitches, although they are ++ projected it remains to be seen if MLers any mor eluck than the MiLers.

Current Level: AAA
ETA : Season 16 (after 21 games) - Season 17

SP - Vic Pena - The 6th pitcher taken in the S13 draft but arguablly one of the top 3 if not #1 so far. Pena projects to have top not contorl, dominating versus R and great versus L. Pena keeps th eball out of the air and projects to have 3 +++ pitches. Moya and Pena will be fighting for the coveted #1 SP position.

Current Level: AAA
ETA : Season 16 (after 21 games) - Season 17

SP - Lloyd Brock - Brock was the most recent addition to the stockpile and I mean stockpile of Killer Whale pitching prospects. Like MOya and Pena Brock projects to a #1 or #2 SP. He projects to have high control, great splits dominant versus R, throws hard and keeps it out of the air. PLus he has 2 ++ pitches, and 2 potential + pitches.

Current Level: High A
ETA : Season 18

SP - Miguel Maranon - Miguel Maranon has been with the Whales for a few seasons now and has impressed. Maranon is great versus R and is still developing versus L. Maranon throws hard but has trouble forcing GB. He has 1 ++ pitch, 1 + and 1 potential + pitch.

Current Level: ML

SP - Alving Alou - Alving alou in his 2 ML years has had a wild career. His rookie season he only went 9-6 with a 2.83 ERA. Then last seaosn he went 8-18 with a 5.02 ERA including 13 straight losses. Alou is great versus L but only average against R. The way Alou will overcome his Vs R defeciancies is with his 2++ pitches and 3 + pitches, and the ability to keep the ball on the ground.

Current Level: ML

LR - Mike Dobson - The 18th pick in last seasons draft Dobson could probably be a SP on 80% of the teams in Plumpy but not with the Killer Whales. Dobson projects to have excellent control and is good versus lefties and righties. Dobson throws hard, keeps it down and projects to have 1 ++ and 2 + pitches. Dobson could eventually vie for a spot in the rotation but if the current projected 5 stay on course it is doubtful. Dobson is the first of 4 very good LR the Killer Whales look to have.

Current Level: Low A
ETA: Season 18

LR - Norman Boyd - Norman Boyd is currently in the Whales rotation but only until the rest of the guys are ready. Boyd posted 12 wins and a 3.90 ERA last season so its not his fault he wil be pumped its the level of talent around him. Boyd has great control, and great versus lefties. Like Alou he lacks versus righties. BOyd ha s1 ++ pitch and 2 +. a fine LR BOyd will make. If he stays with the team. BOyd is being shopped.

Current Level: ML

LR - Miguel Urbina - The lesser known of the 3 IFA signed during season 3. Urbina projects to have just average control, but good splits, 1 ++ pitch, 2 + pitches, throws hard and of course keeps the ball out of the air.

Current Level: AA
ETA: Season 17

LR - Ricardo Pineiro - The very first draft pick made by GM Irock was Piniero. Piniero did not come close to what he was projected at coming out of the draft. But he has been a great piece so far. Winning Season 14s ROTY. Piniero is a workhorse with grat control, but only average splits. His ability to keep the ball out of the air and havign 1 ++ pitch and 2+ pitches helps him over come his defeciancy. Piniero ha sa career 3.64 ERA in 2 seasons and will remain in th erotation until Pena and Moya get the call.

Current Level: ML

SU - Aurelio Santana - The current ML closer Aurelio Santana has excelletn control, but only slightly above average splits which holds him back form becoming an elite closer. He throws hard but has trouble forcing ground balls. He also features one of the single best pitchesin all of Plumpy his fast ball, and then a + pitch in his slider.

Current Level: ML

SU - Vince Richardson is better control away from beign an elite closer. He has excellent splits, throws hard, keeps it down, and has 1 ++ pitches, and 2 + pitches. Richardson has been a staple in the back end of the Killer Whales pen for the last 5 seasons yet he has not shown the productivity expected due to his wild and erratic pitching.

Current Level: ML

SU - Alfonso Villano - Villano has good control, and good but not great splits. He has a ++ pitch, and a + pitch and like the majority of Whale pitchers great GBFB ratios. Villano is the type of pitcher who could become great in the killer Whales home park.

Current Level : AAA
ETA : Season 17

CL - Joshua James - Joshua James features great control, and good splits. like any good closer he throws hard and keeps it down. He features 1 ++ pitch, and 1 + pitch. It remains to be seen if James can hold onto his CL of the future roll.

Current Level : AAA
ETA : Season 16 - 17


There is alot of young talent in the majors and minors for the Killer Whales and if they can all come together sooner rather than later this team will be a formidable opponent for everyone in Plumpy. This concludes the look into the future of the Portland Killer Whales.

Season 16 - Rumors

Chicago Fatties

Miguel Lopez, coming off a solid offensive year, is available for trade. Lopez is hitting his first arbitration hearing and the Fatties are reportedly looking for any prospects, but are hoping to get offers involving starting pitchers or shortstops.

Aubrey Rupe and his expiring contract are being shopped. Rupe has 149 career saves at age 29, including 43 just last season (out of 46 attempts).

Memphis Problems

Phillip Spiers, entering his second arbitration hearing, has a .301 avg, .368 OBP, and .879 OPS for his ML career…and he’s available.

Josh Mills and Sal Wilkerson are also available. Memphis is looking to get a bit younger as the team is not quite ready to compete this year.

Montgomery Burns

Winners of 10 of 15 division titles, and playoff participants 13 of those 15, Monty is facing stiff competition in the NL South. A good GM recognizes this and when reached for comment says “I am seriously shopping everyone.” Most other GMs want to know, “does that include Todd Ford?” The short answer is “yes, but” as it will have to be a major deal. Monty has some very nice Starters available, a few stud relievers, and some great everyday players. Monty is looking for elite prospects in return.

Bottom line for anyone who has watched the Burns franchise over the “years,” you know management will make all the right moves (even if it isn’t making a move). Although not a fire sale, this is a good opportunity to take a look at the talent Monty has available.

Oklahoma City Cyclones

Moises Bravo is available (ok, so maybe this isn’t new news). He is in his final year of his contract, the OKC management is willing to pay some of his contract off. Possible destinations could be NL teams looking for depth or an AL team looking to take a flier on a one year solution at DH. Bravo has been hoping his opposite field stroke will land him in Boston, but it is unclear whether Boston management is as enamored with him.

Philadelphia Regulators

Another team in transition similar to Montgomery. The Regulators are looking to replace Che Ong in Right Field and are looking for a power bat to play in that spot. They have young starting pitching to offer, but if they can't fill that need look for Geoffrey McNamara and Dan Percival to be available for prospects.

San Juan Elephant Seals

MVP candidate Ivan Rivas is available for the right price. He’s reportedly seeking 7 million in arbitration or a 4y/5.6m contract extension.

LRP Dan Regan (4.0 arb) and setup guy Ed Nunnari (1.3 arb) are available. All-Star Gary Ducey is also available. He is reportedly seeking 4.4 in his second arbitration hearing.

San Juan is also listening to offers for prospects like: OF Santiago Amaral, 1B BC Romero, and SP Julius Flair. In exchange SJU will be looking for a stud CF or a dominant Starting Pitcher (or even two).

Scranton Boll Weevils

The Boll Weevils likely will have a quiet offseason, but they are rumored to be after a strong utility infielder. Word is the Boll Weevils management will place a call or two to Atlanta (likely targets include Lee and Aguilera) to fill this need.

Tacoma Chicken Dance

No one interesting is on the block at the moment, but sources inside the organization insist there may be a major name shopped later.

Tacoma is looking to fill the bench. Management is looking to target players who may be a salary dump or possibly a non-tender.

Tampa Bay Pirates

Word around Tampa is Tony Carrasco is available. Now blessed with a rich farm system, Pirates management may also be willing to part with prospects who below the AAA level in order to make a big splash for the right player. By all indications the ideal target for Tampa Bay is a young shortstop.

Season 13, Y.O.P. Review (season 15)

With the minor leagues about to enter their phase of the world series, and their major league equivalents having moved on to round 2 already, I thought this was a good time to review the past season from season 13's draft class and how they stack up going forward.

Glen_Brett cracked Tampa's rotation out of spring training and put together a very solid rookie campaign in the majors. In 32 starts, Glen posted 12 wins to 8 losses, w/ a tidy 3.61 ERA and a very solid 184/68 strikeout to walk ratio. Brett lived up to his workhorse reputation by throwing 200+ innings for the second straight season with no signs of levelling off.

After an injury marred season 14, Walter_Pote bounced back w/ a respectable season in AA. Despite a lossing record (9-11), the surprise 2nd pick of the draft sported a sub 4.00 ERA w/ a solid 1.35 WHIP and a near 3:1 K to BB ratio. An early season trade to the Chicago organization highlighted Pote's resurection season as he aims to get back on track and prove he was not the reach so many scouts proclaimed him to be when his name went off the board, and thus far, Chicago's scouts claim to feel comfortable with his development and will remain patient to reap the full rewards of their trade.

Craig_Winston began the season laying the hammer to High A competition before a mid-season promotion to AA. Once in AA he took his game to another level besting his H-A numbers across the board. In 17 AA starts, Winston went 13-1 w/ a 2.63 ERA, and near 1.00 WHIP. While his K/9 & BB/9 numbers fell off a bit in the move from H-A to AA, he still put together a solid 2-1 K:BB ratio, recording over 8 strikeouts per 9 innings in AA. Scouts continue to rave about his development, which now includes (2) ++ pitches, and (2) above average to + pitches. While many feel he's ready for the show next year, the Bad Logos plan to give him 1 year of seasoning in AAA before a mid-may promotion in season 17.

When their draft spot came up, KC put a blind eye to all the pitching talent that season and pulled Zeke_Evans name out of the hat. With several top level pitchers drafted in season's past, KC had a big need at 2b and planned to let Evans fill that role. Despite a less than aspiring cup of coffee in the bigs, Zeke shined in AAA in season 15. Zeke's gap power started to display the home run power predicted of him when drafted with 32 long balls and 96 rbi. Though some question if Zeke will ever have the contact rate or batting eye to be a true leadoff hitter, once on base, he makes the best of it. His 20 stolen bases in 24 attempts in AAA this season is in line w/ his 82% success rate thus far in his minor league career. W/ exception range and a developing glove, expect to see Zeke turn more than his share of web gems as he looks ready to stick in the majors.

Arizona continues to take it 1 step at a time w/ season 13, 5th overall pick Lyle_Hines and Lyle has rewared them by improving his production at each step (Season 13 in rookie ball, 14 in low A, and 15 in High A). All Lyle did this year was post a 19-4 record in H-A along w/ a 2.39 ERA and 1.09 WHIP. Scouts continue to be pleased w/ this development. Expect Lyle to compete for the AA Cy-young next year, the AAA Cy-Young in season 17 and a spot in the major league all star game in season 18 at this pace.

After a 9 start stretch in AA as a 19 year old to end last season, Boomer_Conroy spent all season in AA and vastly improved his stat lines across the board, while continuing to improve his skill set. In 27 starts, Boomer went 12-7 w/ a 2.76 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and a 3 to 1 K:BB ratio. Consider Boomer ready for AAA along with much of Season 13's pitching class next year and a season 17 major league debut if not a cup of coffee next season.

Chad_Pride continues to throw dominating stuff in short stints as originally predicted by him in his post draft review. Despite averaging just 5.2 innings per his 29 starts, Chad was able to pickup 12 wins to just 8 losses with a 3.31 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, and a sominating 8.6 Ks per 9 innings. In season 14, Chad managed 140 innings in 29 starts, this year he threw 160 innings in 29 starts; if he continues on the same pace, throwing 180 innings in AAA next year, he'll be ready for a 200 inning work load in the majors in season 13. While he may rarely pick up a complete game, his 6-7 innings a night should be filthy.

Despite being the 6th high school arm in season 13's draft, Vic_Pena was the 1st of the top level of starters to reach AAA and almost forced Portland to bring him up for the playoff push late in the year. In 17 AAA starts, Vic threw 100+ innings of 12 win, 4 loss ball. Top that with a miniscul 2.23 ERA and 1.13 Whip as well as a near 3:1 K to BB ratio and its easy to see why some think Pena might have the most stuff in this draft class.

Boots_Gonzales made a mid-season move from Cleveland to San Fran in season 14 and while his slash lines in his repeat peformance in AA leveled off to slightly worsening, Boots still put up numbers that continue to impress. 14-5 overall, w/ a 3.21 ERA and 1.14 WHIP show that Boots is ready for the jump to AAA and should debute in the majors in season 17 like most of his other fellow HS draftees of that season.

Season 13s premier closer Harold_Aspromonte has a season he'd like to forget. After his promotion from H-A to AA, Harold gave up a 1.62 WHIP and .300+ OAV. However, Scouts we've talked to insist that Harold's stuff remains nasty as ever and continues to improve and once he's contending for fireman of the year awards, we'll all forget his season 15 just as quickly as he'd like us to. The future remains bright for the back of Baltimore's bullpen.

Tacoma has taken the same approach with their top draft pick from season 13 Rene_Richardon moving him up 1 level a season w/ great results to back up their development approach. Rene went 13-2 w/ a sub 3.00 era and 1.17 WHIP in High A ball this season. Rene still struggles to recover between starts, but when he's on the mound he's dominating.

Overall, I'd say the cream of season 13's crop took a significant step up in production in season 15 almost across the board. Even going a bit deeper in the draft there we're many others worthy of mentioning and keeping track of. Expect season 17 & 18 to be a bumper crop of young talent enfusion into the majors.