BURLINGTON SPORTS FROGS - 2018
After battling their way to a division title in the closing days of the season, the Sports Frogs went on a tear through the playoffs, dropping just one postseason game en route to capturing the inaugural Swamp Baseball League title. The offseason, however, saw an exodus of several key players and former prospects. The Frogs will look to some of last year's part-timers along with some new faces to pick up the slack as they begin the quest to defend their crown.
STARTING LINEUP
2018 Salary: $8.1 M
Though overshadowed somewhat by wlu_lax and Pruitt,
A_B secured an All-Star berth with a fine season of his own. He also established himself as a team leader, as evidenced by his drunken late-night PMs to his manager offering to give other guys playing time. One of the league's better-hitting catchers, A_B has a nice, even stroke and good power to the gaps. He is a dependable defensive catcher who can also play first in a pinch. He continues to be slow as shit on the basepaths.
Head Scout says: "To call A_B a perfectionist is an understatement."
2018 Salary: $9.6 M (contract year)
Brontoburglar put up outstanding numbers during his time in the lineup, and might have contended for a batting title had he not been such a delicate snowflake, suffering no fewer than eight injuries over the course of the season. Bronto may not have the big-time power of some first basemen, but his smooth stroke and good batting eye should again translate into a high average and OBP. He is a slick fielder who can also play the outfield when needed.
Head Scout says: "Brontoburglar has a good head on his shoulders."
2018 Salary: $25.2 M (contract year)
wlu_lax's infamous sociopathy did not get in the way of a stellar season, as he led the conference in WAR and finished second in MVP voting. He remains the team's consensus best player, with outstanding all-around batting talents that regularly put him near the top of the leaderboards in the Triple Crown categories. In the field, he is sure-handed with good range, and skilled at turning the double play. Last year's scouting report described wlu_lax as "greedy, lazy, disloyal, and devoid of leadership skills...basically a cornucopia of every bad personality trait," and there's no indicator so far that's changed. Will be interesting to see how playing for a potential mega-contract will affect his outlook both on the field and in the clubhouse.
Head Scout says: "wlu_lax has very little loyalty and often shows a lack of effort."
2018 Salary: $765K
With sancarlos out of the picture,
Ryan is tentatively penciled in as the Sports Frogs' new starting shortstop, and has been hard at work this offseason in the hope of adding new skills to his arsenal, such as hitting the ball past the infield. He projects to be a fair contact hitter with minimal power, and with above-average speed and basestealing instincts. Having split time at both middle infield positions, he has good range, though his subpar arm may not make him the everyday answer at short.
Head Scout says: "Ryan is cocksure to the point of annoyance."
2018 Salary: $16.0 M
Fan favorite
Pruitt returns from an All-Star campaign to hold down the hot corner. With power to all fields, Pruitt is a perennial threat to finish among the league leaders in HRs. His long, looping swing curtails his average somewhat, but he won't strike out as much as some other power hitters. In the field he is adequate if unspectacular, with a solid arm, though he committed an uncharacteristic 26 errors last year. His strong work ethic has endeared him to the fans, who responded enthusiastically to his 4-year contract extension.
Head Scout says: "Pruitt's media savvy is unparalleled." When by asked by reporters for comment, Pruitt replied, "Fuck off."
2018 Salary: $6.0 M
bapo! established himself as the Sports Frogs' "glue guy," which is code for saying he had a thoroughly mediocre season at every aspect of the game. With the Frogs' outfield depth chart less crowded, he'll get another chance to make his mark. At the plate, bapo! is a decent singles-and-doubles hitter, but not too much of a power threat. His speed is just above average, but he is a savvy runner who will sneak an occasional steal. He is an adequate outfielder.
Head Scout says: "bapo! has very little hustle and is slow to catch on."
2018 Salary: $816K
EnochRoot, who came into last spring looking like a marginal major leaguer, emerged to have a surprisingly fine season as the Sports Frogs' regular center fielder after BSF faltered. As a hitter, Enoch posted a good average with decent power, though he struggled against lefties (.218 BA) and will likely be platooned at least some of the time. He is fleet on the basepaths and can fill all three outfield positions with good range.
Head Scout says: "EnochRoot never causes even a hint of trouble."
2018 Salary: $3.8M
Hip-hop impresario/renaissance man
Gunpowder managed to harness his raw power before most scouts thought he was ready, swatting 20 homers in just over 200 at-bats last year. With duff's departure, Gunpowder takes over the everyday RF spot, but will need to refine his "uppercut like a mofo" approach to hitting after having struck out in nearly a quarter of his at-bats. Gunpowder has fair speed and is a heads-up runner and sure-handed fielder.
Head Scout says, cryptically: "Gunpowder stays out of trouble."
