Altoona Curve: 2023 Offensive Preview

Altoona had a rough 2022 campaign, that’s to say the least. The team staggered to a 63-99 record and was last or second to last in every pitching catergory in the HL. Even with this dismal campaign not to far behind them members of the organization seem excited and optimistic for the 2023 campaign.

The Offseason start off quite odd after Altoona fired former manager John Bonifay and hired former Vallejo manager Mike Scioscia. After a week of optimism coming from Scioscia in a surprising move he decided to retire. The team later signed former Charolotte manager Tom Prince. The team feels like Prince can help turn that dismal pitching staff around. Also noteable staff changes are Mike Butcher signing on as Pitching Coach and making Tommy Gregg the new hitting coach.

With GM Justin Zima saying his team is virtually done with trading in the offseason and all indications that the team won’t pursue any free agents aggressively it’s time for our Altoona Curve 2023 preview…

OFFENSE

C A.J. Jimenez- Jimenez isn’t expected to much with his bat for this Altoona team. The team feels like his defense will help the team win ball games and help the pitching staff produce at a much needed higher level. Jimenez won’t light up any stat book but the team seems thrilled to have him and love his intangibles.

Backup C Tanner Norton- Norton was on this Altoona team last year, as of right now he seems to be the back up but the organization has room to improve he grades out at average or below average in just about every catergory.

1B Kurt Olson- Olson recently just signed a 4 year deal with the team. It doesn’t take a scientist to see he’s a fan favorite but also an organizations dream. Olson has produced every year and looks to continue being the staple in Altoonas lineup.

1B/LF Mike Papi- Recently acquired from Dancouver Papi appears to have the back up 1B and back up LF role. He’s hit at a CBL level but his last year for Dancouver was pretty terrible. Only time will tell if the change of location will reinvigorate his career.

2B Juan “Stud” Hernandez- Another Acquistion from Dancouver. Hernandez seems to have already meshed well with the Altoona team, one player even said “he’s a leader, I’ve known him for 2 weeks but man he can light a fire under us” Hernandez probably won’t hit all that well but he’s another defensive stud.

2B/3B Anthony Rendon- Rendon should be a nice offensive contributor off the bench and we’ll see just how much play time he ends up getting but all indication point to Hernandez being the new starting second basemen.

SS John Aiello- Aiello had quite the first season last year with Altoona. The organization loves this young shortstop. His stat line last year was pretty exciting .308/.362/.503 and Altoona believes he has more season like this ahead of him. HC Tommy Gregg even said “Aiello is the most pure hitter on our club”

3B Jimmy Small- Small is still waiting to break out offensively for Altoona and the team believes he’s going to turn the corner in 2023, that being said he’s helped the team tremendously on defense and look for him to only get better at every aspect of the game. The organization seems to be very high on Small.

LF Colin Yelich- This man is a fan favorite and the other players on the team seem to love him. His approach at the is fantastic and the club expects him to have another good season. Seems very consistent. No one ever expect Yelich would break out in Altoona like he has but all indication point to him being around for quite sometime.

CF Leonardo Molina- Molina is recently acquired from Charolotte. Molina is very speedy and seems to be up for the task of helping this Altoona lineup. Only time will tell if Molina will live up to the early projection he had coming out of the CBL draft.

4th OF Tanner English- English is an X factor for Altoona. He plays every outfield position tremendously. If he could hit even a little bit for Altoona I can see him being a fan and organizational favorite in no time.

RF Steve Carlton- Carlton is praised upon in the front office of Altoona. He’s fast, hits for contact, and very rarely strikes out. Carlton could be one of the best base stealers in the game today and he’s still young and growing. Altoona expects him to breakout this season.

DH Jose Marin- Marin had a fantastic rookie season offensively last year but struggled terribly on defense. We expect manager Tom Prince to play Marin at DH not only for his rough defensive play but also to give Marin every chance he can to stay healthy. Marin hit for a high average and swiped bags with ease, the organization expects Marin to be a productive contributor on the top of the lineup.

Stay tuned tomorrow as we dive deep into the projected 2023 pitching for the Altoona Curve!

 

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