1. Bowling Green Hot Rods, 90-72
Key Losses: None
Key Additions: SP Carlos Martinez, SP Matt Barnes, SP Jered Weaver, SP Mat Latos, MR Mike Adams, MR Francisco Rodriguez, LF Carlos Gonzalez, CF Andrew McCutchen, RF Gioncarlo Stanton
Prospect To Watch: SP Ken Holman
Outlook:
After finishing with the league’s worst record, Bowling Green’s front office decided to be proactive. The best way to turn around the league’s worst team is to simply go acquire a whole new team, and that’s essentially what happened. Look at all of those key additions! 6 pitchers and an entirely new outfield, and the player formerly known as Matt Kemp wasn’t even mentioned.
Bowling Green traded several very good prospects, but by willingly adding millions of dollars in salary, the team looks poised to win the new look Heartland League East. The pitching staff looks to be both talented and deep, a necessity this season as the league jumps to 162 games.
Ken Holman was acquired at the deadline last season, as Bowling Green traded Justin Verlander to land the former top 5 pick. After struggling mightily for two seasons with the Frisco organization, Holman seemed to put it together with Bowling Green. Assigned to the team’s A-ball affiliate, Holman made 3 starts, going 2-1 with a 1.31 ERA, striking out over 10 batters per 9 innings. He’s likely a season and a half away from making a big league contribution, but the talent level is high. If he can continue to pitch to his abilities, he should be a top 10 prospect at this point next season.
The Heartland League East looks to be a tough division to predict. Whoever can pick up the most wins against Mahoning Valley might end up with the division. Sometimes it’s as simple as winning the games you’re supposed to win. After being the league’s worst team, Bowling Green will take any kind of wins this season. A worst to first finish would be quite an accomplishment for the Hot Rods, but after the team’s off-season it’s within reach. Now let’s play some games.
