3. Austin Bats, 84-78
Key Losses: MR Francisco Rodriguez, C Salvador Perez, 3B Chase Headley
Key Additions: SP Doug Fister, SP Homer Bailey, SP Josh Johnson, 2B Derek Dietrich
Prospect to Watch: SP Joe Campbell
Outlook:
After missing out on the playoffs by one game last season, Trey and his Austin Bats made a few big moves this off-season. The team traded their starting backstop, Sal Perez, in a package landing them two elite prospects. Headley and K-Rod both left via free agency, although when this went to publish Headley remained a free agent.
The team focused on adding starting pitching depth, undoubtedly gearing up for the longer season like so many other teams. Fister should have a bounce back season after struggling last year, and Bailey and Johnson should eat innings when necessary with a little upside. Dietrich has mashed minor league pitching and was deserving of a big league shot, but $8 million a year seems a bit steep. While Austin improved it’s overall depth, they’ll need a major bounce back season from Fister to contend in the division all season long.
Joe Campbell might be able to provide even more depth, as the team’s top pitching prospect is coming off an impressive late season performance in AA. He’s got the talent right now to pitch in the big leagues, although there’s no reason to rush him. I’d imagine the team will give him at least a few starts in the minors, at either AA or AAA, before giving him the keys to their rotation.
