2017 Report

Infield

The Mile High infield faced much instability and never really got settled into a groove.  For five years you could count on Callum Ritchie at short and super star Jeff Wade at second.  The loss of Wade to free agency was certainly felt and Ritchie finally got himself benched at the all star break.  It looks like the Mustangs won't exercise Ritchie's team option marking the end of an era.

One of the few bright spots for the season was Mashashi Kogawa's play at first base.  He was the only Mustang with 600 at bats and led the team with 90 RBI.  Previous unanimous vote all star Francisco Morales had a disappointing year as he bounced around between all infield positions and never really got comfortable.  Heydar Botsvade and Randy Bingham battled back and forth for playing time.  It is yet to be determined if either can be a long term option.

Watch out for stud 2B prospect Sosa Mizuno to break through and be an impact player in the next couple of years.

Outfield

Lots of experimenting happened in the outfield as well.  24 year old Harold Poole was another bright spot.  He put in time in all three outfield positions and ended up with a positive zone rating everywhere.  He also managed a .278 batting average which is like .380 if you are not a Mustang.  Long awaited Jim Richter finally made his major league debut with marginal success.  If nothing else his speed and defense should keep him around.  Jeff Kent who was obtained in the Tim McCreary trade looks like a good asset as well.  Josuke Sato has proved to be more of a DH on a team that doesn't need another one.  His future as a Mustang is in jeopardy.

Watch out for stud prospects Manuel Aguilar, Tetsuo Chikuda and Mitch Wolf.

Catcher

Defensive studs Len Brewer and Randy Gibson have seen the lions share of the playing time over the first 6 seasons.  Neither are likely to be a part of the organization next season.  25 year old Shane Bunch broke into the majors this season and looks like he might know which end of the bat to hold on to.  He is not quite as good at stopping the ball but trying to run on him is still pretty risky.  Orlando Hernandez is likely to get the starting nod.  He has been screaming for playing time for a couple of years and next season will get his chance.

Starting Pitchers

The Mustang starters ranked 9th in the TML with an ugly 5.13 ERA.  A good chunk of the problems may be chalked up to a young GM that is still learning the ins and outs of the system.  At least four members of the rotation should return in the hopes that better coaching decisions result in improved performance.  Manuel Ruiz, Scott Wilson, Cliff Stevens and Kevin Landry have all been given a free pass on a forgettable season.

Bullpen

Contracts will force the Mustangs hand and keep David Reynolds and Joe Russell around.  Young stud Leon King was the third of three bright spots in the 2017 season.  We'll be happy to keep him around.  The rest is too be determined at the moment.

The pressure is really on now with the Tornadoes winning it all.  How long does it take to go worst to first?  I like our chances in 2020.  Here come the Mustangs!