For the 4th time in 5 years, the Jokers made the playoff. For the 4th time, they can't bring the championship to the gambling city. But finishing in the top four, winning the AAA and AA pennants (Reno and Carson City) made the management happy. It was a very good year and a bit of a surprise if you think that Juan Ramirez left and Gordon Thornton was just not able to perform at the top level du to multiple injuries and age effect. New faces showed up like Yamamoto and the team stayed on top of the division for most of the year, except in the final week when Eureka past Vegas.
A little recap now of the season
Starters: Like every others years, Maurice Gould (18-5; 3,18) was one of the best SP in the league. In league standard, he had a very good year. In his own standard, it was just an ok year without clinching 20 victories and with an era 1 point over the one he managed two years ago. Management still please and he's by far, the best SP in the team. Derrick Scott (11-12, 4,48) is another one who saw his production decline from two years ago. Will he bounce back next year? Right now, he's the number #2 but he may be more suited in a #3 spot. Rich Barret (13-19, 4,53) return in starting role after a year in bullpen. In fact, management start him but he,s more effective in bullpen. But starting is not the strenght of the team so he may start again next year. He did a good job this year. Tom Wagner (11-5; 4,87) after a AAA recal, Wagner start winning games. He's not exactly an ace but for a #5 SP, he can match the expectation. In playoff, he was the number 4 and was hit hard. Vegas really need to improve that aspect. Finally, Bob Magee (7-4; 4,52) could be back in the rotation after a demotion to AAA during the year. He pitch well in playoff but he was in a long relief role; maybe what he could do best. If a youngster emerge, he probably will be back in the bullpen where he did well.
Relief: Nick Fox (8-5, 4,34) with his 34 saves did well in a closer role. He's one of the good arm even if he can allow the big home run in late innings. Matt Messer (5-0, 2,41) was the best relever all year long. He finnaly answer to high expectation after two years where he tried to establish himself as a very good relevers. He finnaly get there this year and he's injury during the playoff hurt a thin bullpen. Weldon Hoskins (7-4; 4,47) Another Young arm who have his up and down during the season. He improve himself during the year and the team will count on him in years to come. Charles O'connor (2-2; 3,40) had another very good year but it would be a surprise if the organisation keep him at 12 millions per year. Near 40 years old and coming back a shoulder injury, he will probably be free in november. Ernie Kuhn (4-0; 7,30) How a relever could have 0 defeat with a 7,30 era? It seem that he couldn't pitch an inning without allowing points. At 34, he will probably don't be around for a long time and if he stay, probably in a mop-op role.
Infield: Phillip Smith (.308; 19Hr, 90 RBI) had another good year. The catcher is one of the best in the league. Mitch Lyon (.267; 28Hr; 103 RBI) the power is there and a great eye (OBP .365) will be enough the assure him the first base next year. But he will need to improve his defense a bit. Jeff Wade (.346; 0HR, 34 RBI) arrive in july to strenghten the 2 base. He did very well in season where we can't ask for more. But it was more difficult in playoff where he hit only for .246. He does not have a contract for next year but the organisation will try to sign him before free agent market. Veton Zhugli (.276; 24HR; 86 RBi) He finnaly establish himself as a regular. His ability in defense make him valuable for the team because he can play all infield positions with great succes. He step up in SS late in the season after a start at third base. A season that show him blossom help to forgive a bit the Jenning transaction. Francisco Lopez (.256; 3HR; 36 RBI), Lopez should hit more if he want to stay a regular. Since he's not the best 2B or 3B defensively, a .256 average is not enough to cover his defensive flaw. He's probably more suited to be a back-up but if Wade quit, he may start at 2B.
Outfield: Kat Yamamoto (.306; 48HR, 144 RBI) was clearly the best offensive player of the team. A rookie season of 148 RBI is absolutely wonderful. He showed a little sign of fatigue at the end of the season but bounced back in playoff with 5 HR. The future of the team. Dave Lewis (.275; 5 HR, 29 RBI) a defense Genius, Lewis help every Vegas pitcher with his defensive ability. In offense, he's ok so he will probably be again in CF next year to catch as many ball as you can ask for a center fielder. Colin St.John (.322, 34HR, 116 RBI) at near 35, St.John is still productive. Another excellent season but the fact that a bunch of Young outfielders blossoms in AAA will probably push him to a DH role and help him prevent injury. St.John is an excellent teacher for all this Young promising hitters. Troy Tracy (.297, 14 HR, 80 RBI) is not a bad hitter, he did a good job on spot #1 but his innefectiveness in outfield force the team to put him in a DH role, where we can hope for more production. Is contract end and it's not clear if the team want to retain him. He could be free next month.
Bench: That was clearly not the strenght of the team. Gordon Thornton will not be back. It's a little bit sad to see how this once great player fall down quickly du to injury and age. He didn't hit for .200 and he will need to think what he want a do with his life now that his baseball career seem over. Stu Price is a very good defensive infielder but hit only .212 Jose Ortiz and David Vickerson did well when they're not asking to play everyday. Finally, Carlos Garcia after showing promises in 2014 didn't delivers last two years. He may not be back.
In minor
SP: Buddy Wills is still the best pitching prospect but seem not quite ready. Another AAA year could help him to fully develop himself. Brent Welch, the southpaw will have the chance to break the rotation but he's not an ace. In AAA, the best arm is probably Yamashita who have an excellent year in a closer role. Will he be able to start some game? His past make us doubt about it but he will be in the mix in 2016.
Hitter: Doug Manning is ready to jump in major league and probably have an impact. Not quite big as Yamamoto but he could be a nice surprise. Bruce Joyner will probably move in major too. Maybe not in a regular role but he could step up if someone get injured. Finally Octavio Garcia is another gem who need to polish a little bit his skill before joining the team. He could Anchor the attack in AAA next year. Nick McBride is another outfielder who could have an impact in a near future. He will start in AAA but who knows waht he can do there.
In conclusion, Las vegas will probably be a contender next year too.
