Playbal... the 2018 edition of Las Vegas Jokers

2017 was a difficult year. The Jokers wish to rebound in 2018. The owner target a .500 ball club but management believe the team could win a little bit more games then 82. Will it be enough to going back in playoff, nobody knows but players will try to stay competitive all year long, even if Eureka and K-C are now two powerhouse.

Pitching: The rotation did very well in spring training. Jose Serrano posted a 4-0; 2,25 era in march. Everybody wish he could bring this excellence to the real season. Lou Latulippe will continu to develop but he's already a solid #2. Bob Magee and Derrick Scott will occupy spot #3 and 4 and finally, Buddy Wills will take the last spot. He had some difficult showing in spring trainning but management believe he have more upside then Brent Welsh. So he will start on the rotation and we'll see if he can stay there. Is number one start will be against the reigning champion; Kansas City. A good test. Wills started 3 times in 2017 and did well with a 2.21 era.

In relief, there's a lot of improvement needed. Last year, the team could'nt get the job done in last inning. So with Sixto Lavio and Yamashita, we expect a better ending. Yamashita had a strong training camp with 9 saves and a 2.79 era. Last year, he played yo-yo between starter and closer and that did not help him. This year, he will stay in bullpen, no mather what happen in the starting rotation. He won the job in front of Robinson Fernandez, who did very well but will be back in AAA to gain more experience. But don't be surprise if he's call-up sooner then later. The others relievers, Solis, Hoskins and Fox need to upgrade their play. If they can pitch like they did in spring training, the team could surprise if the relief do a good job.

Infield: Only one change in the infield, the young Valentin Alverado will take the 2B job. He still could improve at bat but his defense will be an upgrade over Sasaki. Philip Smith, Mitch Lyon, Adrian Brown and Veton Zhugli will complete the infield. Management expect a better defense this year, that's why they sacrifice a bit of offense to obtain it.

Outfield: Probably the strenght of the team with Yamamoto and Babi. The two players will hit many homers and drive a lot of run. Each year, Las vegas attack is one of the best in TML. In center field, Bruce Joyner will take #1 spot on the lineup. He need to continu his good work. Finally, Colin St.John will take the DH spot. At 36, he's still one of the best hitter in the league. The management will have to decide if they offer him another contract or not.

So everyone he's ready in Vegas. PLAYBALL!