Closer but not there yet....

The Jokers finish the year with a record of 88-74. They achieved their goal to be competitive all year long but fall 4 games short to gain a playoff spot. Next year, fans will put pressure to be back in October dance.

But there's a lot of positive around the team this year. First of all, the starting rotation. Led by a young Lou Latulippe who finish at 19-4, the team was 5 in the TM league for era. That's way better of what the team did habitually. Of course, the Lucky Seven ballpark are clearly hitter friendly so that's a great show-up by the starter. Jose Serrano and Bob Magee have both made many quality starts. So for the first time, the starter will not be a problem in Vegas next year.

Relief will. Vegas pen suffer a lot this year. Of course, it,s important to notice that a bunch of youngster were thrown into action. The closer, Yamashita, had some up and down but he manage to save 33 games, not bad. Weldon Hoskins pitched more then 100 innings and finish with an era under 4.00. Robinson Fernandez and Pancho Romero showed good things too. Of course adding one good arms could help next year.  On the negative side, Sixto Lavio, who pitched extremely well in 2017, had a difficult year, loosing 7 games and posting an 5.03 ERA. Another who had a difficult year is  JR Adams. The kid show promises but need time to develop.

Valentin Alvarado; 45 HR 119 RBI

On the offense, Phillip Smith had a great year, finishing third in the league for batting average with .354 It was a nice surprise by this vet who come back strong after two difficult years. The team finish second in the league for batting average and home run. In that departement, Valentin Alverado who hit 45 was the biggest surprise of the year. He join a terrific attack who finish with 5 guys over 100 rbi (Lyons, 139; Yamamoto, 130; St.John 123; Alverado 119 and Baba 118) and 3 with more then 40 hr. So offense is not a clearly not a problem.



The end for St.John?

Colin St.John

One of the greatest hitter in ABL history, Colin St.John may be on his way out. The near 37 vet ask for a long term contract, something the team doesn't want to agree. Right now, both side stay on their position what could push St.John on free agent market. It could be a big lost for the Jokers but 2 or 3 youngsters are ready to step up, Joe Kennedy is the one who will probably play regular in left field if the team can't keep his veterant.




So we wont expect many move in the off season for the Jokers. But with this nexus, the expectation will be higher next year. Fans will clearly want a playoff spot.