This long time world has consistently had a great group of veteran HBD owners that love to compete and harass one another. Austin is the only available franchise keeping us from starting the season. Join today and we'll begin. Here's a review of the team:
Former Austin Franchise (85-77, 2nd pl)
This team has an interesting history of long time owners. While the last owner only stayed for 3 seasons, each ended with the team above .500, topped by the 1st seasons 98 win team. The dynamic duo of Gregorio Bonifacio (48, 131, .307) & Houston Spivey (47, 134, .305) lead a powerful attack that scored 888 runs and hit .281. This team's offense only has two shortcomings, speed (87/128 SB) and two starters hitting less than .260, neither of these are huge issues but if the new owner wants to find something to change, these would be the two areas of concern.
The team's 4.32 ERA isn't horrible, however the last 2 spots in the rotation were suspect and bringing in another couple of starters would help out, especially if it were to push the current #2-#3 starters were pushed down in the rotation. The bullpen will also need a few upgrades, three additions would be perfect if it's determined that the back end of the bullpen didn't just have a down year. This team only used 11 pitchers at the ML level last season. A testament to their ability to avoid injury and endurance to handle the long season. Yet enhancements are needed to help this team make a deep run.
This team is in very good shape. While adding to the offense would be wise, the emphasis on making changes to the pitching staff should be the main focus. This could be a good project for a vet owner or a newbie. A vet would have the knowledge to make the upgrades, and a newbie could play the cards he was dealt making only minor changes this season while they get their feet under them.