The Wickford Walnuts came into this off-season looking for a face lift on the image of a team run by two homosexuals. While many still keep the homo-gloss going, 4th grade style, the Walnuts’ rejuvenation project actually began years ago when they took over Ben Moss’ poorly named, Red Sox Haters.
One of the key acquisitions was adding Matt Kemp in a horribly one-sided trade from the Pandas for Jeff Francis and Ian Stewart. The Pandas had the last laugh that season, upsetting the Carbombs on their way to the 2008 title, but the trade still leaves a bitter taste with the Panda faithful.
The Pandas once again got bested in another regrettable trade with the Brendy Ownership Corp for Mark Reynolds in exchange for then top-5 prospect Franklin Morales, a roll of the dice for both teams that clearly favored the Nuts. Reynolds had what may end up being a career year in 2009, hitting 40 homeruns and even more surprisingly adding 24 stolen bases along with hitting a respectable 260 despite striking out 223 times.
Another key trade occurred in a blockbuster deal with the Carbombs who acquired Mark Teixeira for Justin Morneau and Justin Verlander. Teixeira bested Morneau (who missed time due to injury) in ’09 by 9 homeruns, 22 RBI and a .293 / .279 avg. However the Walnuts came out victors in the swap as Verlander returned to being a stud ace pitcher, leading the MLB with 269 K’s a very strong 3.45 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and a19-9 record.
These moves led to the first playoff birth in franchise history and a change in direction from rebuilding to retooling. This off season the Pandas apparently wanted to test fate again when the Walnuts added Jimmy Rollins to the mix for Brett Wallace, Phil Hughes and draft pick considerations. Rollins had an awful season in 09 but may be a big time rebound candidate.
Wallace was arguably the best prospect in the team's minors but the ‘Nuts system still holds several impact players such as: Jason Castro, Josh Vitters, Todd Frazier Michael Burgess and Martin Perez. Vitters stock has fallen considerably, but the Nuts still like him and believe he can fulfill his promise after showing good numbers at times last season in the minors. Castro is the top prospect in a horrible Astros farm system and profiles as a steady and reliable catcher. He may eventually make an all-star team, but from a fantasy point of view, offers little upside, but a high-ish floor. Michael Burgess stock has taken a hit mostly because he needs to get on base more often and prove he can play up to his batting practice ability. While his “plus-plus raw power” remains intriguing he'll need a big season to bring back his stock.
Frazier, unexpectedly, vaulted himself over Yonder Alonso in Baseball America’s Reds top-10. If Frazier can stick at 2B or SS, he’ll have very good value. He could offer very strong all-around offensive numbers from a historically weak fantasy spot if he can stay at SS or 2B. The Nuts hope he can become Ian Stewart with a better average. Lastly, no one’s stock has risen as high as Perez’ in the past year. Some envision him being Robin to Neftali Feliz’ Batman at the top of what could be a formidable Rangers rotation someday. Perez still has a lot to prove, being that he's still a teenager. He struggled a bit in AA during a brief stint, but striking out 103 in 92 innings in A ball speaks to the lefty’s abilities. Lefties notoriously take longer to develop.
Look for the Nuts to address their shortages in pitching depth in both the MLB and Prospect draft, especially if teams overcompensate to get hitters leaving good pitchers for the plucking.
Top 5 Prospects:
1. Martin Perez
2. Todd Frazier
3. Josh Vitters
4. Michael Burgess
5. Jason Castro
Top 5 Graduated Prospects:
1. Geovany Soto 2nd Rd. 2008
2. Jair Jurrjens 3rd Rd. 2008
3. Ubaldo Jimenez 10th rd. 2007**
4. Brett Anderson 3rd Rd. 2008
5. Trevor Cahill 5th Rd. 2008
can always count on Jrad to up the word count. I like it.
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