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2001 record:
76-86 (.469); 3rd place in AL East
Major additions:
LHP Tom Glavine, 1B Mark McGwire, C Charles Johnson, LF B.J. Surhoff, LHP Brian Anderson
Major loses:
3B Jeff Cirillo, 3B/SS Jose Hernandez, RHP Jimmy Haynes, OF Shawon Dunston
2001 Review:
With the quick start and eventual 106-win season put up by the division rival Minnesota Mudcats, it was a rather long year for the Hessville Everreadys. But although the team's final tally of 76 wins left them 30 games back of the division champs, the team did have its bright spots.
Foremost among them was the 62 doubles hit by 3B Jeff Cirillo (.343, 10 HR, 74 RBI) and the emergence of 2B Jose Vidro (.298, 20 HR, 89 RBI). Another surprise was the always-animated RHP Josias Manzanillo, who tallied 35 saves after being handed the team’s closer position early in the season.
Other key players in 2001 were 1B Andres Galarraga (.333, 34 HR, 117 RBI), OF Terrence Long (.311, 25 HR, 89 RBI) and RHP Aaron Sele (10-11, 4.90 ERA).
2002 Outlook:
Recognizing its need for a few more impact players, Hessville hit the free agent market hard during the off-season. Among its signings were prized free agents LHP Tom Glavine (19-8, 5.06 ERA), 1B Mark McGwire (.283, 24 HR, 56 RBI in 233 ABs) and C Charles Johnson (.322, 25 HR, 83 RBI). These three players add significant luster to the team’s roster.
Unfortunately, though, free agency givith and free agency taketh away. Gone is star 3B Jeff Cirillo, who signed a multi-year deal with the Stanley Sioux. Also gone is infielder Jose Hernandez (.257, 13 HR, 73 RBI), who stabilized the entire infield through his power and defensive flexibility. As it currently stands, Juan Castro will man third base for the Everreadys. While Castro plays solid defense, he will not make up for the loss of Cirillo.
Hessville will enter 2002 with a solid pitching rotation. Glavine joins RHP Aaron Sele and LHP Shawn Estes (8-12, 5.13 ERA) to form a formidable top threesome. The team is also counting on RHP Frank Castillo (7-10, 4.34) and RHP Paul Byrd (7-4, 4.66 ERA) to approach their 2001 successes. Free agent LHP Brian Anderson adds further depth to the starting staff. Meanwhile, fan favorite RHP Josias Manzanillo will once again bring his hijinks to the mound as the team’s closer.
With powerful players like Mark McGwire, OF Larry Walker (.329, 9 HR, 47 RBI) and DH Andres Galarraga on hand, Hessville will feature a fearsome lineup. And with Tom Glavine providing stability and leadership to the pitching staff, a playoff appearance for Hessville is not out of the question.
Projected lineup
CF Terrence Long
2B Jose Vidro
1B Mark McGwire
RF Larry Walker
DH Andres Galarraga
C Charles Johnson
LF B.J. Surhoff
3B Juan Castro
SS Alex Gonzalez (the younger one)
Rotation
Tom Glavine
Aaron Sele
Shawn Estes
Frank Castillo
Paul Byrd/Brian Anderson
Closer
Josias Manzanillo
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