If you ask anyone on the Punxatawney Groundhogs, they'll tell you that this
spring was to the most successful in team history. While GM Dan Shapiro
wasn't able to pull off any significant trades that he was pursuing, the
Hogs coaches drilled the team harder than ever before to try and fill in the
holes on the roster.
The biggest improvements came where they were needed. Left fielder Robin
Jennings, being asked once again to step into a starting role, worked hard
on his power hitting. He's now seen as a veritable offensive threat that
will certainly be able to carry his weight in the lineup. During the spring
season, Jennings hit 5 homers in 25 games.
"I lifted weights a lot, worked real hard on my swing," said Jennings.
"I've wanted to play for this team ever since I got drafted. Now I'm really
getting my chance."
Jennings was drafted prior to 1998 in the Free Agent draft and has remained
with the Hogs ever since. Once hyped as a superstar, Jennings hasn't lived
up to the talk to this point in his career. In 91 games over the last two
seasons, Jennings is batting just .217 with a slugging percentage of only
.360. Now, with Ryan Klesko playing in Battle Axe, Jennings will be crucial
in getting the Hogs back to the playoffs. If he struggles, the team will
have to turn to veterans Roberto Kelly and John Cangelosi.
There will be one other new face on the Hogs this year. Recent draftee A.J.
Hinch spent the spring session working hard with hitting instructor Bernie
Carbo. He gives the Groundhogs a solid backup behind the plate with very
good defense.
The rest of the team are returners from last season. Shapiro released the
team's opening day lineup and pitching rotation, following the lead of many
other teams. Here it is as follows, including commentary on the team:
CF Dave Martinez
3B Scott Rolen
2B Tony Batista
SS Jose Valentin
DH Geronimo Berroa
1B Jason Giambi
RF Alex Ochoa
C Dan Wilson
LF Robin Jennings
This has to be one of the best 1-4 in the league. Veteran Dave Martinez
hasn't shown signs of aging yet, and is still one of the better leadoff men
in baseball. Following him are the co-captains, Scott Rolen and Tony
Batista. These are two the most promising young players in baseball. Both
are great contact hitters with great defense and solid power. A lot is
expected from both of these future superstars this season. Behind them in
the 4th spot is perennial star Jose Valentin. Two big power hitters,
Geronimo Berroa and Jason Giambi, bat 5th and 6th in the order. Bringing up
the end of the are Alex Ochoa, Dan Wilson, and Robin Jennings. Ochoa is a
solid, balanced hitter, while Wilson is a good power hitter near the bottom
of the order and Jennings is getting his first chance.
The starting pitching will be the same five that closed out last season.
Rocky Coppinger will start the opening game. Jon Lieber, Bobby Thomas, Sean
Bergman, and Juan Guzman, in that order, will start out the year. The
bullpen looks solid on paper once again. Last year, what looked to be a
great group of relievers faltered. This year, Curly Karkovice, Masato
Yoshii, Tim Worrell, Bobby Munoz, Scott Ruffcorn, and Ricky Bottalico will
try and get the Groundhogs through the late innings.
However, winning the Riker division will be a challenge again. Going for a
4th straight title will be difficult. Houston brings back a strong,
powerhitting offense but their pitching seems a bit shaky with only 4
pitchers capable of starting. But with 5 players who have incredible power
hitting, the Hellraisers will challenge the Hogs all year.
Springfield will most likely challenge again, as they have the last few
years. They are led by ace Joey Hamilton, but an aging and relatively weak
offense may keep them out of contention. The bottom dwelling Tampa Bay Mets
have taken some steps to improve, but they too are an aging and weak team.
Their pitching staff looks a bit on the weak side as well. Tampa has still
not taken any major steps toward a real rebuilding, which they certainly
need to do.
"We're expecting a two team race again, with Springfield possibly popping
their head into the race from time to time," said Shapiro. "Houston told us
that they wanted to rebuild, but they never did it. They've been knocking
on the doorstep for two seasons now, and there's no reason to think they'll
vanish this year. But if Rivera or Hentgen gets hurt, they're done."
All in all, its shaping up to be another great season for Punxatawney.
Possibly in a few months, the Groundhogs will get another chance at the
postseason.
