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Season in Preview
Batting order
1. Herson Macarandang, RF (6/4/6/6/10)
He sets the tone with patient, professional at-bats and doesn’t strike out a lot. With the kind of lineup expected behind him, Macarandang should score a lot of runs.
2. Indergabriell Ignis, SS (7/6/1/6/9)
The 29-year old infielder won a three-way battle to be the starting shortstop in camp over three more experienced players. His lively bat and quick speed should add even more to an already improved order. Ignis has been more reliable defensively, but still has to work on his throwing.
3. Ysmael Aragon, 3B (8/9/9/9/6)
Aragon’s perfect swing is expected to yield a high average and clutch hits. Expect more than a few home runs too.
4. Jilenko Saranillo, 1B (7/10/9/9/4)
It will be Saranillo’s first full season and he will bring plenty of power to the cleanup spot.
5. Edilberto Pecson, 2B (7/7/6/7/8)
Pecson should benefit from hitting behind Aragon and Saranillo. He is aggressive on the bases, he could easily be a 20-HR man.
6. Rodel Hernandez, LF (6/8/2/6/5)
A streaky hitter, you don’t know what to expect from Hernandez. But even when he struggles, Hernandez always finds ways to help his club. He also offers more power from the right side.
7. Meynard Ligeralde, CF (4/7/7/6/3)
There’s not much to say about Ligeralde. His base running instincts will mean plenty of stolen bases. Expect him to rotate around the outfield when the others need a rest.
8. Dimacali Fflunker, C (5/6/2/6/8)
An excellent spring, both offensively and defensively, has left many more confident that Fflunker will be the team’s projected starter.
Rotation
1. Reomel Laput, RHP (6/6/9)
The club can always count on Laput to be consistent and throw strikes. He could benefit a lot from the increased run support expected from the lineup.
2. Jejomar Enrile, RHP (7/6/5)
Although he's coming off a dismal spring training, the club knows Mabeza has the stuff to be a successful average starter in the big leagues. Now it's time to see it.
3. Ninfa Aguila, RHP (6/7/4)
Aguila brings to the table a potent middle-of-the-rotation starter. His lack of control is his only problem.
4. Magtanggol Sagal, RHP (6/3/7)
Sagal have developed four-seam fastball to complement his tough splitter, he could be a more complete pitcher with this arsenal. He may give up a lot of homeruns.
5. Jaypee Bernardo, RHP (6/1/7)
Bernardo was a pleasant surprise during Spring Training. He had command of his pitches and threw with confidence. An already tough rotation is stronger if Bernardo can make the ball stay in the park.
Bullpen
Leading the group of power arms, closer Jaicus Rondez. Top right-handed set-up man Efren Aboloc should be very dependable in the eighth inning. Left-handed set-up man Honesto Hidalgo and the club expect that they will be comfortable in their roles. Right-hander Bayani Olaires and lefty Richello Reyes should be more relaxed after spring training. At 35 years old, right-hander Karl-Anthony Pamiza will fill a variety of roles ranging from long relief, short situations and spot starts if needed.
On the record
"That's our goal going into Spring Training -- get that playoff spot." – Edilberto Pecson
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