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Big Six · 05-26-2009, 12:53 PM

January 3, 1904

The Finger Lakes League's initial draft has been completed. Here's a short look at each of the League's six teams as they prepare for spring training.

CANANDAIGUA ICE CATS
Manager: Donovan Ivey

The Ice Cats will take the field behind a pitching staff that looks like it could be the best in the league. Righthander Joe Norris was the first player selected in the initial draft, and he looks like he has the makings of a real ace. His fastball touches 94 MPH, and nothing he throws is straight. Norris will throw to an outstanding catcher, Hamilton Phillips, who boasts a powerful throwing arm and a lively bat. Outfielders Chris May and Norman Connor should also produce lots of runs. The Ice Cats’ weakness looks to be its double play combination, but since the players involved are young, there is some potential there.

GENEVA GREEN SOX
Manager: Julian Ramirez

The Geneva nine will be led by one of the league’s most exciting young stars. Flychaser Kurt Winston was the Green Sox’ first-round pick, and at age 20 he is already a polished hitter and fielder. Fleet shortstop Dan Morrison will provide a spark at the top of the order, and first baseman Pancho Gonzales looks like he still has a bit of lightning left in has bat despite being born during the Civil War. The Green Sox staff doesn’t look like world-beaters, with stocky veteran Hayden Williams at the top of the rotation. Geneva loaded up on hot prospects during the draft, so even if the Sox don’t lead the league right away, their future looks very bright.

PENN YAN BRAWLERS
Manager: Fernando Torres

The Brawlers look like they’ll put a strong team on the field in the Finger Lakes League’s inaugural season. Outfielders Francisco Rivera and Mike Young might each contend for a batting title, and catcher Gilberto Fernandez and first baseman Mario Venegas are among the league’s best at their position. Ronald Bridges and Mark Thomas form a solid right-left pitching combination. However, Penn Yan’s biggest asset might be their gifted veteran manager, Torres. He has what it takes to bring the best out of his players; don’t be surprised if he leads the Brawlers into the first division.

SENECA FALLS SHEEPDOGS
Manager: Brandon Winter

The Sheepdogs boast three of the league’s best infielders in 2B Jack Robinson, 3B Robby Ward, and SS Oliver Saenz. Ward, in particular, should be a star. Outfielder Marc St. John also looks like a productive hitter. Brian Fritz and Dennis Williams head a solid, if unspectacular pitching staff. Like Penn Yan, Seneca Falls will be guided by a smart, experienced manager in Winter. Unfortunately for Winter, who excels at mentoring young players, the Sheepdogs don’t have many outstanding youngsters on their roster.

WATERLOO FINCHES
Manager: Ray Wells

Finches fans might have to wait several years before they have a team worth rooting for. Their young prospects, including teenagers Jose Perez, a hard-hitting outfielder and Dennis Brown, a promising catcher, are the best in the league. Ernesto Santos could develop into a fine #1 starter, and Billy Edgar seems ready to get Finger Lakes hitters out. Catcher Carlos Castro is a solid veteran. Otherwise, the Finches look like a second-division club. Ray Wells is a patient manager with a gift for teaching the game. His skills will be put to a real test with this club.

WATKINS GLEN BUCKS
Manager: Vincente Carrillo

The town of Watkins Glen was not named for Bucks pitcher Michael Watkins, but if the powerful righthander lives up to his potential, forgive the team’s rooters for believing it was so. Catcher “Duck” West might be the league’s most powerful batsman, while outfielder Donnie Oliver packs a surprising amount of power into a body that is reminiscent of Ichabod Crane. A solid club with no glaring weakness, the Bucks could very well join Canandaigua and Penn Yan in a fight for the league’s first championship.

05-26-2009, 12:53 PM	#2 (permalink)
Big Six Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Williamsburg, VA Posts: 2,015 Thanked 16x in 15 posts	January 3, 1904 The Finger Lakes League's initial draft has been completed. Here's a short look at each of the League's six teams as they prepare for spring training. CANANDAIGUA ICE CATS Manager: Donovan Ivey The Ice Cats will take the field behind a pitching staff that looks like it could be the best in the league. Righthander Joe Norris was the first player selected in the initial draft, and he looks like he has the makings of a real ace. His fastball touches 94 MPH, and nothing he throws is straight. Norris will throw to an outstanding catcher, Hamilton Phillips, who boasts a powerful throwing arm and a lively bat. Outfielders Chris May and Norman Connor should also produce lots of runs. The Ice Cats’ weakness looks to be its double play combination, but since the players involved are young, there is some potential there. GENEVA GREEN SOX Manager: Julian Ramirez The Geneva nine will be led by one of the league’s most exciting young stars. Flychaser Kurt Winston was the Green Sox’ first-round pick, and at age 20 he is already a polished hitter and fielder. Fleet shortstop Dan Morrison will provide a spark at the top of the order, and first baseman Pancho Gonzales looks like he still has a bit of lightning left in has bat despite being born during the Civil War. The Green Sox staff doesn’t look like world-beaters, with stocky veteran Hayden Williams at the top of the rotation. Geneva loaded up on hot prospects during the draft, so even if the Sox don’t lead the league right away, their future looks very bright. PENN YAN BRAWLERS Manager: Fernando Torres The Brawlers look like they’ll put a strong team on the field in the Finger Lakes League’s inaugural season. Outfielders Francisco Rivera and Mike Young might each contend for a batting title, and catcher Gilberto Fernandez and first baseman Mario Venegas are among the league’s best at their position. Ronald Bridges and Mark Thomas form a solid right-left pitching combination. However, Penn Yan’s biggest asset might be their gifted veteran manager, Torres. He has what it takes to bring the best out of his players; don’t be surprised if he leads the Brawlers into the first division. SENECA FALLS SHEEPDOGS Manager: Brandon Winter The Sheepdogs boast three of the league’s best infielders in 2B Jack Robinson, 3B Robby Ward, and SS Oliver Saenz. Ward, in particular, should be a star. Outfielder Marc St. John also looks like a productive hitter. Brian Fritz and Dennis Williams head a solid, if unspectacular pitching staff. Like Penn Yan, Seneca Falls will be guided by a smart, experienced manager in Winter. Unfortunately for Winter, who excels at mentoring young players, the Sheepdogs don’t have many outstanding youngsters on their roster. WATERLOO FINCHES Manager: Ray Wells Finches fans might have to wait several years before they have a team worth rooting for. Their young prospects, including teenagers Jose Perez, a hard-hitting outfielder and Dennis Brown, a promising catcher, are the best in the league. Ernesto Santos could develop into a fine #1 starter, and Billy Edgar seems ready to get Finger Lakes hitters out. Catcher Carlos Castro is a solid veteran. Otherwise, the Finches look like a second-division club. Ray Wells is a patient manager with a gift for teaching the game. His skills will be put to a real test with this club. WATKINS GLEN BUCKS Manager: Vincente Carrillo The town of Watkins Glen was not named for Bucks pitcher Michael Watkins, but if the powerful righthander lives up to his potential, forgive the team’s rooters for believing it was so. Catcher “Duck” West might be the league’s most powerful batsman, while outfielder Donnie Oliver packs a surprising amount of power into a body that is reminiscent of Ichabod Crane. A solid club with no glaring weakness, the Bucks could very well join Canandaigua and Penn Yan in a fight for the league’s first championship. __________________ My current OOTP dynasties: The Base Ball Life of Patrick O'Farrell: where it all began What Could Have Been: a semi-historical dynasty The Finger Lakes League: better than before Become a Hall of Fame voter for What Could Have Been!! Last edited by Big Six; 05-26-2009 at 12:57 PM.