Offensive preview
Catcher
Last year I tried to plug a hole at catcher with a free agent, but eventually decided to call up Francisco Chavez, who had a nice year, finishing 2nd in Rookie of the Year voting. He had 27 HRs in just over 500 PAs between the majors and AAA, so I think he can do something similar if we get him the ABs. Deniska Paseko will backup again and he had an ok year last year. We need him to hit for a little more power, but if he can reproduce his .306 average and .345 on base, I'll take it.
First Base
This was a disaster for us last year. Michael Foster was the main guy here last year and his sub 700 OPS can't be repeated. I signed Michele Bucci to give us some depth here in the offseason, but he hasn't played baseball in almost 2 seasons, so that's a big risk. I have Aurelio Valencia who I have confidence in his bat after a solid start last season, but I really don't want him in the field.
Second Base
Luis Franco is the man at 2B for us, and I have no reason to doubt his production. He had a little bit of a sophomore slump, but was still productive. We'll give backup OF Migdonio Pixeiro a chance to learn some of the IF positions in spring training, but I think we'll look to AAA for a body to backup the middle infield when we get closer to the regular season.
Shortstop
Luis Delgado was okay last year for us, contributing a 700 OPS, but we need him to take that next step this year for us if we want to make the playoffs. Pixeiro will get some time here as well.
Third Base
This was another train wreck last year. We'll probably go with a platoon here with Alfredo Betancourt against lefties, and Thomas Frre against righties. Neither hit the ball well last year, but Frre did have one of the best walk rates on the team last year. At least defense won't be a problem here for us.
Left Field
Jon Funk went through our minor league system like a hot knife through butter, and picked up player of the week honors at all 4 levels. This year he has to be considered the front runner for Rookie of the Year. We'll put him in the 3 hole. Igme Dioquino will be the main outfield reserve.
Center Field
Gonzalo Castillo got off to a rough start last year so we sent him back to AAA for seasoning. He had solid production down there, and maybe it straightended things out for him enough to give him another chance as the unquestioned starter.
Right Field
We brought in Gavrel Ashaulov as a free agent, and we'll give him the first chance in right, but not a long leash. He's shown a good ability to draw a walk in the past, but we need him to do more than that as the plate. I'd be happy if he could match his 2045 season.
Designated Hitter
Aurelio Valencia is gonna get the nod. He was really hitting the ball well before he got injured last season, so maybe the light finally turned on, or maybe he found some good steroids. If he struggles, I'll put Funk here