1st Round Record: 18-12
Runs Scored: 193
Runs Allowed: 165
Pythagorean W-L: 17-13
The Switzers played unevenly in the first round of the 1999 SWBA campaign, turning a 4-0 start into a less-than-stellar 18-12 record. The problem, as usual, is pitching. The Switzer staff posted an ugly 5.09 team ERA. The only pitcher enjoying any real success was reliever Juan Acevedo, with two victories and an ERA of 2.16. The two main problems have been walks and home runs allowed: 4.46 walks per 9, and 1.18 home runs per 9.
However, when your offense scores 6.43 runs per game, you'll have a winning record. Offensive stars were many, with centerfielder Ray Lankford leading the attack: .406 OBP, .581 SLG, 9 HR, 23 R, 21 RBI, 23 BB, and 11 SB. Also enjoying good starts were rightfielder Matt Stairs, catcher Ivan Rodriguez, leftfielder Brian Giles, and designated hitter Juan Gonzalez. Drags on the vaunted Switzer lineup were first baseman Frank Thomas (OBP and SLG both below .350), and third baseman Robin Ventura (.258 OBP, .177 SLG).
My plan of attack regarding the pitching staff entering the season was to rely on my deep and effective bullpen. It has become clear to me that I'll need to do a better job of this than I did in the first round. I need to be quicker to remove a struggling starter from a game.
On a larger scale, as a whole my core players are reaching the back end of their prime years. Consistently low draft position has prevented me from adding true stars to the roster. I've been able to add players who are championship-caliber complementary players, but not championship-caliber core players. Due to my drafting in my early years in the SWBA, I've been afforded the luxury of not having to constantly search for answers at several positions on the diamond. The day is rapidly approaching when I'll be faced with the tough decision of when to dismantle what I built from 1988 through approximately 1993. Move too early and I may be missing opportunities for another championship. Move too late and I'll receive lower returns.