Big Time Off-Season

New Orleans, La - The Pelicans made their first big time off-season splash under the management of RDS. Benny Alfonseca was some how convinced to suit up for one of the worst franchises in the league. However, Benny has played on one of the best franchises and said in his press conference, "I have played for a true winner and me coming to New Orleans is not about money. I know from past experience what it takes to win and this team has it!" It goes without saying that Benny spent a lot of time in the French Quarter and he will probably sober up at some point this season and demand a trade. Alfonseca will play 3B in New Orleans and will bat 3rd or 4th depending on the pitching matchup. Management feels confident that even at 32 Alfonseca will be able to earn his paycheck for the next 3 seasons in New Orleans.

Additional Moves - New Orleans let go a number of FA and arbitration eligible players that played a role in getting the Pelicans in the playoffs for the 1st time ever back in Season 9. Also, Christopher Flynn was signed to play 1B and a number of rookies will be expected to play major roles this season. A number of spots are up for grabs this spring including RF, LF, SS, all the starting pitching spots and to a lesser extent 1B. However, Flynn is expected to be the opening day 1B and play the majority of the season there.

Predicting the Future

We have been saying down here in New Orleans that winning is right around the corner and there is reason to believe that this is really true. Over the next couple of weeks I will take a look into the future to see what the starting lineup may look like in 3 seasons:

1. Dan Franco - 2B - Franco is 25 now and will be in his prime in 3 seasons. Franco should be anchored in the leadoff spot for years to come with a great eye and excellent speed.

2. Al Duran - CF - Duran is a defensive wizard in CF and at 24 is probably still one year away from the show. Duran will never hit for avg. or power but should have a high OBP and steal a lot of bases. Duran may be more suited for the leadoff spot, especially if his OBP translates to the Bigs. If his OBP translates then Franco should either drive Duran in or move him into scoring position on a regular basis.

3. Don Lee - SS (2B) - Lee has the making of true superstar and should hit for both power and avg. The major concern is that Lee won't reach his fielding potential and will be force to a corner OF position or 2B. Offensively Lee will be ready for the Show in one season but his glove may keep him down, unless he is moved to another position.

4. TBD - April 1st

Half Way Home!

After a rocky start and piss poor 1st quarter we are slowly fumbling our way past the halfway mark but are amazingly in 1st place! The Pelicans are two games up but still one game under .500. New Orleans is fighting it out and hopes to be the least worst team in the worst division in baseball once again. There are not many highlights up to this point and this seasons draft was less than spectacular. With not much to report on we will recap the draft, off-season moves, and look at some top prospects.

Ranking the Off-season Moves in the Big Easy

1. Acquiring Chance Edmonds via trade - Edmonds was acquired in exchange for a pitching prospect. Edmonds was penciled in at 3B and has performed better than expect with 16 HR, 41 RBI, and a .290 AVG while turning in solid defense at 3rd.

2. Not getting caught up in FA and cutting bait with a number of players that wanted bigger contracts than they deserved.

3. Morgan Shipley signed as a backup catcher. Nothing spectacular here but Morgan has filled the role nicely and provides a strong defensive catcher that can hit a little.

Draft Recap

1. Jorel Holmes - Holmes projects as a solid bullpen guy in the future. Overall this was a weak draft but several players that were drafted after Holmes will probably end up having better big league careers.

2. Clem Wells - Wells projects out as a solid long reliever and appears to be a decent value for this portion of the 2nd rd. Wells will have to really work on his control to effective at the big league level.

3. A bunch of trash!

Top Prospects Review

1. Fausto Rivera -

2. Don Lee -

3. Trace Roberston -

4. Tito Petersen -

5. Stretch Perez -

6. Juan Marquez -

7. Melvin Ono -

8. B.J. Campbell -

9. Orber Amaro -

10. Brandon Radmanovich -