#23 SIDEARM REVIEW: #21 SAGINAW SAMURAI

                                  SAGINAW SAMURAI:  A PLAYOFF TRADITION

FRONT OFFICE 

Bill Nyman celebrates 18 years at the helm.  He hopes to build on a tradition which includes 11 playoff appearances and 1 World Series ring.  This year will be a challenge for a franchise in the AL East.


ROTATION

Carrasco 751
D. Hudson 731
D. Lynch 811
Smyly 717
T. Hearn 769

BULLPEN

Schreiber 577
Garrett 572
Ottavino 591
Soto G. 660
Wantz  661
Fulmer  697
Wantz  661

LINEUP

Maile c 627
Pujois 1b 895
Madrigal 2b 588
Tr. Turner ss 809
Wisdom 3b 725
Schwarber of 827
Mullins of 721
Verdugo of 732

BENCH

Casali c 649
Garlick of 717
Grossman of 622
Massey if 683
Sheets of 706
Pa. Smith UT 687


ANALYSIS 

Starting rotation just eats innings with average performances.  Wacha (693) is only starter above average.  In contrast, the bullpen is stellar.  In the mysterious and volatile process of developing bullpens, Nyman appears to have found the magic formula.  Schreiber (577), Garrett (572) and Ottavino (591) are all top notch.  Soto (660), Wantz (661) and Fulmer (697) can bridge the gap between the starters and the closers'  committee. 

The big question:  can the hitters and starters get the lead to leverage the bullpen for maximum value ??   Pujois (895), Trea Turner (809) and Schwarber (827) offer some rational hope that it can happen but pessimists and the numbers say the rest of the lineup and bench are not up for the challenge.   Numbers forecast a 4th place finish for the Samurai in the AL East.