LIBERTY 74 PREVIEW: #15 NEW ORLEANS SECRET NINE

 

NEW ORLEANS SECRET NINE 
Bart Ewing  (0-0) 
San Diego Stadium 
New Franchise (0-0) 

Hitters  11
Pitchers  15 
Defense  16 

HITTERS 

c  Sundberg  C
1b  Watson B+
2b   Orta A-
ss    Foli F+
3b   Torre B
lf    Davis. T. C 
cf   Murcer C+
rf   Bonds  A-
2c   Stinson F 
cr   Melton C+
if     Terrell F 
of    Cowens F 
of    Griffey C
of    Rice C 
of    Tyrone F-


PITCHERS 

Rogers C
Tidrow C-
Torrez  C-
Goltz  C
Giusti B-
Apodoca C-
Folkers C+
Laroche AA
Frisella D 
Halicki C- 
Leonard C-


NOTES 

Bart Ewing lives in the Kansas City area and I grew up in NE Kansas City so it is probable we both remember when Kansas City was awarded an expansion team and the Royals were born.  

There was something exciting about shaping the future of a new franchise and watching it gradually improve. The Royals are a good example.  KCR finally defeated the Yankees and eventually made it to the World Series in 80 before winning their first ring in 85. Watching an expansion team endure its birth pains before winning that first World Series made all the pain and agony of those lost seasons worth the sweetness of success. 

The New Orleans Secret Nine has the same kind of vibe.  Granted, they start their journey in the Liberty league ranked 15th out of 16 teams but while the losses may pile up in 74 there is a lot to look forward to in 75 and beyond.  The idea of Bobby Bonds and Jim Rice in the same outfield in 75 sends chills down the spines of Liberty league opponents. 

As for 74, Bobby Bonds is worth the price of admission.  His combination of power, speed and defense provides NOS with an All Star caliber outfielder.  Liberty league opponents will fear Jorge Orta and his hitting prowess.  Joe Torre and Bobby Murcer are on the backside of their careers but will rise to the occasion often enough to make NOS fans flock to San Diego Stadium. 

The pitching staff will have to go through expansion team birth pains.  The whole staff is average at best with the possible exception of closer Dave Laroche.  Laroche is an obvious trade candidate for a playoff contender.  The question is can Ewing turn the trade piece into a player who can provide some long term support for the Rice-Bonds tandem. 

A final story line is whether NOS can beat out Omaha for 3rd place in the South.  I predict they will win that battle in a dogfight. 

PREDICTION:  3RD IN THE SOUTH