American Association Daily provides insights and features on the American Association of Professional Baseball League, as well as player and coaching profiles and transactions going on with teams around the league. In today’s edition, Robert previews the Winnipeg Goldeyes and what to expect from this team during the 2020 American Association season.

Preview the 2020 Winnipeg Goldeyes

Manager: Rick Forney (15th Season with Goldeyes)

2019 Record: 57-43 (Fourth in the North Division, Tied for Fifth in the American Association)

Home Ballpark: Newman Outdoor Field

A Quick Recap of 2019

After a tough 2018, the Winnipeg Goldeyes looked very much like themselves last season, winning 57 games. Unfortunately, they were tasked with trying to beat out the three teams with the best records in the American Association. That led to a fourth-place finish, which was disappointing by Goldeyes standards, but was still an outstanding year.

Mitch Lambson put together arguably the best pitching performance in American Association history, posting a 3.10 ERA in 21 starts with 4 complete games and 133 strikeouts in 150.2 innings pitched. Lambson won 13 games to pace the league and combined with Kevin McGovern for 25 victories. Sadly, the remaining starters struggled.

While Lambson was remarkable, the biggest story of 2019 was the retirement of OF Reggie Abercrombie. Abercrombie has established himself as the greatest player in league history, and teams were able to honor the outfielder as the season neared its conclusion.

Key Losses: OF Reggie Abercrombie, OF Willy Garcia,

Key Additions: RHP Kent Hasler, RHP Frank Duncan, LHP Jose Jose, RHP Dylan Rheault, C Roy Morales, C John Nester, OF Logan Hill

Looking Ahead to 2020

Last season it was McGovern and Lambson and then hope for rain. This season, the Goldeyes have arguably the best starting rotation in the league. Not only do they have the left-handed duo returning, but Kevin Hilton will be with the team for a “full” season. In addition, RHP Frank Duncan joins the rotation after going 10-6 with a 3.05 ERA in Sussex County (Can-Am League).

The bullpen is going to be outstanding. Not only does closer Victor Capellan (27 saves) return, but the club added LHP Jose Jose. He can and has closed in the American Association before and, if nothing else, becomes a dominant bridge to Capellan. Dylan Rheault, Garrett Mundell, Nate Atone, and Domenic Mazza help to make this a very good group.

The catching duties will be manned by a pair of all-stars – Roy Morales and John Nester – who both came to Winnipeg as part of the dispersal draft. Both are outstanding hitters and Nester may be the best overall catcher in the American Association.

Wes Darvill, Kyle Martin, and Kevin Lachance return, and the club acquired former big leaguer Darnell Sweeney and 2019 Rookie of the Year candidate Thomas Walraven. Add in Jonathan Moroney and this should be a solid club offensively, but not a dominating club. The question will be if their pitching is enough.

Prognosis

The Winnipeg Goldeyes face the biggest challenge of all. Not only are they playing all of their “home” games at Newman Outdoor Field, but they will be playing these games in front of the crowd of their bitter rivals. All 60 games they will be facing crowds wanting to see them lose, and that cannot be easy.

The pitching staff is going to be outstanding, especially that group of Four Aces. However, the offense lacks pop. That is the difference maker for this team. Winnipeg will finish right around .500, which will be good enough for fourth. Like last season, they are an outstanding club playing in a tough division.

By Robert Pannier