The only team in Winnipeg to even sniff a championship in year's is back for another year of independent baseball in the American Association. Last season, the Goldeyes stumbled into the playoffs winning 7 of their last 11 to get themselves into the wildcard spot, taking on a power-house 65-35 Fargo-Moorhead team in the first round. The Fish ended up making quick work of them, as well as the Wichita Wingnuts in the final en route to a perfect 6-0 playoff record, and the city's first championship in years.
With only 6 players returning this season, it wouldn't be fair to refer to them as the "defending champs". With independent ball, there will always be turnover, players seek other options, chase the big league dream, or leave to make more money elsewhere. A high end player in the American Association makes $1,400 a month, with the younger players earning $800 at the most. Needless to say, the Goldeyes will have a different look this year.
The group of guys they are bringing back aren't slouches. They include last year's playoff MVP Amos Ramon, longtime catcher Luis Allen, first basemen Josh Mazolla, and pitchers Kaohi Downing, Chris Allen, and staff ace Matt Rusch. Even with the skill of their returnees, the Fish have a lot of work to do.
"There's not many people in there that are going to have rings that they earned last year. Every year presents its new challenges and roster turnover is going to present a new one for us," Goldeyes manager Rick Forney told the Winnipeg Sun. "Not many people can continue to play baseball for $1,200 a month, or $1,400. So you're going to have some turnover."
The Goldeyes have lost a lot of key players, including fan favorites Ace Walker, and Price Kendall but those losses came with age. The three biggest departures came in the form of former big-leaguers, Yurendell de Caster, Barbero Canizzares and Chris Roberson. All three spent significant time in the big leagues, and their veteran presence had a large impact on the team's success.
"There's a lot of leadership involved" said Mazolla, "parts of the game that fans don't see, Roberson, de Caster, you got to see how they prepared. They have that upper level. They were both big league guys. I saw it last year, and hopefully maybe I can pass it on this year. Come out and be ready to win each day".
It won't be easy for the Fish, in independent ball it never is. They added some players who they feel will give them a good chance to win, and Rick Forney has a history of finding players that come together, and do the one thing every team sets out to do, win.
Adding veteran, and fan favorite Fehlandt Lentini gives them a Chris Roberson-esque center fielder. Lentini is coming off a career year in the Atlantic League, where he hit .319 with 19 homers, 92 RBI'S, and 32 stolen bases. This would be his third stint with the Fish, and he is hoping to help the team to a second straight championship. Lentini was set to be signed by the Fish late last season, but talks fell through. He'll work well with the younger players, he's an example of a vet who knows and loves the game. Although he's 35, and even an elder to one of his coaches, you won't see Lentini slowing down any time soon.
"When I'm on the field no one ever guesses my age", said Lentini, "cause I'm always running around more than the young guys". "So far it's been a lot different, a different vibe going."
However it works out, I'm sure the Goldeyes will continue to provide great entertainment, at a good price. Forney knows his way around the baseball diamond, and somehow, he always finds a way to win games. I have no doubt he'll find a way again this season.
The Goldeyes open their season with a road trip down to Texas to play the Grand Prairie Airhogs, and the Amarillo Sox. They'll come back through Lincoln, Nebraska to take on the SaltDogs in a 4 game set before returning to downtown Winnipeg for their home opener on May 17th, against the Laredo Lemurs.
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