2009 Recap
Standings- 73-67, lost in 2 games to Rancho Cucamonga in Division Semi-Finals
Team Runs- 723, 4th out of 10
Team ERA- 4.26, 5th out of 10
Statistical Leaders:
BA (min. 200 AB)- Logan Forsythe, .322
R- Brad Chalk, 95
HR- Matt Clark and James Darnell, 13
RBI- Felix Carrasco, 69
SB- Brad Chalk, 33
OPS (min. 200 AB)- Logan Forsythe, .976
W- Jeremy Hefner, 14
ERA (min. 50 IP)- Cory Luebke, 2.34
IP- Jeremy Hefner and Wynn Pelzer, 150.2
K- Wynn Pelzer, 147
WHIP (min. 50 IP)- Cory Luebke, 1.02
S- Bryan Oland, 28
Despite losing in the playoffs as quickly as Cal League rules allow, the Storm put together a solid 2009 with a lineup and pitching staff both finishing in the top half of the league. That kept up a streak of five consecutive playoff appearances and nine appearances in the last ten seasons. Lake Elsinore saw a lot of roster turnover in 2009, so it took an ensemble effort to finish 4th in runs, 2nd in OBP and 5th in OPS. Their pitching staff ranked second in strikeouts thanks to pitchers like Aaron Breit and Corey Kluber averaging more than 9 strikeouts per 9 innings.
Likely key departures
3B James Darnell
1B Matt Clark
OF Brad Chalk
SP Jeremy Hefner
SP Wynn Pelzer
P Aaron Breit
Potential Baseball America top 10 prospects
2. SP Simon Castro
4. OF Jaff Decker
Other potential additions and returnees
SS Cole Figueroa
SS Drew Cumberland
OF Blake Tekotte
SP Anthony Bass
SP Erik Davis
RP Brad Brach
San Diego's A affiliate Fort Wayne won the Midwest League championship in 2009, so a lot of those players expect to continue the Storm's recent history of success in 2010. They boasted the league's best offense, thanks in large part to a very patient lineup. The TinCaps led the Midwest League in walks by a large amount, thanks to prospects such as Allan Dykstra and Jaff Decker, who walked 104 and 85 times respectively. Fort Wayne did not light the basepaths on fire, but they did feature a couple 20+ steal players in Dan Robertson and Blake Tekotte. Tekotte will also provide a little power.
Teams can't have success in the Midwest League without pitching, and Fort Wayne had plenty in 2009. They were second in the league in ERA and BB while ranking first in WHIP, K and fewest hits allowed. The TinCaps were led by one of the organization's top prospects, Simon Castro, who was invited to big league camp this season. He should be joined in the rotation by Erik Davis and Anthony Bass, who had a cup of coffee with Lake Elsinore in 2009. One of Fort Wayne's strengths was a bullpen that was able to shorten games, so the Storm will be hoping that can carry over into 2010 and make the postseason again.
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