Team Preview: Mandingos

Mandingos:

Last Year: 1-3, 3^rd in East Division

Additions: Ryan Hutchings, Ryne Jones, Justin Rasile

Losses: Dimitri Paraskevas, Kyle Lunsford

Schedule:

11:00am  Waffle Stompers

12:15     Goon Squad

1:30        bye

2:45        Goodfellas

What’s New: The Mandingos are one of a number of teams in our league that underwent large changes in the off-season, but their biggest accomplishment of all, was taking advantage of another team’s mis-management. Sam Hinkie’s squad managed to acquire 5x all-star Ryan Hutchings, without giving up any active players or assets. Essentially, the Flapacamingos needed to do a salary & roster dump, and the Mandingos were there to catch all the droppings like a baby bird being fed by its’ mother. Because of this, the Mandingos now have a semi-viable lineup, as well as a former Cy Young winner to log some innings. This team’s upside has increased dramatically over the course of the last 6 months.

Hitting: In spite of being super shorthanded and somewhat overmatched last year, offense was one area where you could see the Mandingos getting better as the day went on. Former all-star Jeremy Wright will return once again, and with additions of Hutchings and rookie Ryne Jones, there is now strength up the middle of the lineup for the first time in history. This should allow veteran captain Dustin Graiff to put himself in a position for success within the lineup, rather than having to drag an anchor around (metaphorically) like he did last year.

Pitching: This is where things get interesting for the Mandingos. They gave up a record 61 runs in 4 games last year, including 3 games of 11+ runs allowed. That’s a poor formula for trying to win games. Some of their offseason additions will add experience on the mound, but there isn’t a bonafide ace that they can rely on.

Prediction: With a tough divisional draw once again, it’s hard to think that the Mandingos will rise high enough to reach the post-season. But if team’s take them lightly, they will beat them. This is a team that will be loose, and with the increase in talent it’s not totally crazy to think that they could pull off 2 upsets and reach the post-season. They will need to get at least one lights out performance on the mound, and hope to piece together another one. If they can do that, it’ll change not just their outlook but the whole complexion of the tournament. Projected win total: 0-1, playoffs unlikely.