Reno Post Draft Outlook

Reno didn't have many early round picks and had to settle for individuals with some potential upside, but they were able to get hard throwing lefty Jonny Venters to end the first round. The Aces were also helped by a more stable ballpark from their previous model which favored the righties. The 15 homer number for lefties will help out MVP candidate Josh Hamilton as well as up and comer Jay Bruce. Reno was able to pick up some platoon help off the bench in the form of Chris Heisey and Jon Jay.

Reno has played 4 solo contests at home since the start of the draft and has put up double digits in each contest.

The Aces have these potential lineups:

vs. L

Ian Desmond - SS
Paul Janish - 2B
Jay Bruce - CF
David Wright - 3B
Kevin Youkilis - 1B
John Buck - C
Jayson Werth - RF
Jon Jay - LF

vs. R

Jamey Carroll - SS
Jayson Werth - LF
Josh Hamilton - CF
David Wright - 3B
Adam Dunn - 1B
Chris Heisey - RF
Rod Barajas - C
Orlando Hudson - 2B

The pitching is looking very consistent as well with:

#1 Starter - Tim Lincecum
#2 Starter - Jon Garland
#3 Starter - Jeremy Guthrie
#4 Starter - Mat Latos
#5 Starters - Brian Matusz/Mike Pelfrey

Mariano Rivera will be shutting the door for the Aces and the bullpen will consist of Brian Sanches, Ramon Ramirez, and the aforementioned Venters. Also picking up some innings will be David Robertson as well as Chris Capuano and Dontrelle Willis , though they won't get many.

The Aces will also be looking for some decent showings in the 2011 MLB season from young talent like Brett Wallace, Jenry Mejia, Allen Craig, Josh Bell, Brad Lincoln, Ryan Webb, Matt Harrison, and Scott Sizemore; as well as bounce back performances from veterans like Melky Cabrera and Dioner Navarro.

Time will tell if these Aces truly are aces, or just end up being a lot of hype. All I know is that the Manager is pretty excited about our chances.