We’re in the homestretch of the 2023 Illowa APBA League season now. At this point, we’ve played 135 games with three 9-game series left to play. That’s not preventing the hot stove league from taking full swing. There is lots of trade talk happening, at least for my Twin City Thunderchickens.
The IAL is set to draft for the 2024 season in February 2024. Here we were almost a year ago on draft weekend…
My Thunderchickens have been in ‘rebuild’ mode for the past couple of years but with some skillful trading, thoughtful drafting and some luck, we might be a contender in 2024. Why? (or why not?) Let’s take a look at the team for the coming season. I obviously don’t have the cards yet but do have an idea how my team is shaping up.
Catcher
Behind the plate, Sean Murphy is my star. He should be a C-9 and should provide some power and good OBP. Unfortunately, he won’t be able to play the entire season.
That’s is where Yan Gomes comes in. He looks decent enough for a second-stringer and should have three power numbers and a 22-7.
First base
I wish I could tell you about my great first basemen but at this point, I have none. Eric Hosmer and Luke Voit have both retired from the IAL. Honestly, I am glad. I had to suffer with Voit (1-0-0) on my roster all this year.
I will need to get on the horn and talk trade or perhaps draft a first sacker.
Second base
I’m still high on Jonathan India. Depending on what numbers APBA gives him, he may fit in well in the leadoff spot which has been lacking for our team. When he doesn’t play, Rougned Odor will have to back him up.
Shortstop
It’s hard for me to believe that Joey Wendle is three years older than Javy Baez. It just feels like I’ve gone through a lifetime with Baez (that’s not a compliment).
Both of these players hit sub-.220 with no power and with Baez losing his SS-9 this past year, it’s definitely a weak spot.
Third base
I’m in fear that Manny Machado will lose his 3B-5. The double plays I have gotten with a runner on first are too many to count.
Hitting-wise, next year’s Manny card will be typical only not quite as good and not as much (I always thought I could count on him to play a full year).
Outfield
The outfield is where the Thunderchickens excel. We have three legit stars in the garden with Julio Rodriguez, Adolis Garcia and Kyle Schwarber. All three provide plenty of power and if history repeats itself, Rodriguez and Garcia will bring speed and defense.
On top of that, J.D. Martinez will play the role of DH and he improved greatly this season. J.D. has the potential of bringing five power numbers to his APBA card.
Pitching
The 2024 Thunderchickens will lose a lot of dead weight once the new season starts. Six hurlers will not return due to IAL rules. That is good news for the front office since we get rookie draft picks for each one.
…and we will need them. The Thunderchickens currently have nine pitchers on the staff. By my guess, we will have one sure D (thanks, Roansy Contreras) maybe two depending on what they give Kyle Freeland and David Peterson. That’s good but I also only have one potential full-time B starter in Kyle Hendricks… and I hate drafting pitchers.
So far, I’ve been in trade talks with at least three other IAL managers. I’ll keep the details under wraps for now, but it’s been interesting.
Twin City Thunderchickens will take flight in 2024!
