by Max Winters
Oklahoma City -- The Oklahoma City area has been abuzz ever since the Seattle Supersonics relocated this offseason. And while the Ford Center prepares to launch its first full season as the home arena for an NBA franchise, another new OKC team is preparing to grind through a baseball season. It is ironic, then, that the unnamed NBA franchise has more of a name for itself among locals than the Oklahoma City Kingfishers, a member of the new Double Mendoza Baseball League.
The Kingfishers have had an active offseason in preparation for their inaugural year of competition. A pair of blockbuster trades have helped them fill the holes in their roster and should give the fans more than a few reasons to visit AT&T Bricktown Ballpark. Among the players recently acquired through trade or free agency include SP Tony Milliard, who helps solidify a starting rotation that was very short on talent. Also coming over in the same deal was young 3B Magglio De La Vega. The switch-hitter should feature prominently in the Kingfishers' offense for years to come.
Worth keeping an eye on throughout the year is whether or not the Kingfishers have enough bullpen arms for the long season. While they have some talent that will attempt to protect late leads, no one particular player stands out. The closer role may be a closer-by-committee, at least to start the season, and that is always a slippery slope to tread.
However, assuming they do not develop an inferiority complex due to the higher profile NBA franchise also preparing for its season, these Kingfishers should give the rest of the NL West a run for their money.
The Kingfishers have had an active offseason in preparation for their inaugural year of competition. A pair of blockbuster trades have helped them fill the holes in their roster and should give the fans more than a few reasons to visit AT&T Bricktown Ballpark. Among the players recently acquired through trade or free agency include SP Tony Milliard, who helps solidify a starting rotation that was very short on talent. Also coming over in the same deal was young 3B Magglio De La Vega. The switch-hitter should feature prominently in the Kingfishers' offense for years to come.Worth keeping an eye on throughout the year is whether or not the Kingfishers have enough bullpen arms for the long season. While they have some talent that will attempt to protect late leads, no one particular player stands out. The closer role may be a closer-by-committee, at least to start the season, and that is always a slippery slope to tread.
However, assuming they do not develop an inferiority complex due to the higher profile NBA franchise also preparing for its season, these Kingfishers should give the rest of the NL West a run for their money.
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