Chillicothe Paints Hot Stove 2/17/08

The Chillicothe Paints haven't made a ton of off-season moves, but they look to return just about everybody for their 2007 squad, which, at the very least, should give them a sense of cohesion not often found in Frontier League teams.

Key Additions

LHP Joe Brown - Brown comes to the Paints via trade after pitching in Lincoln of the American Association in 2007 where he had a 4.19 ERA in 38.2 innings with 19 walks and 46 strikeouts.  You would have to assume that the Paints are bringing the 26-year old LS-2 to join the starting rotation as very few LS-2 or Veteran players ever come out of the bullpen in the Frontier League.

LHP Brian Gartley - Gartley was the Pitcher of the Year in the South Coast League in 2007, and since South Coast League teams only give their players a one year contract, Gartley signed with the Paints after his South Coast League contract ran out February 1st.  All other independent leagues sign players to a one year contract that includes a one year option, giving them leverage to either negotiate a new contract or trade the player.

2B Drew Saylor - Saylor was an All-American at Kent State, but was released by the Marlins after he struggled in rookie ball.  Last year he was picked up by the Astros, but didn't see much playing time before being released again.  With the opportunity to play every day in Chillicothe, I expect Saylor to be an excellent addition to their ball club.

Key Losses

RHP Darryl Arreola - The Paints sent Arreola to Lincoln in exchange for Brown.  Arreola had a very good year for the Paints last season, going 3-4 in 24 games, including 8 starts, pitching 73.1 innings with 52 strikeouts and 20 walks while holding opponents to a .248 average.

RHP Perry Cunningham - Cunningham pitched four seasons in Chillicothe, racking up 37 career victories.  His numbers slipped a little in 2007, but still finished the season with an 11-5 record and 3.98 ERA in 126.2 innings, 31 walks, and 76 strikeouts.  Cunningham announced his retirement about a month ago.

RHP Eric Teall - Teall had a couple bad outings at the end of the season, but led the Frontier League in ERA for most of the year in 2007.  He finished with a 2-5 record, 3.22 ERA, 16 saves, and 77 strikeouts in 64.1 innings while holding opponents to a .186 average.  Teall retired last month as well.

UTL Lance Koenig - Former Beach Bum Lance Koenig aged out of the league this off-season after hitting a combined .258 with 26 doubles, 42 RBI, and 21 stolen bases between the Beach Bums and Paints last year.

Key Returners

SS Travis Garcia - Garcia was the Frontier League MVP in 2007 and returns for his 3rd consecutive season in Chillicothe and 4th overall in the Frontier League.  Garcia hit .307 last season with 27 doubles, 19 home runs, and 70 RBI to go with a .957 fielding percentage at shortstop.

RHP Ryan Flanigan - Flanigan led the Frontier League in ERA last season at 1.28 to go with a 9-2 record.  In 77 innings he only walked 9 while striking out 56 and holding opponents to a .158 average.  In my opinion, Flanigan is too good to not be in Chillicothe's starting rotation.

3B Adrian Cantu - Cantu had a breakout season last year, hitting .303 with 18 doubles, 13 home runs, and 61 RBI.  He also improved his eye at the plate, drawing 49 walks for a .401 on-base percentage.  In a lineup that had some offensive struggles last season, the Paints really need Cantu to produce in order to protect Garcia.

UTL Paul Rutgers - Rutgers returns for his 3rd year in Chillicothe, and with the signing of 2B Drew Saylor, I expect Rutgers to make a full time move to left field.  Rutgers hit .254 with 22 doubles and 6 home runs last season.

1B Jon Patterson - Patterson is a former 1st round pick of the Yankees out of high school and was released before he turned 21.  I expect him to have a better season in 2008 seeing as he would only be a junior or senior in college if he had gone that route.  Last year he hit .231 with 27 doubles and 7 home runs.

C Dan Cummins - Cummins was a mid-season addition for the Paints and really gave their offense a boost, hitting .289 with 15 doubles and 8 home runs in 232 at-bats.  

The Paints also return outfielders Gavin Ng and Travis Storrer who return after solid rookie seasons in 2007.

The Paints have lost a lot of innings with off-season retirements, but they've already made a few really nice moves to make up for it.  Offensively, they will return almost everybody from last year's team and will upgrade at 2nd base with Drew Saylor.  Depending on what they get out of their pitching staff, especially their starting rotation, they could be a team to watch in 2008.