2008 Buffalo Bisons Preview
April 10, 2008 ? By Josh ?Twisted? Hixenbaugh

Minor League Baseball is still young in its season, and with it I will bring all the excitements of the Indians affiliates as a team as well as the individual development of the players. Although following the big league club takes priority for most fans, following the highs and lows of prospects as they work their way toward their dream of being a major league baseball player will be my job.

Last year, Buffalo finished a 75-67 and just missed the playoffs the final week of the season. It was the second straight year that Buffalo missed the playoffs after making the playoffs in 2004 and 2005. The Bisons won the International League Championship in 2004, and from 2004 to 2005 had the league's best record over that two-year span.

Many of Buffalo's problems stemmed from a sudden increase of injuries and also the Indians taking many of their best players throughout the season. They are there primarily for the major league club to provide depth and players to use at a moments notice. With so many turnovers on the roster and so many injuries, the Bisons just never could get on a roll and stay consistent all season.

With the start of this season, Buffalo looks like it will have one of its strongest and most experienced teams in a long time. Fans will be disappointed in the overall roster as it is filled with many minor league veterans near 30 years old who are still hanging around trying to get another shot at the major leagues, or their first shot. Pitchers like Matt Ginter, Rick Bauer, Scott Elarton, Rich Rundles, and Jeff Harris, and position players like Aaron Herr, Danny Sandoval, Andy Gonzalez, Jason Tyner and Yamid Haad are all players who were cast away by other organizations who have settled in Buffalo looking for a chance to continue their baseball careers and get to the big leagues. In addition, there are several veterans in the Indians minor league system still hanging on like pitcher Brian Slocum, outfielder Jason Cooper, and first baseman Ryan Mulhern.

The depth of the Indians major league team will also be on display as four major league quality players in left-handed pitcher Aaron Laffey, left-handed pitcher Jeremy Sowers, right-handed pitcher Tom Mastny, and second baseman Josh Barfield will all be essential pieces of the team in Buffalo at the beginning of the season.

However, while there are a lot of minor league veterans and major league players on the roster, there are still some very good prospects to follow. Newcomers include first baseman Jordan Brown, catcher Wyatt Toregas, and left-hander Reid Santos, and the holdovers from last season include outfielder Ben Francisco, right-hander Adam Miller, right-hander Sean Smith, and outfielder Brad Snyder. Plus, many top prospects such as outfielder Trevor Crowe, first baseman Michael Aubrey, left-handed starter Chuck Lofgren, and right-handed reliever Jeff Stevens who have been held up in Akron because of the veterans in Buffalo should see significant time in Buffalo this year.

Overall, outside of a few issues with some top prospects unfairly having to start the season in Akron, the Buffalo team has a good mix of prospects and veterans. With the Indians move of their Triple-A affiliate to Columbus in 2009 all but official, the Bisons should be a strong playoff contender in what looks like a farewell season.

Buffalo Bisons Coaching Staff

Manager: Torey Lovullo
3rd season as Buffalo manager, 8th season in Indians organization

Hitting Coach: Dave Meyers
2nd season as Buffalo hitting coach, 2nd season in Indians organization

Pitching Coach: Scott Radinsky
2nd season as Buffalo pitching coach, 4th season in Indians organization

Roster & Rotation

Pitchers (12):
Rick Bauer
Scott Elarton
Matt Ginter
Jeff Harris
Aaron Laffey
Tom Mastny
Adam Miller**
Eddie Mujica
Rich Rundles
Reid Santos
Brian Slocum
Sean Smith
Jeremy Sowers

Catchers (2):
Yamid Haad
Wyatt Toregas

Infielders (6):
Josh Barfield
Jordan Brown
Andy Gonzalez
Aaron Herr
Ryan Mulhern
Danny Sandoval

Outfielders (4):
Jason Cooper
Ben Francisco
Brad Snyder
Jason Tyner

Rotation:
Aaron Laffey
Jeremy Sowers
Adam Miller**
Sean Smith
Brian Slocum

** - Matt Ginter is currently in the rotation where he will make one or two starts while Adam Miller is still inactive working on his innings progression to get up to a normal pitch count. Miller missed about two weeks of spring training because of a blister on his middle finger, so will not be ready to make his first start for a week or two.