Hopes are high in Salt Lake City as opening day arrives for their beloved Sea Monkeys. From Temple Square to Capitol Hill, the city is decked out in Sea Monkey blue and white as fans dare to dream of the franchise's first .500 season.
Sad, but true: for these fans, mediocrity is something to celebrate.
The brass is pinning their hopes on the Sea Monkey rebuilt starting rotation, headed by young ace Rafael Morales, Murray O'Neil and veteran John Cho. Veteran Sea Monkey pitching coach Jed Fikac says the trio is the best trio ever to suit up for the franchise, and should help Salt Lake City keep games close. Lefties Jocko Lincoln and Quentin Gibson round out the rotation, each hoping to contribute 170 innings and a few quality starts.
The bullpen is anchored by closer Pascual Frias, having signed a new five-year, $30 million contract to remain in Salt Lake City. Frias converted 67 of 77 save opportunities in the last two years. He'll be supported by setup men Rabbit Byrd, Quilvio Lima and Bronson Cooke.
The lineup also gets a major makeover this season, with the arrival of rookies Sean Pulsipher and Deivi Tapies. Pulsipher, the 11th overall pick in Season 7, is a line-drive hitting centerfielder with great speed and a bit of pop. He'll set the table for sluggers Tapies, Al Tavarez and future Hall-of-Famer Louis McCartin.
Tapies, the first overall pick in Season 8, arrives in Salt Lake City after crushing minor league hitting to the tune of a .356 average and .706 slugging percentage over two years. Tapies is a pure hitter with great power, an outstanding batting eye and the ability to drive the ball to all fields.
In all, it looks to be a memorable year in Salt Lake City.
Coming next week: a look at the organization's top prospects
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