Position review: the outfield

Center fielder Mike Szarka celebrates after winning the 2008 Ken Griffey Junior Brain and Nerve Tonic All-Stars Most Valuable Player Award.

Caitlin Brandon
Brandon will catch opponents off-guard by making the sensational catch; she's very reliable in the outfield. Her bat improved throughout 2008 and, while Brandon does not possesses as much power as teammate Kathleen Hume, she's improving in her ability to move the ball around and get on base. She'll be steady at worst and remains yet another breakout candidate.

Ian Denomme
"Doc" Denomme is a sound fielder with a good arm. He's capable of making the highlight-reel grab so keep your eyes on him at all times. His bat was arguably the team's best during the 2008 Summer season, though it cooled with the weather in the Fall. He's expected to bounce back with some serious gap power and the occasional round-tripper.

Mike Szarka
Last season's MVP. A five-tool player, Szarka can do it all. Very aggressive on the basepaths and on defense, though it will get him into trouble--his arm lacks accuracy and he has a tendency to force the long ball, resulting in wild throws and extra bags for opponents. With his range, if he sticks to the cutoff man, he's Gold Glove material. Szarka is the team's power hitter and will anchor the lineup. He'll be in the MVP mix again.