Chicago Bandits Season Preview

Chicago won the 2015 NPF Championship but suffered some key losses this off season

Record: 2nd Place 31-17

Season Result: Won 2-0 against the USSSA Pride in the NPF Championship

CEO: Bill Sokolis

GM: Aaron M. Moore

Head Coach: Mike Steuerwald (Fourth Year)

Assistant Coach: Roman Foore (Second Year)

Draft Picks: Shelby Turnier, P, Central Florida (Signed), Kellsi Kloss, C, LSU (Unsigned), Emily Carosone, IF, Auburn (Unsigned), Kristen Brown, and IF, North Carolina (Signed).

Key Signings: Pitcher Morgan Foley (Free Agent), IF Jill Barrett (Trade with Akron Racers) and IF Andrea Filler (Free Agent).

Key Losses: Pitcher Monica Abbott (Signed with the Scrap Yard Dawgs), Third Baseman Amber Patton (Retired), Shortstop Tammy Williams (Retired), Pitcher Kirsten Verdun (Free Agent), Outfielder AJ Andrews (Trade with Racers), and Vicky Galasso (Signed with the Dallas Charge).

They will win if: Michelle Gascoigne (6-5 and a 3.06 ERA) returns to All-NPF and thrives as the new ace of the Bandits staff. Up to this point Gascoigne has always worked behind somebody like Abbott for the past two years or Keilani Ricketts while at Oklahoma. Lacey Waldrop (3-5 and a 3.42 ERA) starts to really show the potential she had when she was drafted. Sara Moulton (3-2 with a 4.86 ERA) gets back to her rookie form. Shelby Turnier comes in an makes an immediate impact as a rookie. Reigning offensive player of the year Brittany Cervantes (.358 AVG, 9 HR, 23 RBI) and All-NPF catcher Taylor Edwards (9 HR and 29 RBI) continue to be run producers. Emily Allard (AVG .323) continues to hit the ball and set up run scoring opportunities. New acquisition Jill Barrett continues to play like she has for the past two season and helps fill the void at shortstop. They find stability at third base.

They will lose if: Michelle Gascoigne struggles with her role as the new ace. Lacey Waldrop continues to struggle to adjust. Sara Moulton continues to regress. Turnier struggles to adjust to the league. Cervantes and Edwards take steps back from last year. Emily Allard’s batting average dips some more. Jill Barrett regresses and struggles to fill the void left by Williams. The team has a hard time finding stability at third base.

Conclusion: This isn’t the first time the Bandits have lost key players. Last year they traded pitcher Andi Williamson and star player Megan Wiggins. They also changed their team philosophy from power hitting to speed. Aaron Moore and the front office always have an eye for talent. Although this season at times might be challenging I do believe the Bandits will still be in the hunt for the Cowles Cup. Also, having Mike Steuerwald and Roman Foore comeback as coaches definitely will make the transition easier. Don’t be the surprised if the Bandits get a lot of people’s attention like they did last year with their play.

Follow Eric Katz on Twitter @Sportsteamnews