The Florida Hurricanes continued their long rebuild with another rough season finishing 64-92 and in the basement of the North American division. The 'Canes played inspired baseball throughout the first half of the season. On June 15, they were 33-33 and only 2.5 games back of the first place Stars but could not keep pace. However, there were many bright spots to look back on as they prepare for the 2108 season.
The Good
The Emergence of Jason Himes
After being selected 11th overall in 2106, Himes was fast-tracked to the big leagues and never looked back. With an ability to play all three infield spots, Himes played in 141 games posting a 4.0 WAR, .278/.382/.387 slash line, 30 doubles, and seven triples. At 22, Himes showed the league why the Hurricane front office is so high on his ability to play in their infield for years to come.
Pina Power Finally Shines
Combining for a 30 home runs the past two seasons put together, Santos Pina finally displayed the power that league scouts had thought was in his bat all along. Pina, 27, launched 31 home runs and 36 doubles anchoring the middle of the Hurricane lineup. The future of first base in the organization probably still belongs to prospect Sapto Djojopoespito, but Pina made a case for himself with a strong 2107 campaign.
Smith Steps Into Stardom
After the emergence of Gaudencio Brigham in 2106, it was Michael Smith's turn to shine on the mound for the Hurricanes. After a solid rookie season, Smith's sophomore campaign included a 3.41 ERA, 4.4 WAR, and 212 strikeouts which was good for second in the ABL. A first round selection 4 seasons ago, Smith put on a ace-worthy campaign and will look to build on it.
The Bad
Bullpen Woes
Florida's bullpen ranked 9th in the ABL in ERA as they struggled to maintain any lead that the starting pitching could hold. However, help is on the way with big time prospects Mike Myers and Gaustao Sardinheiro tentatively scheduled to anchor the back end of the 2108 bullpen.
Injuries
Florida saw several key players hit the disabled list throughout the season. Offseason free agent signings Patrick Bedser, Yasser Chaga, and Xie-li Kang all missed significant periods of time. Highly-touted pitching prospect Gil Soranzo also missed the last two months of the season with a partially torn labrum.
Down On The Farm
As we look to the future, the Hurricanes farm system is undoubtably their strength. 15th ranked and top pitching prospect Angelo Chavez will more than likely break into the rotation out of spring training next season, and most recent top draft pick Hector Velasquez has made quick work of the minors and is eyeing a 2108 debut. Outfield prospects Ronnie Drew and Alberto Susano had strong seasons in AA, and utility prospect Arthur McMahon excelled in A ball. Another strong draft this offseason will only benefit the Hurricanes further.
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