Ironclad Set Their Foundation with Benny Yamazaki and a Talented Coaching Staff
Written by Crestmont Sports Report Lead Ironclad beat reporter, Leveryn Williams.
Leveryn Williams, Crestmont Sports Report Lead Ironclad beat reporter
The Crestmont Ironclad’s debut season is officially underway, and they’ve wasted no time making waves in the baseball world. Earlier this week, President of Baseball Operations Craig Gennaro announced the hiring of Benny Yamazaki as the team’s inaugural manager. The 45-year-old Yamazaki brings a wealth of experience from his time in Japan's NPB and as a bench coach in MLB, making him an ideal fit to steer the Ironclad through their first campaign. Yamazaki has signed a two-year deal, signaling Crestmont's commitment to building a strong foundation under his leadership.
“We believe Benny’s vision, leadership, and international experience will be instrumental as we build our identity as a franchise,” said Gennaro during the press conference.
New Crestmont Ironclad Manager: Benny Yamazaki
Coaching Staff Takes Shape
Yamazaki won’t be alone in leading the Ironclad. Gennaro also unveiled an impressive coaching staff:
Daniel Dunn as Hitting Coach: Dunn is a rising star in the coaching ranks, known for his innovative approach to hitting analytics.
Kenny Levy as Pitching Coach: A former MLB pitcher himself, Levy specializes in developing young arms and refining veteran talent.
Andres Novoa as 1st Base Coach: A former infield instructor, Novoa brings sharp baserunning insights to the team.
Jeff Hammer as 3rd Base Coach: Hammer is renowned for his strategic acumen and aggressive baserunning philosophy.
Manny Velazquez as Farm Director: Velazquez has a proven track record of nurturing top-tier minor league talent, ensuring Crestmont’s pipeline remains strong for years to come.
Expansion Draft Delivers Depth and Versatility
The Ironclad were meticulous in assembling their roster during the expansion draft, focusing on versatility, experience, and upside. The draft landed key contributors like pitchers Yusei Kikuchi, Andrew Heaney, and multi-positional players such as Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Mark Canha. With a blend of seasoned veterans and rising stars, Crestmont aims to compete from day one.
Opening Day Roster Announced
Here’s the finalized 26-man roster and notable 2023 stats:
Starting Pitchers
Yusei Kikuchi (#16): 11-6, 3.86 ERA, 167.2 IP, 181 K.
J.P. France (#68): 11-6, 3.83 ERA, 136.1 IP, 101 K.
Andrew Heaney (#44): 10-6, 4.15 ERA, 147.1 IP, 151 K.
Nick Martinez (#28): 6-4, 3.43 ERA, 110.1 IP, 106 K.
Martin Perez (#54): 10-4, 4.45 ERA, 141.2 IP, 93 K.
Bullpen
Dillon Tate (#55, Closer): 2022 stats: 4-4, 73.2 IP, 5 SV, 1 Blown Save, 16 Holds, 60 K, 3.05 ERA
Drew Pomeranz (#15, SU): Missed 2023 due to injury. Last full season (2021): 1.75 ERA, 30 K in 25.2 IP.
Jonathan Loaisiga (#50, SU): 0-2, 3.06 ERA, 44.1 IP, 6 K, 17.2 IP
Graham Ashcraft (#51, LRP): 7-9, 145.2 IP, ERA 4.76, 111 K
Julio Teheran (#49, LRP): 3-5, 71.2 IP, ERA 4.40, 50 K
Elvis Peguero (#59, MRP): 4-5, 61.1 IP, ERA 3.38, 54 K
Brennan Bernardino (#83, MRP): 2-1, 50.2 IP, 3.20 ERA, 58 K
Josh Taylor (#38, MRP): 1-3, 17.2 IP, 8.15 ERA, 26 K
Starting Lineup vs. RHP
Isiah Kiner-Falefa (#7, 3B): .242 AVG, 6 HR, 37 RBI.
Manuel Margot (#13, RF): .264 AVG, 4 HR, 38 RBI.
Harold Ramirez (#58, 1B): .313 AVG, 21 HR, 68 RBI.
Trayce Thompson (#47, LF): .163 AVG, 6 HR, 17 RBI in limited play.
Yasmani Grandal (#8, C): .234 AVG, 8 HR, 33 RBI.
Mark Canha (#21, DH): .266 AVG, 11 HR, 62 RBI.
Adam Frazier (#26, 2B): .240 AVG, 13 HR, 60 RBI.
Nick Gordon (#1, SS): .176 AVG, 2 HR, 7 RBI in 91 AB (injury-shortened).
Jake Marisnick (#10, CF): .237 AVG, 2 HR, 10 RBI.
Starting Lineup vs. LHP
Includes notable substitutions like Kyle Farmer (#12, 1B) and Jose Trevino (#39, C) for their strong splits against lefties.
Minor League Depth on 40-Man Roster
The Ironclad’s depth extends beyond the 26-man roster, with a wealth of talent in their Triple-A and Double-A affiliates. Players on the 40-man roster include:
Xzavion Curry (SP, AAA, Age 25): Promising young starter with a strong arm.
Taylor Walls (SS/2B/3B, AAA, Age 27): Versatile infielder with MLB experience.
Jake Woodford (SP, AAA, Age 27): Reliable depth starter with a career ERA of 4.11.
Huascar Ynoa (SP, AAA, Age 25): Hard-throwing righty with high upside.
Eric Haase (C/LF, AAA, Age 31): Power-hitting catcher with multi-position flexibility.
Garrett Cooper (1B/LF/RF, AAA, Age 33): Solid offensive contributor.
Nick Martini (OF, AAA, Age 33): Veteran outfielder with gap-to-gap power.
Matt Duffy (SS/1B/2B/3B, AAA, Age 33): Reliable utility infielder with a career .279 batting average.
Austin Hedges (C, AAA, Age 31): Elite defensive catcher; currently on the trade block.
Jorge Alfaro (C/LF, AAA, Age 30): Athletic catcher with raw power.
Nick Solak (LF/1B/2B/3B/CF/RF, AAA, Age 29): Versatile player with good speed.
Victor Caratini (C/1B/3B, AAA, Age 30): Strong switch-hitter with a good eye.
Steven Wilson (RP, AAA, Age 29): Promising reliever with a career 3.21 ERA.
Pierce Johnson (RP/CP, AA, Age 32): Experienced reliever with closing experience.
Notable Prospects
Max Muncy (2B/SS, AA, Age 21): Promising young infielder with MLB potential.
Cooper Bowman (2B/SS, AAA, Age 24): Versatile infielder with a strong bat.
Jacob Wilson (3B/SS/LF/RF, AA, Age 22): High-ceiling prospect with All-Star potential.
Colby Thomas (RF/LF/CF, AAA, Age 23): Excellent fielder working on his hitting consistency.
Season Outlook
The Ironclad have a tough task ahead as a new franchise, but their roster suggests they’ll be competitive. While the starting rotation boasts experience and depth, the bullpen may face growing pains, particularly in high-leverage situations. Offensively, the team will rely on contact hitters like Ramirez and Canha to set the tone.
Prediction: 76-86, with glimpses of brilliance and a solid foundation for the future.