2011: Central Title Defense

The Casselton Horned Toads sprang to life in 2010, after two abismal seasons under GM Landon Bolt, and 2011 is filled with hopes of building on success. The main problem with 2010 was that while the Horned Toads started hot, they limped into the playoffs, losing in the first round Worcester Eliminators. While the Eliminators eventually would go on to win the BARB Championship, it still left a dirty taste in Horned Toads' mouths.

What else can be expected? Many front-line starters ended 2010 on the Disabled List, leaving the Horned Toads shorthanded when it mattered most. Injuries shut down players like Johan Santana, Carlos Zambrano, Geovany Soto, and Justin Upton.

As for 2011, there is nothing but optimism. GM Landon Bolt has some salary cap room to make for extra depth throughout the season. "We didn't realize how thin we were until our players went down," said Bolt. "From now on, we will leave a few million in the tank to begin the year, so we don't pigeon-hole ourselves like that again. Lesson learned."

Coinciding with this trend, GM Bolt is seemingly the most active in the Free Agent market at the beginning of this young season, already handing our major league contracts to Travis Hafner, Miguel Tejada, and Chris Young, while also adding minor leaguers JR Towles, Brandon McCarthy, and Glen Perkins.

This is perhaps the only thing that is going on the Horned Toads side however, as the Disabled List is already filling up, similar to the end of last year. Players who have already served or are serving time:

Kendrys Morales: Broken Leg (lost for the season)
Johan Santana: Shoulder Surgery (2010, hoping for a return in June or July)
Jim Thome: Oblique
JJ Hardy: Left Wrist Contusion
Travis Hafner: Oblique
Brandon McCarthy: Stress reaction in his right scapula
Darren O'Day: Torn Labrum
Geovany Soto: Left Groin Strain
Chris Young: Shoulder Surgery (out for season)

Maybe the Horned Toads should be more selective with their players? "We don't think so," says GM Bolt. "We have been unlucky so far, but look at this team if it was all healthy. It's explosive. We have to keep rolling with the punches, hoping we can keep the ship afloat until our guys come back. Then: watch out."