Season Preview from Mister-Baseball

http://www.mister-baseball.com/2011-preview-german-baseballbundesliga-north/

Hamburg HSV Stealers (12-16)

The Stealers made a dramatic push into the playoffs over the final weeks of last season, jumping from 7th to 4th place over two weeks. They relied heavily on a team effort throughout the year, with seven players picking up at least 10 innings pitched, and six players scoring at least 10 runs; although they were one of the worst hitting teams in the league. Coach Jens Hawlitzky was busy in the offseason, adding key pieces to ensure a return trip to the playoffs. Catcher Jakub Vojak had an outstanding season for Saarlouis last year and fills the shoes of the departed Patrick Maat. Pitcher Rene Herlitzius went 5-0 for Regensburg and adds a bat to the lineup. American utility man Max Warren brings his Greek passport with him and adds important depth in the bullpen and infield, and SS Sam Boone will be a much-needed glove for the team that lead the league in errors. Also announced was the return of RHP Justin Prinstien, who pitched two complete games for HSV with a 0.51 ERA to end the season. Top players from last year’s team Daniel Harms (4.89 ERA) and Philipp von Soosten (.820 OPS) will be looking forward to the help this season, and depending on how all the new pieces are able to fit together, don’t be surprised to see Hawlitzky’s squad on top of the standings through the season.