We Got Wood - 47.26 - Alicea Embracing Role as Closer

GM: Chris Wilson

Moderator: 7teen

User avatar
7teen
BBA GM
Posts: 9806
Joined: Sun Apr 04, 2010 7:59 am
Has thanked: 223 times
Been thanked: 1135 times

We Got Wood - 47.26 - Alicea Embracing Role as Closer

Post by 7teen » Mon Jun 21, 2021 9:38 am

After being acquired from San Fernando in the Gusby Pinkerton trade, the front office felt that Matt Alicea's future with the team was as a lower end starter. Perhaps a 4th or 5th type guy that could help round out a rotation that was going to be filled with studs at the top. But after a 2046 season that saw him used only three times as a starter due to a slider that has stalled in development and used 88 times in relief, the Lumberjacks appear set on Alicea's future being out of the bullpen. But no one expected it to be as the team's closer!

After going the first month and half without a closer in 2047, Lumberjacks manager Farri Agymah decided it was time to put someone in the traditional role to close games in the 9th inning. Alicea was his choice. "We were riding Lorenzo and Juan in the pressurized roles" commented Agymah, "those parts of the game designated as high pressure. That's not always the final outs of the game. So Lorenzo and Juan were getting us out of those jams and we were just using a committee of guys in the 9th. Soemtimes it worked, sometimes it didn't. Sometimes it was Zo or Juan getting those outs. But we wanted a more definitive guy in that spot, one we knew we could go to in the end. Matt has stood out and now here we are."

The southpaw 23 year old has excelled thus far as a closer, saving all 10 of his opportunities this season. In 38 appearances this season, Alicea has 40 innings pitched with 45 strikeouts, a 2.48 ERA, and a 1.00 WHIP. He's converted a save in his last 4 appearances and may be taking a liking to his new role on the team.

"I honestly always saw myself as a starting pitcher" commented Alicea, "but the adrenaline rush coming into these tight games late is something I hadn't ever experienced before. Considering some of the arms we have on this club, I'll take whatever role I can get. If they think highly enough of me to throw me out there in those tight games late, then so be it. I'll take this role over being driven around the minor leagues any day!"

With 10 saves on the season, Alicea is already the 9th on the Portland all-time list in saves. If he can nail down this role, he could very easily become the franchise's most decorated closer very soon!!!
Chris Wilson

LB Surfers 95-96
FL Pac Champs: 95

Madison Wolves 99-2039
JL MW: 99-2009, 17, 20, 21
JL WC: 12
JL: 01, 04, 09, 12
FL Heartland: 32
FL WC: 31, 33
BBA Champs: 04, 09

Portland Lumberjacks 2040-
FL Pacific: 50
FL WC: 49, 51
FL Champs: 49, 51

Vic Caleca TN of the Year 2046

scottsdale_joe
Ex-GM
Posts: 3407
Joined: Tue Jun 29, 2010 12:55 pm
Location: scottsdale, az
Has thanked: 68 times
Been thanked: 121 times

Re: We Got Wood - 47.26 - Alicea Embracing Role as Closer

Post by scottsdale_joe » Tue Jun 22, 2021 9:34 am

The Portland Justin Marco maybe?
Joe - GM UMEBA CAIRO PHARAOHS (2047-xxxx); Vancouver Mounties (1996-2009; 2035-2036); Halifax Hawks (2023-2026)Image LINKS:ImageImageImageImageImage

User avatar
7teen
BBA GM
Posts: 9806
Joined: Sun Apr 04, 2010 7:59 am
Has thanked: 223 times
Been thanked: 1135 times

Re: We Got Wood - 47.26 - Alicea Embracing Role as Closer

Post by 7teen » Tue Jun 22, 2021 10:28 am

scottsdale_joe wrote:
Tue Jun 22, 2021 9:34 am
The Portland Justin Marco maybe?
He's a HOF in my book! haha
Chris Wilson

LB Surfers 95-96
FL Pac Champs: 95

Madison Wolves 99-2039
JL MW: 99-2009, 17, 20, 21
JL WC: 12
JL: 01, 04, 09, 12
FL Heartland: 32
FL WC: 31, 33
BBA Champs: 04, 09

Portland Lumberjacks 2040-
FL Pacific: 50
FL WC: 49, 51
FL Champs: 49, 51

Vic Caleca TN of the Year 2046

Post Reply Previous topicNext topic

Return to “Portland Lumberjacks”

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 4 guests