ST: Games 17-24
So, that’s a wrap, the third ever Spring Training for Riyadh is in the books. The most pleasing thing is the lack of injuries, just a finger blister for Bert Hackworth, he probably could have pitched on later in the rotation, but I sent him for a short precautionary stint on the IL so we could get a look at Nick Garner in meaningful action. He tore his rotator cuff after five innings of his first start in the franchise in Port Elizabeth, but he’s performed reasonably in his four ST starts. Probably not enough to win a full time rotation spot but enough to stick with the organisation for the time being. Although results are meaningless during spring we were pleased with our progress, 3-5 in the first third with all our youngsters playing and then 4-4 in both the final two sections with more & more regulars getting AB’s. 11 wins in ST is a fifth of what the Red Crescents managed all last season, and someone was daft enough to finish below us lol.
2048 Final ST table
The cuts are all in now, and there were quite a few wannabes released at all levels with a few still on waivers and some more hiding in Taipei as injury replacements until such time as the draft is done. We’re happy that the hitters could be an improvement on last year if they all stay healthy, the power could well still be a problem but hopefully their batting averages should be better than 2047 and they’ll maintain the defence that saw them #2 in the BURT last year. There was no shocks in the final roster, both Rule 5 picks stuck with the club, Umar Mutemi won the starting role as DH while Vinnie Coalman gets to sit on the bench as the fifth outfielder. In the rotation, Bancroft Boy Jose Lima will be the Ace of the rotation and take the ball on Opening Day. Meanwhile with Hackworth due off the IL next week, a decision will have to be made on whether he will replace Garner or Raymond Ortiz in the rotation. The Red Crescents also have a few Irons in the fire as last minute improvements to the bullpen staff as well to complicate things further. 33-yr=old reliever Arturo Rivera, signed on a minor league with major league option contract, not only made the team, but will open the season as the team’s stopper.