Smile and Waive – 64.03

[neugey]

Earlier this offseason, when the Moscow front office learned that a scheduling conflict would prevent them from participating in GBC Rule V, it was initially disappointing news for GM Mike Bauer. But over the months that followed, Bauer realized that this may have been a blessing in disguise. Too often as GM of Edmonton and in managing non-Brewster franchises, his Rule V selections often performed poorly and stifled roster flexibility. “The Rule V experience … you think you’re holding hands with a supermodel, only to find out you’re handcuffed to a serial killer,” Bauer quipped.

Armed with that perspective, Bauer still acknowledged that the 2064 Moscow roster build lacked the overall fortification that Rule V often provides. Therefore, he vowed to the team to keep a close eye on waivers as opening day approached.

Little did the team know that the ideal piece to the bullpen would become available and the team would be fortunate to have their first claim executed. Johannesburg, perhaps dealing with considerable depth in their pitching staff, made the difficult choice to waive closer Cesar Torres. If that name is familiar to most readers, that’s because the righty has had a blessed career journey, including championship stops with the iconic Toledo Liberty and Nashville Bluebirds. Renowned BBA writer Lem Piker Sr recently assigned a “B” grade to Torres as a Phoenix draftee in the latest Brewster Media Guide, and wrote the following:

Cesar is one of the few Monty winners in our rewind, having won titles with Nashville in 2060 and 2062. But we’re getting ahead of ourselves with that tidbit of info. He was first selected by Phoenix, and saved quite a few games with the esteemed Toledo Liberty A-level team. But in 2056 he was traded to Rocky Mountain/Rosenblatt for veteran closer Josh Dougherty, this before his trade a few years later to the Bluebirds. Currently he’s in the second year of a two-year deal with GBC Johannesburg. In 2063 with the Gold, he got into a great rhythm and saved 31 games with a 3.20 ERA. His control may be patchy, but his sinker/slider combo is trustworthy. All in all, not a bad pick.

Some GBC teams would utilize Torres as a closer given his pedigree. But Moscow already has the closer spot locked down by their young righty phenom Riyadi Subandrio, who has 4 saves to start the season for the 4-2 T-Bears with a 0.00 ERA to boot. Thus it appears Moscow plans to deploy Torres as Subandrio’s prime setup-man and second-string closer. Torres prefers to be a closer, but it’s anticipated that as time goes on he’ll accept his new situation. With just a $880k salary, Torres is quite a get for the Thunder Bears. With him and promising southpaw rookie Mataio Hanale now in the fold, it appears the implosions of 2063 will be a less frequent occurrence for the T-Bears with improved bullpen depth.

[jiminyhopkins]

Great pickup!

[jleddy]

I was shocked when I saw the note Moscow picked him up on waivers. He should thrive as a set-up man, certainly if deployed in lower-leverage situations. Nicely done!

[BTuck2112]

Solid pick-up for sure!