Smile and Waive, 2nd Edition – 64.04

[neugey]

It’s mid-April, and the waiver activity continues at a rapid clip for 10-9 Moscow. This last week saw a series of events unfold that has altered the structure of the active roster a bit. Here’s a look at what just transpired for the T-Bears:

The team and minors had been remarkably healthy, and it wasn’t going to last forever. Against London on April 17, 2B Ari Ernalia felt a nasty twinge in his arm while making a throw, immediately signaling for the trainers. Ari was then diagnosed with a partial labrum tear and will be out for about 2 months. The 27-year-old’s glove will certainly be missed at the keystone position while he’s on IL. A few days later, LF Godofredo Chucha, off to a blistering start with a .404 average, took a bad plunk on the wrist from Jerusalem starter Leonard Squillari. The deep bruise will take about 3 weeks to heal.

Meanwhile, INF/2B Kei-thing Khoo was claimed off waivers. It wasn’t intended for Khoo to replace Ernalia, but the timing of events just made this a reality. Many say Khoo is a sparkplug, someone who is great for the locker room. This left-handed infielder comes to the T-Bears courtesy of Jerusalem. He’s currently making the league minimum and is arbitration-eligible next season, so this is a solid value for the T-Bears. 1B Juan Garcia, who management has reportedly been disappointed with, will be given a little more time to figure it out in the majors and contribute positive WAR. Before the injuries set in, it was expected that Garcia would be the man who'd be waved to make room for Khoo.

Another waiver claim was executed for RP Titu Homei, formerly of Tokyo. He was then promptly added to the 40-man roster and optioned to AAA for more seasoning. If the righty continues to develop, he could be a solid bullpen piece for years to come.

In other news, Moscow opted to waive and release disappointing C Bing-de Pao. It became apparent last season that the backstop’s defense was not going to be sufficient for the team. He also hit a woeful .171 in the majors and in .143 in AAA, doing more than enough to seal his fate. A change of scenery may help this 27-year-old, but he could be on thin ice based on how bad the 2063 stats got.

Up to help fill in for the injured Chucha is a familiar face in CF Safwan bin Kedar. Moscow management could have brought up promising CF Nazir Daulut Khel, but it’s reported the team wants to maximize Khel's development and consider a promotion for him later in the year. Bin Kedar hasn’t played left very often, but should have little trouble making the transition from his customary centerfield. He also can slide over to help at 2B if the need arises. If the power bin Kedar showcased during the 2062 championship run comes back, he might be able to stay up once Chucha returns.