Blowing in the Wind 2055.3: Solid Start Settles Fans

[aaronweiner]

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The Jacksonville Hurricanes went 3-2 in their first week of action, largely settling fans who were concerned about the team makeup going into the 2055 season. While doing nothing particularly well in their first sim, they did manage average levels of everything except defense, where they continued to have significant struggles.

"We feel okay about the start," said Bob Anderson, who picked up right where he left off in last year's Steve Nebraska Award winning season. "We think that once we start getting together as a cohesive unit we're going to really begin winning some games."

Despite the average numbers, Jacksonville's performance was notably imbalanced. Newcomer Bernie Stuart got wrecked by New Orleans, giving up a three-run homer in the fifth inning to run him from the ballgame, which is not an auspicious start from Jacksonville's big, flashy offseason signing. Both Mark Thomas and Matt McCartney were also rolled by contender Mexico City, though Jacksonville would win Thomas' start. However, Gerald Sizemore had a productive start against the Aztecs, and Stuart will likely come around quickly.

"We're still convinced we have one of the better pitching staffs in the league," said pitching coach Bob Carr. "There's a lot of talent here, and those were some tough matchups."

The offense, however, is a bit of a work in progress. Greg Godwin is wrecking BBA arms at an even higher rate than last year's superb September callup, and Pedro Hozven appears to be in his prime. However, Taro Kudo is not keeping up last year's success, Donald Miller still can't seem to hit a home run, Stefan Adilov was four for his first nineteen, and Manoell Whanon is hurt.

"We're concerned about the offense, but we have a fair amount of depth and some cap space with which to trade for players," said GM Aaron Weiner. "I'm excited about the way that Greg has held down the DH spot so far, and we think that Stefan will be fine, and we're still tenth in offense despite the early struggles, which isn't bad. I think we'll come around."

Jacksonville's early season schedule is unlikely to help them, as eleven of their next sixteen games are against 2054 playoff teams. If they emerge with a winning record from that, this might be a special season: the schedule loosens dramatically in late April for quite some time.