Brains! 2063.2: ...The Pitching Doesn't - Maybe

[aaronweiner]

As good as the offense has been in the young season, the pitching has been almost as erratic. However, there are some potentially promising signs on the staff that could spell future returns for the Zombies.

"The pitching isn't quite as bad as everyone says it is as the moment," said Zombies' pitching coach Arend Glas. "There's a lot more than meets the eye."

First of all, a lot of the rotation stats are somewhat skewed by the fact that Jacksonville has gone with an unorthodox six-man rotation this year. It is hard to say precisely how the extra day of rest is affecting the staff, but there are some positive signs. Low-endurance starter Mahilai Manaalii has no doubt benefitted from the lowered usage, as last September's surprise star has gone 2-1 with a 2.92 ERA in the young season.

"I feel totally rested and ready to go in the six-man," said Manaalii. "This has been great for my confidence."

Dan Voelzke has also been rock-solid for the Zombies, showing why they happily handed him the ball on Opening Day. Former second round pick Tony Gallegos has been productive in his first two major league starts, and so far the only pitcher in the rotation who has not been effective is Rule 5 pick Bartolo Borquez, who has allowed 10 homers in 45 innings but has otherwise been useful.

"We probably won't have either Mathis Gerard or Juan Marroquin back with us next year, especially since they've pitched well enough to potentially justify a raise," said Zombies GM Aaron Weiner. "So it's heartening to see our young pitchers taking the ball and going up there and showing effectiveness."

However, the bullpen is still showing growing pains. Most of the pen was overhauled this year, and even elevating last year's first round picks, Victor Braden and Juan Fernandez, to the major leagues have not helped; in fact, the two top reliever prospects have combined for a ghastly 7/18 K/BB ratio this year, which is not a typo: in 26 innings, the two pitchers have combined for 18 walks. The two players have been difficult to hit, but they need to be better than that. Most of the rest of the pen has been ineffective as well.

[BaseClogger]

Marroquin getting a raise? He barely even pitched in 2062.

[aaronweiner]

He’s doing okay though. But maybe not.

[BaseClogger]

He’s not hurting you. I just don’t see him getting a major league contract at 40 unless he pitches even better.

[aaronweiner]

He’s not hurting you. I just don’t see him getting a major league contract at 40 unless he pitches even better.

I think it’s funny that we’re taking me literally on that one. That sounded a lot nicer than “we don’t want that old MF back next year.”