Hawks Nest, v27.1 - Checking the Locks: Starting Pitcher

trmmilwwi · Post by **trmmilwwi** » Fri Jun 10, 2016 7:53 am

This series is something I thoroughly enjoyed reading when Chris was managing this club so I thought I'd bring it back as a nod to the history of the team. Here goes nothing..

STARTING PITCHER

SURE FIRE LOCKS: Martin “Bulldog” Lewis, Sancho Delgado, Daniel Jordan

NEAR LOCKS: George Kennedy, Javier Trujillo

HOPEFULS:Manuel Guerra, Will Clark

OUTSIDE SHOT: Alfredo Salazar

Analysis:

Lewis is the Ace* of the staff and had a career year last season in his second with the Hawks. He led the team with 19 wins and was the best pitcher on an uneven staff. He set a career high in WAR and had a career best FIP so I expect some regression but still expect Martin to be the guy. Delgado has completed 5 seasons and at27 should be in the prime of his career. He actually had a better season than the counting stats suggest last season and I expect him to be a strong #2 starter. Jordan just finished his 2nd big league season and like Delgado had a bad season according to the counting stats but had a more successful year when you peek under the hood. This is a guy I expect to really step up this season. Regardless he will be a starter from the 3rd game on.

Kennedy is first in line to earn the coveted #5 role out of spring training. He was brought over via the Ramos trade with Seattle and looks to be able to hold down that last starter spot. He’s young and doesn’t have great ratings but he is a solid pitcher with decent abilities. He has a little room to grow but essentially he is fully developed. Trujillo was recently acquired form Vancouver and is a bottom of the order veteran. His counting stats will likely not be repeated this season as he had a great year in Vancouver last year but we do expect him to be a solid contributor. He is a likely candidate for the 4 or 5 spot but he could slip, or more accurately, his position could be challenged by one of the outsiders.

Guerra will be starting the season in the pen more than likely and will be insurance for any injuries to the top 5. He is a proven veteran on the downside of his career. He was kept around more for sentimental reasons (I had him in YS) than for production but he will be a net zero war guy. Will Clark is the hot shot youngin of the group who will be knocking on the door ready to come in. he’s 23 and has a bit of room to develop yet but he is nearing his potentials. He’ll get a shot in spring to prove what he can do.

Salazar seems to be the odd man out as we really don’t need another long reliever spot starter type guy. However, in a weird twist of circumstance (or maybe not) he’s our only lefty starter that is anywhere near ready.

* As Ace I mean only in a team building he’s the guy we want to pitch an important game for us kind of way and not the he needs to qualify for the Nebraska Award and if not be in the top 15 (or whatever arbitrary number) of the league to be a true bonafide ace.

udlb58 · Post by **udlb58** » Fri Jun 10, 2016 9:54 am

trmmilwwi wrote: * As Ace I mean only in a team building he’s the guy we want to pitch an important game for us kind of way and not the he needs to qualify for the Nebraska Award and if not be in the top 15 (or whatever arbitrary number) of the league to be a true bonafide ace.

I really like Delgado (I mean REALLY like him). Looking at your back-end of the roation makes me feel a little better about my chances in the division with Bolota, Martin, and Kung.

trmmilwwi · Post by **trmmilwwi** » Fri Jun 10, 2016 10:11 am

Andy Martin is still around... zoinks!

indiansfan · Post by **indiansfan** » Fri Jun 10, 2016 12:45 pm

Wow George Kennedy. Was there a 70's disaster movie he wasn't in?

Post by **Lane** » Mon Jun 13, 2016 8:44 am

rabble rabble ace rabble rabble

agrudez · Post by **agrudez** » Tue Jun 14, 2016 1:35 pm

C'mon guys, the *way* bigger controversy isn't calling Lewis an ace (he's not), but rather choosing him as the opening day starter over Delgado (whom very well may be). With the latter entering a contract year, no less. Don't worry, Sancho, once you hit FA I'm sure you can find *some* team that will appreciate you.

trmmilwwi · Post by **trmmilwwi** » Tue Jun 14, 2016 1:43 pm

And thus it starts!

7teen · Post by **7teen** » Tue Jun 14, 2016 8:29 pm

trmmilwwi wrote:Andy Martin is still around... zoinks!

Had some good years in Madison.... But I'm also shocked he's still in the league....

ae37jr · Post by **ae37jr** » Tue Jun 14, 2016 9:13 pm

One lefty out of 8 and he is a long shot....

udlb58 · Post by **udlb58** » Tue Jun 14, 2016 9:45 pm

7teen wrote:
trmmilwwi wrote:Andy Martin is still around... zoinks!
Had some good years in Madison.... But I'm also shocked he's still in the league....

Pretty crazy. He actually was right around league average in his limited playing time too. Shocker considering it had been over a year since he had last played a game.

The Brewster

The Brewster

Hawks Nest, v27.1 - Checking the Locks: Starting Pitcher

Hawks Nest, v27.1 - Checking the Locks: Starting Pitcher

Re: Hawks Nest, v27.1 - Checking the Locks: Starting Pitcher

Re: Hawks Nest, v27.1 - Checking the Locks: Starting Pitcher

Re: Hawks Nest, v27.1 - Checking the Locks: Starting Pitcher

Re: Hawks Nest, v27.1 - Checking the Locks: Starting Pitcher

Re: Hawks Nest, v27.1 - Checking the Locks: Starting Pitcher

Re: Hawks Nest, v27.1 - Checking the Locks: Starting Pitcher

Re: Hawks Nest, v27.1 - Checking the Locks: Starting Pitcher

Re: Hawks Nest, v27.1 - Checking the Locks: Starting Pitcher

Re: Hawks Nest, v27.1 - Checking the Locks: Starting Pitcher

Who is online