The Backyard 2033.15: Debate Over Young Arms Simmers

[cheekimonk]

The Backyard
19 May 2033
Nashville, TN
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Rumors have persisted that a disagreement between Nashville GM Ben Teague and HC Iain Heijnen over the development curve of the Goats young pitchers has escalated in the past couple of weeks. The debate, predictably, centers around the balance of Nashville's rebuilding efforts. Specifically, how soon will the window open for the Goats to have the talent to compete for championships and how quickly to bring along young players, in this case pitchers, in the meantime.

The debate has simmered as Nashville's rotation has coalesced to a core of young arms:

20yo Stephen Clulow (8/7/7 Ratings, 3 - 3, 4.27 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, 40 K)
23yo Guillermo Martinez (9/7/7 Ratings, 4 - 3, 4.31 ERA, 1.47 WHIP, 41 K)
22yo Natraj Dawar (7/6/5 Ratings, 2 - 3, 4.89 ERA, 1.47 WHIP, 32 K)
21yo Juan Nicto (7/9/4 Ratings, 2 - 5, 5.72 ERA, 1.75 WHIP, 23 K)

and some combination of:
22yo Diogo Lindt (7/7/8 Ratings, 0 - 1, 5.45 ERA, 1.54 WHIP, 24 K)
23yo Jonathan Frank (6/7/7 Ratings, 2 - 2, 3.63 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 6 K) (Frank has been a fixture in Nashville's bullpen for the past two seasons but has been included in the rotation, a role both Teague and Heijnen agree is the best spot for him, the last couple of weeks)
20yo Kidanu Cherono (6/8/6 Ratings, 1 - 2, 7.00 ERA, 1.61 WHIP, 6 K)

Of course, it is likely that trades, signings, injuries, and other transactions will shake up the names, but if you consider a typical rebuild window of 2-3 seasons that puts the oldest of this group still in their prime. They are burning years of control at league minimum now but that ship has sailed. Heijnen is reportedly urging Teague to sign some veteran arms on short-term deals to burn innings and allow the youngs guys more seasoning in the minors (presumably AAA).

Cherono suffered an injury in late April after making 4 starts and it is likely he will head to AAA Montgomery on at least a rehab basis when he returns. As for the others, it's a tricky business. None of them have shown signs of being grossly outclassed with the exception of Lindt whose +5.00 ERA prompted a move to the bullpen towards the end of April and possibly Nicto who is still struggling with command issues.

We here at The Backyard will keep our ears to the ground and our eyes on the transactions list as midseason approaches to see how this affects both the current roster of names and the working relationship between Teague and Heijnen.

[RonCo]

Interesting collection of kids. Nashville's rebuild will be fascinating to watch as it rolls along.