November 13, 2044
by Banjo Jackson
Nashville, TN
The future looked bright heading into August with the Nashville Bluebirds holding a 7 game advantage atop the wildcard standings. Unfortunately, the team forgot how to play baseball as we approached the fall, missing the playoffs entirely and finishing fifth in the Heartland. While the final record of 85-77 was an improvement, the drastic decline of play tainted an unbelievable first half of 2044. The Bluebirds saw some instant decline from some veterans and some new faces along the way. Here’s 2044 in a nutshell:
Pitching
Chris Moran had another strong season and solidified his role of ace after going 15-8 with a 3.52 ERA and 1.10 WHIP. Free agent acquisition performed to mediocrity with 13 wins, but didn’t quite live up to his $6.5 million salary. Veteran southpaws Chin Kim and Hao Kun pitched well, however at different times. Kim’s ERA jumped over 2 points after June, while Kun was the victim of a high BABIP to begin the season before ending the 2044 campaign strong. The bullpen was once again anchored by Lorenzo de’ Medici and Martin Román. Promising rookies Scott Bugbie and Robinson Valdéz both saw time this year in the bullpen and rotation, but signs point to a permanent rotation spot for Bugbie in 2045.
LHP Lorenzo de' Medici
Infield
Backstop Alberto Rodríguez continued being a leader in the infield and slashed .277/.353/.496 in the middle of the lineup, but the true hero of his team is Tony Frost, who may just receive some Sawyer Silk Silver Slugger votes with his .957 OPS and 7.6 WAR despite slumping the last month of the season. DH Ernesto Sousa decided to go on summer vacation, accumulating 46 hits and 6 homeruns from July through September. Sousa saw his OPS drop from .983 at the end of June to .782 at season’s end. Nacho Méndez was the primary leadoff hitter this season, but his lack of getting on base saw him lose his spot at the top of the lineup. He did, however, manage to slug 27 homers. Las Vegas Hustlers transfers Jesús Yan and Reynante Alvero created a nice double play combo, despite the lack of production from their bats.
3B Tony Frost
Outfield
Bluebirds fans enjoyed another season of Kidane Ata roaming centerfield. The veteran played well after signing his 6 year extension putting up a 4.6 WAR. His friends in the corners didn’t fare so well. José Machado was trusted to repeat his 2043 performance and was nothing short of a disappointment. Jaime Geerdinkck, Pedro Mendoza, and Bobby Parker will all see time versus RHP in 2044, but Gipper Kengos remains the only solid option against lefties. This will certainly be an area the team needs to upgrade this offseason.
CF Kidane Ata
