The Nest | 45.05 | Rotation Concerns

[Dington]

Rotation Concerns

February 25, 2045
by Banjo Jackson
Nashville, TN

In an effort to mix things up, Chin Kim was traded to the Las Vegas Hustlers in a homecoming with GM Matt Rectenwald. In exchange, the Bluebirds received $1 and placed the bet in Vegas on 10,000:1 odds that the Hustlers win the Landis. Just last year, Kim received a two year extension for what was thought to be a steal at $1.9M per season, however, Father Time quickly caught up to Kim and his aging arm turned to Jell-o. The decision to move Kim wouldn’t have been so perplexing if they hadn’t already made the decision to cut ties with Hao Kun. The southpaw’s team option was not picked up even at a reasonable rate and he has since signed a long term deal with Twin Cities River Monsters.

With the departure of two veteran arms in the rotation, many people are wondering where the Bluebirds go from here since the rotation was one of the weaker parts of the team in 2044. It is largely assumed that the rotation will gain one more southpaw in the form of newcomer, Scott Bugbie. The young lefty is being praised for his tools, but it is still up to him to put it all together and show that he can get big league hitters out at a consistent piece.


LHP Scott Bugbie

“Bro, Bugbie is the real deal. We’re excited to see him in the rotation with his lightning bolt of an arm. I wish there was a lot I could teach him, but I’m probably gonna be the student,” says Nashville ace Chris Moran with a chuckle. “I’ll be learning to wax on, wax off in no time."


RHP Chris 'The Wolf' Moran

The Bluebirds will also likely have to rely on another newcomer, Robinson Valdéz. Although primarily viewed as a reliever, management has been trying to stretch out Valdéz into a starter since last season. He has been working on developing his screwball, which he hopes will help get left-handed batters out more easily. Even if Valdéz develops his third pitch and becomes a starter, Nashville will still be left with an empty fifth spot in the rotation. While there are a few candidates who will be competing this spring, the Birds might be better off with an opener situation.

[recte44]

How bout Custello?

[Dington]

How bout Custello?

We're gonna give him a shot in ST, but would like to see him develop a bit more.

[bigmike13]

Looking forwatd to seeing what Custello can do for you.

[Dington]

Looking forwatd to seeing what Custello can do for you.

I'm excited for him, too, but don't think he'll be on the Opening Day roster.

[RichY]

Bugbie, throwin' a hundy and workin' on that Fernando Valenzuela screwball. That'll play.

[Dington]

Bugbie, throwin' a hundy and workin' on that Fernando Valenzuela screwball. That'll play.

Hope he works on it this spring. If he doesn't improve that screwball or his forkball, he might be stuck in a stopper role.

[RonCo]

This is going to be a really good team very soon, if not already. Custello is probably not really ready yet, but it's close.

[Dington]

This is going to be a really good team very soon, if not already. Custello is probably not really ready yet, but it's close.

He’s not in the plans for 2045 aside from ST

[usnspecialist]

I may have attempted to acquire bugbie numerous times (and probably will a few more). He looks like a good one.

[Dington]

I may have attempted to acquire bugbie numerous times (and probably will a few more). He looks like a good one.

You’ve clearly not been adding enough rum to your cokes or we may have been a Bear.

[usnspecialist]

I may have attempted to acquire bugbie numerous times (and probably will a few more). He looks like a good one.

You’ve clearly not been adding enough rum to your cokes or we may have been a Bear.

Challenge accepted