May 6, 2056
by Banjo Jackson
Nashville, TN
The Bluebirds broke spring training with one of the league’s best pitching staffs. The rotation was powerful and deep, but the bullpen could have used another solid arm. Eric Stevens didn’t care. He wanted to be a starter, so he worked hard all offseason to develop his changeup and hope it became good enough for him to fight for a rotation spot. As the season approached, Stevens was still having trouble figuring out his pitch. The season started and Stevens headed to the bullpen, but his experiments with his changeup did not cease. The hard work paid off.
After two weeks tinkering with his pitches, something clicked. Stevens completely changed his approach on the mound. Not only did this help him master a changeup, but it helped him improve his velocity, stuff, movement, and control. Now it was too difficult to ignore Stevens as a candidate for the rotation. Hell, it is now difficult to ignore Stevens as the rotation’s ace. Scouts have rated Stevens as 16/8/7, including a wipeout slider and changeup that is as good as anyone else’s in the league. Control seems to be a bit of an issue, which might ultimately push Stevens back to the bullpen, but the potential is too great to ignore. He walked seven batters in a win against Yellow Springs, but that won’t fly in the playoffs. It’s also possible to see Stevens get sent down to the minors to stretch him out a bit further and see how he handles starting games with lower competition.
RHP Eric Stevens
“Man, I busted my butt this offseason,” says Stevens. “I was determined to learn a changeup and be the best pitcher I can be. I’m grateful to be drafted in the first round by Nashville and I want to be sure to maximize the reward by choosing me. I’ll fulfill any role they need and do it to the best of my ability.”
Stevens’ next start is slated to come at Long Beach, who lead the Pacific division and have the league’s best OBP. This start could be very telling for the young star’s future.
