April 11, 2061
by Banjo Jackson
Nashville, TN
The Bluebirds pitching staff looked to be in good condition heading into 2060, but Billy Kelly seemingly forgot how to pitch and Barney Lindsay had his own struggles. Kelly would end up being traded and Lindsay opted for free agency, leaving the Bluebirds with a gaping hole in the rotation as the Bluebirds look to defend their title. Questions arose about who would become the 4th and 5th starters behind, Mark Lolololo, Eric Stevens, and Phil Cole. There certainly wasn’t room for injuries to their star pitchers.
Well, Nashville eluded injury up to game 3 when Cole exited the game in the 3rd inning of an 8-2 Bluebirds victory over the Nine. Rookie reliever, Kelly Calhoun came in to pitch 3.2 IP giving up a pair of solo jacks, but otherwise good pitching. Heng-zong Tang pitched the final 3 IP of shutout ball. Nashville was quick to put Cole on the IL with an elbow strain to his surgically repaired elbow back in 2057.
“Docs didn’t wanna risk any injury,” said Cole. “I think I’m fine. There’s a little bit of what feels like tightness, but maybe it’s nothing. I dunno. Anyway, they’re gonna keep me from pitching for an undetermined amount of time I guess.”
RHP Phil Cole
It is still uncertain when Cole will be allowed to return, but the Bluebirds have called up Dane Beckham to replace his spot in the rotation. Beckham was a 2nd round draft pick in 2054. He’s pitched well in the minor leagues, but only has one start at AAA, which came earlier this season. He was added to the 40-man roster in 2059 and remained in the minors, pitching a no-hitter last season in which he pitched to a 2.98 ERA. He pitched 6 IP and gave up 4 ER in his first BBA start, but didn’t pick up the W against the Sluggers as the Bluebirds would win in a walk off in the 9th.
Armando Ortíz earned a rotation spot after a solid spring and shined in his first BBA start, limiting the Wolves to just 1 hit in 5 IP. He, too, would pick up a no decision as the Bluebirds offense didn’t explode until late. His 4.94 ERA in AAA last season wasn’t spectacular, but he still managed a 93 FIP-. His spot in the rotation was up in a tough battle, but if he keeps pitching this well, he will remain there.
Reigning rookie pitcher of the year, Bob Loblaw, was given the 5th spot in the rotation after going 12-7 with a 3.95 ERA last season. He allowed 1 ER in 6 IP in his first start this season, yet another no decision. Loblaw was the easy decision here, as he showed great success last year. He may not be part of the long term plans, but he’s been a great placeholder and done exactly what the Bluebirds have asked of him.
Another scare happened on Saturday when Lolololo exited after just two pitches due to back spasms, a condition that has plagued him throughout his career. Luckily, it turned out to be a minor bout and he is expected to make his next start. Calhoun came in clutch and pitched 4.2 IP in relief, allowing just 1 hit to pick up the W.
If Lolololo or another pitcher goes down, it might be time to see exciting prospect, Bin-ying ‘Bye Bye’ Yen for the first time. For now, he will continue to sharpen his offspeed pitches in the minor leagues and the Bluebirds will hope to avoid any further injuries in the mean time.
