That's What Cheesehead: 36.50 - Nunez Told He Won't Be Back

[7teen]

It's been a rough couple of seasons in Madison for Jody Nunez (10 - 13, 5.07 ERA, 1.51 WHIP, 127 K). The guy who was brought in back in 2034 to hopefully push the team over the edge and make a post-season run has not been the "ace" the team had hoped for. Loser of three straight starts as well as picking up losses in his last 5 decisions, the 34 year old veteran was informed today that the team would not pick up his 2037 option and he would not pitch again for the Wolves this season.

"It's a tough blow, but I could see the writing on the wall for sure" said Nunez after his last start against Yellow Springs in which he allowed 6 runs on 11 hits in just 5 innings pitched in the Wolves 10-6 loss against the Nine. "I was set to make a pretty good chunk of change had the front office picked up my contract option. Clearly my performance this year, and last year as well, weren't good enough to warrant them doing that. Now it's time to figure out if I have anything left to help anyone in this league."

Nunez was set to make $14.5 million next season, up from the $13.5 million he made this season. In his time in Madison, Nunez compiled a 28-32 record with ERAs of 4.10, 5.46, and 5.07 over 2 seasons and parts of a third. Nunez has also witnessed a drop in strikeout totals as well as overall ability.

"He's losing a lot of his ability" said Wolves General Manager Chris Wilson about the decision to not pick up Nunez's option. "I hate to say it, but he'll be lucky to find a suitor. Boy, you talk about a trade that'll go down as one of my worst ever... Yikes."

Wilson obviously referencing the deal with San Fernando that brought Nunez to Madison. That might be a team news for another day.

When asked about why Nunez's final start would be skipped, Wolves manager Millard Davis commented "It's September. We are out of the race. There is no reason to give a start to a guy that won't be with us next season. We have some of these younger guys up. We might as well give them the innings at this point and see what they can do."

The Wolves conclude the season with 2 more games against Yellow Springs before finishing the season on the road with Des Moines. Nunez said he would travel with the team for those games despite not getting to start.

[usnspecialist]

I didn't realize his stuff had lumped that bad, yikes. Easy decision for you though.

[7teen]

I didn't realize his stuff had lumped that bad, yikes. Easy decision for you though.

Yeah with a 6 stuff and a FB that only tops out at 92 he’s deteriorated pretty quickly. I’ll use that $14 million elsewhere this off season.