That's What Cheesehead: 36.54 - Surprise Winner of Kilkenny?

[7teen]

The Evander Kilkenny Award goes to the Madison Wolves' top starting pitcher. This year, it was a two person race with one of those being a surprise name on the roster. The Wolves wound up using 14 starting pitchers this season, but only six guys started at least ten games in 2036.

Lefthander Mario Gonzalez (6/7/8 Ratings) came into the season bringing high hopes that a lefty revolution in Madison would help lead them to the post-season. After a 4-1 April that saw him post a 1.96 ERA, it looked like it may just do that. But the season really fizzled out after that for Gonzalez and things were just, well, average. He finished the season with a 13-13 overall record with a 4.68 ERA and 112 strikeouts. He tied for the team lead in wins and led the starting rotation in ERA. He also led the staff with 213.2 innings pitched, the first time in 3 seasons he had surpassed 200 innings for a season.

James Robinson (9/6/6 Ratings) entered the season without a specified spot. While he was a lock to make the roster, would he be a starter or reliever remained a question. While starting 26 games, he also relieved 10 other times during the season. But from July on, he was in the rotation. The hard throwing pitcher finished the season with a 13-10 overall record and a lofty 5.26 ERA. Most of his ERA issues came over the last two months of the season. With 144 strikeouts and a 1.38 WHIP, he led the starters in both categories. He also led the entire team, yes, you read that right, he led the entire team with a 3.1 WAR.

So with that said, the Kilkenny Award goes to Robinson. I would have never expected that before the season started and saying it now really puts how disappointing this season ended for the Wolves. When a guy with an ERA over 6 last season and split time between AAA and the BBA leads your team in WAR the next season, it's probably not a good sign.

[RonCo]

I like Mario.