That's What Cheesehead: 37.17 - Rookie Gets Early Call-Up

[7teen]

When he was invited to spring training, Axel DeGiusti (9/3/8 Ratings) thought he had an outside shot at making the Wolves opening day roster. Of course it was probably a negative sign to DeGiusti that he was a non-roster invitee and wasn't added to the 40-man roster at any point during spring training. When he received word late in spring that he'd start the season in AAA, DeGiusti accepted it in stride and told himself it would only be a matter of time before he'd receive a big league uniform. He didn't have to wait long.

After a series of injuries that saw the Wolves lose Brandon Mant (10/5/5 Ratings) and Noonien Soong (6/6/9 Ratings), the Wolves hands were forced and a replacement arm was needed. That replacement was the 20 year old Axel.

A former 16th round pick, Axel DeGiusti wasn't really ever on the Wolves' radar early on. But the hard throwing youngster caught the eyes of many in the front office that first year in rookie ball when he 14-5 overall with a 3.24 ERA. What really impressed was his 206 strikeouts in 164 innings pitched. After than initial season, his ability began to climb. His stuff, mixed with his overpowering velocity, began to increase and his ability to throw strikes also climbed. Many scouts worried about his lack of movement overall but it never seemed to slow down the right handed fireballer. After a modest 2035 season in the farm system, members of the front office really began to take notice of DeGiusti last season when he was called up to Triple-A. In 29 starts last season in South Bend, Axel won 10 games and posted a career best 2.91 ERA while continuing to strike out nearly 1 batter per inning. The Wolves front office noticed enough to give him some time in Spring Training with the big club.

After throwing 20 solid innings in the spring, manager Millard Davis liked what he saw in DeGiusti. He posted a 4.05 ERA and struck out 14, but roster limitations dictated Axel start the season in South Bend. That lasted all the way up to April 19. That is when DeGiusti received word that he'd been called up to replace the injured Soong and Mant and would make his big league debut the following day. A start. Against the Omaha Hawks.

It didn't take Axel long to prove he belonged in the big leagues. Against Omaha in that start, DeGiusti went 7 innings, allowing 2 runs on 2 hits while not walking a batter and striking out 2. He picked up the win for the Wolves that day, a game Madison won 4-3. "The most impressive thing about Axel's start that day" said manager Millard Davis, "is he went 7 innings while throwing just 64 pitches. You don't see that happen a whole lot, especially out of a rookie making his big league debut."

Axel DeGiusti has made 4 more starts since then and has been solid. Some odd Madison pitching strategies have led to a variety of outings, but so far Axel has performed. In 5 starts, he's compiled a 2-1 record and 3.81 ERA in 26 innings. He's allowed just 23 base runners for a WHIP of 0.88 while striking out 21 batters. In back to back starts against Long Beach and Calgary, Axel struck out a career high 6 batters. Wolves fans think that number will rise sooner rather than later.

The Axel buzz is already starting to filter through Madison. A near capacity crowd has shown up to both of his home starts this season as "Axel Mania" is striking Madison. The Wolves team shop has already announced plans to sell DeGiusti #13 t-shirts in the very near future and hope to have those stocked before the first of May. DeGiusti's next scheduled start is expected to be at home this week against division rival Yellow Springs.

[usnspecialist]

All I have to say to young Mr degiusti is welcome to the jungle.