That's What Cheesehead: 37.28 - Wolves Resign Mario

[7teen]

It isn't a very big secret that the Wolves have very little in the form of solid starting pitching so when they have a guy that at least resembles one it's likely best they hang onto him as long as possible. Even when you're a guy closing in on the age of 40. In a move that went under the radar with the post-season push on-going, the Wolves inked southpaw starter Mario Gonzalez to a 1-year contract extension. The deal is worth significanlty less than what he made this season.

"It was a no-brainer for us" said Wilson on the deal. "Gonzalez had a good season and the fact he was willing to take a discount next year to stay in Madison meant a lot to us."

Mario, who made $6 million this year with the club, will play in 2038 for just $1.6 million.

This season, Mario went 10-10 with a 4.87 ERA and 1.64 WHIP. Numbers that are very much average but still produced a solid 3.8 WAR. As many expected, Mario's numbers were inflated by pitching in front of an infield defense that was sub par to say the least. Mario was likely the biggest casualty of the Wolves' "offense first" approach in 2037. The heavy ground baller was not given a lot of favors with Mons Raider and Jharod Thealer feilding a majority of those ground balls this season. "I don't pay attention to that stuff" said Mario at one point this season. "We are all professionals. For every ball they might have botched as a fielder they probably added back as an offensive threat. It was a wash. I could still be a .500 pitcher with a better defense but less run support. It is what it is."

Mario, who already shows gray in his beard, will turn 40 in May of next season. A season that will have him in pursuit of his 200th career victory in the BBA. He'll need 1 more win next year than what he had this year to become the 43rd member of the 200 wins club in BBA History.

[RonCo]

One of the more under-rated pitcher in the league over the last decade