For some it has worked. For others it hasn't. Needing pitching, the Wolves are hoping it'll work for Rahmat Subadio. Subadio signed a 3 year deal work $3.3 million total ($1.1 million per year) to sign with the Wolves. Year three holds a team option for the Wolves with a small buyout. The 26 year old Subadio has spent years in Havana, San Fernando, and Hawaii with very minimal success to this point. Last year with Hawaii, he pitched in 25 games, logging 45.2 innings pitched and a 7.69 ERA. Combine that with a 1.80 WHIP and his WAR was a loss for the Tropics at -0.4. Despite that, the Wolves saw something they liked.
"He reminds us of some of the other pitchers we have on our roster" said Wolves general manager Chris Wilson. "Axel DeGiusti had some success last season as a hard throwing, low movement guy. Chet Barrett really emerged and surprised many of us with his success last year. At one point we needed to send someone to the minors to make room for a roster spot and Barrett had options but we couldn't because of the success he was having. And then there is always Hector Diaz. Last year was probably the worst of his career but he still posted a WAR close to 1.0, something we'll gladly take from a middle relief guy."
So Subadio will become the next Wolves project to see if it works. Clearly the recipe for Madison when it comes to low movement guys has been to target those who still have above average stuff and control. As one rival scout said "it's been a good recipe in Madison. Yeah, some of these guys may give up the frequent homerun ball, but they tend to be solo shots. They don't walk a lot of guys. Diaz typically gives up more homeruns than walks. Barrett did the same last season. They don't get themselves in very many jams that way. And in that ballpark, where homeruns don't happen a lot, they can be successful."
Subadio fits in with that mold. He typically walks a batter every 4.5 innings pitched. In 2035, he threw 128 innings and only walked 16 guys. Granted, he allowed 33 homeruns.