2041 was a rough season for the Aztec bullpen, especially in the early going. The team was giving up too many leads for a club with postseason aspirations, and it was clear that something was going to have to give in order for the season to get back on the rails. With incumbent closer Gerard Wagner scuffling and suffering a mild injury in mid June, the Aztecs turned to a retread in the 9th inning spot, inserting deposed former closer Pedro Castillo to the mound in the 9th while Wagner recouped.
Castillo had an incredible start to his career. He was Mexico City's full time closer from 2035-2038, peaking with a 2.56 ERA 43 save 3.8 WAR season in 2037. Then, something changed. No one, not even Castillo himself, can say what happened, but after a dominant 2037, Castillo looked downright average in 2038, posting a 3.90 ERA and a -0.3 WAR. 2039 was a house of horrors. Castillo lost his closer role during the year en route to a 5.84 ERA.
Former Aztec pitching coach Jon Hall on Castillo - "Everyone was afraid to say it, but we all thought he was done. He had totally lost it. Couldn't find a strike if his life depended on it. It seemed like he was going to be another in the collection of bright burning flameouts." Castillo's epitaph was being penciled prematurely, fortunately for the Aztecs.
"We decided to take the pressure off of him for 2040," Aztec GM Fred Holmes said, "We gave him some setup work, some middle relief work. We told him before the season that he wasn't going to get the ball in the 9th on a regular basis, that we just wanted him to get right. To his credit, he didn't mope or complain. He went out there when his number was called and really focused on getting what he needed out of each pitch, each inning."
Castillo rebounded to a 3.78 ERA in 78.2 innings in 2040 and came into 2041 looking every bit the reliable setup man. His newly found resolve would be put to the test during Wagner's injury, and it was a test he would pass with flying colors. Castillo grabbed the 9th inning role and never looked back, posting his first sub 3 ERA since 2037 (2.54) and a career high ERA+ (199).
Aztec GM Fred Holmes - "We are thrilled that the old Pedro seems to be back. Having him back among the guys we feel comfortable with at the end of the game improves our flexibility and depth in the 'pen and is, quite frankly, a significant advantage. We're looking forward to see what 2042 holds for him."
All signs point to Castillo retaining the closer role in 2042, with Wagner returning to a multi-inning setup role he excelled in early in his career. The man himself was humbled by the whole experience - "I am very thankful that the team stuck by me through my rough patch. I'm happy to be here, glad to be able to look forward to the long term with this organization and am ready to contribute to winning baseball again."
2041.3 - Castillo's Resurgence
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2041.3 - Castillo's Resurgence
Fred Holmes
General Manager
Mexico City Aztecs - BBA
BBA Champs - 2052
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General Manager
Mexico City Aztecs - BBA
BBA Champs - 2052
JL Champs - 2027, 2052
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JL Sun Belt Champs - 2035, 2036, 2038
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Re: 2041.3 - Castillo's Resurgence
He “walks” a fine line. On the good side he can be awesome.
Matt Rectenwald
BBA Commissioner, GM, Las Vegas Hustlers
Milwaukee Choppers (AAA) | Reno Aces (AA) | Pahrump Ranchers (A) | Kingston Legends (SA) | Roswell Aliens (R)
BBA Commissioner, GM, Las Vegas Hustlers
Milwaukee Choppers (AAA) | Reno Aces (AA) | Pahrump Ranchers (A) | Kingston Legends (SA) | Roswell Aliens (R)
- Rubaboo
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Re: 2041.3 - Castillo's Resurgence
Yeah, he reminds me of Javier Alomar in a way. If he could get his K rate up a bit the walks would matter less. I'm hoping that 2041 was a sign that his rough patch is behind him and he can be my 9th inning guy going forward.
Fred Holmes
General Manager
Mexico City Aztecs - BBA
BBA Champs - 2052
JL Champs - 2027, 2052
JL MW Champs - 2022, 2023, 2024, 2027
JL Sun Belt Champs - 2035, 2036, 2038
JL Frontier Champs - 2051, 2052
JL Manager of the Year - 2023, 2024, 2026, 2052
General Manager
Mexico City Aztecs - BBA
BBA Champs - 2052
JL Champs - 2027, 2052
JL MW Champs - 2022, 2023, 2024, 2027
JL Sun Belt Champs - 2035, 2036, 2038
JL Frontier Champs - 2051, 2052
JL Manager of the Year - 2023, 2024, 2026, 2052
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