by Nes Lessman, Yellow Springs Journal
August 1, 2055
News Around the Nine, compiled by your humble, award-winning correspondent:
*The Nine announced today they've extended the contract of once-promising starting pitcher Reece Newsome, now turned to left-handed middle relief and innings eating. I followed Newsome's career as a minor league beat reporter, and one of my famed articles was on how highly regarded he was by national scouts.
Newsome blew through the minor-league competition and came in to Ohio as hot as anyone. But 2053 showed that there's a huge difference between AAA and the BBA, and he was shellacked for a league-worst 39 home runs, often two at a time per game. With the power-hitting powerhouses of Omaha and Nashville, to name just two, as regular opponents, Newsome's inability to keep his pitches from being predictable showed clearly – though too late for GM Rob McMonigal – that he wasn't going to make it as a starter.
He has, however, proven to be a reliable middle-relief option who can go multiple innings preserving a lead. His 2.94 ERA and 1.08 WHIP show that as long as he doesn't have to go through the lineup multiple times, his powerful stuff can keep the opponents from zeroing in. Newsome will make $2,160,000 next year to be an anchor in the bullpen.
*A whole world of minor-league extensions occurred recently, with players who are both useful contributors and possible sleepers agreeing to return for 2056. Notable names include relief pitcher Dona Marika, who's having a solid season as Indy's closer (14 saves and a 2.69 ERA), DH Archie Drabble, who is on pace for nearly 40 home runs between AA and AAA and could be an intriguing bat to watch, and SP Ed Greenwood, who performed well upon a promotion to AA (4-3, 2.69 ERA).
*Carlos Valle has been spotted hanging around the various minor league ballparks more and more often. He's not listed as an official employee of the Nine, but he's said to have spent some time with several of the struggling starters bouncing between Indy and Yellow Spings, particularly Dave O'Reilly. A sign of a larger role soon? I wouldn't rule it out.
DO: Keep an eye on the lower minors, where GM Rob McMonigal is starting to put together those winners he promised. It looks like both the Pirates and the Road Runners will be getting some play off experience, many for the second or third time.
DO: Look to see the Nine rotate quite a few starters in and out to review a potential rotation for 2056. O'Reilly. Broadbent, and Morin are probably all battling for only 1 spot, with the expectation that a free agent or two will be brought in from the outside. Others may get a chance as well.
DON'T: Look for Newsome to get a chance. That ship has sailed, and management is happy where he is in middle relief/potential set up duty.
DON'T: Expect much help from Indianapolis. While the team has improved its record year over year, there's no position players ready to take up the Nine uniform as anything other than a backup.
