2035/2 Veteran Leadership

[nerfHerder]

It's no secret how little veteran talent there is on the Hawaii Tropics. Not saying there aren't any veterans, just saying they aren't leaders. So for some, it may have come as a surprise that Mario Mendez was signed to a very team friendly 3 year deal in January. The contract includes an opt out for Mario after year one, and is followed by two team options after. Considering Mendez is 38 years old, seeing him retire after the season is not a crazy thought, of course it would depend on the type of season he has. What does Mario think?

"I know I was brought in here to lead, to show these young guys how to not only take the ball every 5 games, but how to deal with the pressure of the BBA", Mendez recently said. "Where I go after this year is up to me. I have the opt out, and if I throw well they'll execute their options. I'm at a good place in my life, come on it's Hawaii". So far he has been as advertised, with a 4.48 ERA in 12 starts. His FIP is 3.93, so he's been better than his numbers show. Perhaps it's what he's done in the clubhouse that is more important. Luis Torres has been pretty good in his rookie season, and he credits Mendez for keeping it light. Matt Mills is 32, but is having a bounce back year with some of the pressure off of his back. So the key will be to add veterans while the team goes to the kids in their rebuild. Should be fun to watch.

[RonCo]

He's looking like a great addition.

[Ted]

Mendez is one of those rare guys who got better after 30

[Lane]

There's no presents like veteran presents

[nerfHerder]

He’s been solid. Reminds me of a Greg Maddux type guy near the end. Great location and average everything else.

[scottsdale_joe]

Love leadership guys.
That's why I brought catcher Dave Robertson on board.
Good on Mendez!

[recte44]

And the Team News results in a trade. #missionaccomplished

[usnspecialist]

And the Team News results in a trade. #missionaccomplished

to be fair, I have been poking around the last few days for reasonably priced pitching upgrades (as half of the league can attest to), but yes I did PM mike after seeing this.