Wise Kraken 33.2032: Kraken Begin To Fall Off

[aaronweiner]

The Carolina Kraken knew they were going to have some issues offensively and in the bullpen this year, especially after trading away Frank Thomas III. Those offensive issues reared their ugly head in the last sim, as the Carolina Kraken scored just 19 runs in six games while going 2-4 over the stretch.

The Kraken didn't actually look that bad in losing the games, dropping two one-run games and actually scoring 12 runs in three games against JL pitching leader Atlantic City, but offensive continuity issues are popping up early. While the first half of the Carolina offense has been somewhat productive this year, the back half of the offense, including Alberto Padilla, Davis Locke, in-season pickup Eddie Macy, and Carlos Graciano has been underwhelming.

"We knew we were going to have issues, because Little Hurt covered up a lot of offensive problems nobody knew were there," said Kraken hitting coach Gearoid McQuarrane. "We're basically relearning what we have offensively, and it's not a pretty sight so far."

The team wasted two solid starts by starter Juan Perez, who still appears homer-prone but is otherwise pitching like an All-Star. Andre Georges looked very good in his only start as well. Unfortunately, Lucas Meech came back to earth, allowing four homers in five innings, and Bill Lewis continues to be a prime candidate for replacement.

"Growing pains were a must this year," said Kraken left fielder Jorge Vargas, who leads the team with five homers and is second with eleven RBI. "We have a lot of faith in the organization to do the right thing though so we're still totally okay."