Sticking Points 2051.8: For Your Consideration...

GM: Jim Slade

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Sticking Points 2051.8: For Your Consideration...

Post by JimSlade » Mon Jun 20, 2022 11:36 am

We've not even reached the midpoint in the season - and the Pikemen continue to seek incremental gains in their pitching staff with the recent acquisition of veteran lefty starter Warren Moore from the Charm City Jimmies - but has there been a more surprising newcomer to the BBA than 24-year-old starting pitcher Felipe Lopez, formerly of the GBA Athens Fighting Centaurs?

Lopez is 6-0 in 8 starts since signing with the Pikemen, late in spring training. He's been succeeding by keeping runners off base (0.96 WHIP) and pitching to contact. Despite striking out only 4 batters per 9 innings, opponents' batting average on balls in play is an excellent .218. It hasn't hurt that Pikemen batters have averaged 6 runs on on days when Lopez pitches.

"We like how fast he works - or should I say 'The guys in the field like how fast he works'," said DH Matthew Reilly. He added, with a chuckle, "OK, the fast Felipe ends and inning, the shorter my wait until my next at-bat!"

We'll report on some of the veteran newcomers to the Pikemen in a future piece, but another young contributor is catcher John McMuttray, picked up from Boise as part of the Danny Leach deal. The 21-year-old prospect is already living up to his promise at the plate, with 22 RBI from the bottom of the batting order, but passed balls have been an issue. Manager Denny Dooley has been finding "Doghouse," as his teammates affectionately call him, occasional starts at DH when red-hot veteran catcher Garm Guldenmond settles behind the dish.

As GM Jim Slade sees what he can wrangle out of a starting lineup of veteran line-drive hitters and a starting pitching staff lacking an ace, Pikemen fans can also chart the progress of possible future ace Nasir al Din bin Sahir, fresh off 8 innings of 1-run work against the Calgary Pioneers, and newly acquired middle infielder, Luke Collingrigdge, who is already getting a chance to start at second base against lefthanded pitching, while spelling Chip Puckett at shortstop.
BBA GM, Rockville Pikemen
Former UMEBA GM, Mumbai Metro Stars
SDMB GM, Toronto Beavers

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