Projected Starters:This is a series that I have stolen from the Jackrabbits, where we will evaluate each position leading into and during the early stages of Spring Training. Only players currently on the 40 man roster will be included in this series as prospects will be looked at in upcoming weeks. This is the tenth of eleven positions that will be posted. In this part, we will take a look at the projected starting rotation.
#1: Edris Mtume
#2: Adam Barnard
#3: Manuel Orazco
#4: Stephen Clulow
#5: Carson Stoller
Trying to find a spot: Spike Wagner
The rotation seems to be pretty well inked in. I don’t think the order of the rotation is set, but the members involved in that rotation shouldn’t change barring injury.
Mtume was a solid member of the rotation last season starting 29 games and finishing with a 3.0 WAR and 4.21 FIP.
Barnard has been what some call the iron man, pitching at least 32 games each of the past 5 seasons. His 4.76 FIP last season was his career worst and over his average by nearly 0.75. His 2.2 WAR is also his career worst. All of those numbers should improve this season.
Orazco is a newcomer to the rotation, after being acquired last season in the original trade that brought Brewer from Las Vegas. Orasco spent the entire season on the DL last year however and will look to make an impact this season.
Clulow just signed a new contract with the club despite a horrible 2 seasons for the 25 year old right hander. Clulow missed most of 2036 after Tommy John surgery, and came back completely unimpressive in 2037. Clulow seems to have earned a long rope from the club and is expected in the rotation this year.
Stoller is another young gun with some injury woes, but that hasn’t slowed down Omaha from sending him out there. Stoller has actually pitched in at least 26 games each of the past 3 seasons with his best season coming in 2036. He probably isn’t expected to have a sparkling ERA under 4, but certainly could go toe to toe with most back end of the rotation starters in the BBA.
Spike Wagner looks to be the odd man out again. Wagner came with the club in 2034 after being drafted in 2033 and simply has been a un-impactful player in the BBA. He had a much better success rate as a reliever last season than during his 4 starts and the club will likely keep him in long relief in the bullpen considering he is out of minor league options.
