Reason for Optimism in Omaha, Part 1. Starting Pitching (2051.1)

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Reason for Optimism in Omaha, Part 1. Starting Pitching (2051.1)

Post by niles08 » Fri May 13, 2022 9:18 am

This is a 4 part series this off-season, where we look at reasons the Omaha fan base should be optimistic heading into the 2051 season.
We look at reason number 1, the starting rotation.
We’ll be the first to admit that the starting rotation as an entirety was disappointing for Omaha in 2050. What has been a strong point for the organization over the past half-decade or so, quickly became a weakness in 2050. In 2051 however, that weakness could shift back towards an advantage for the club.

First off, let’s start with the obvious. Unless something absolutely bonkers happens, it’s safe to assume that Timo Dooley returns for yet another season in 2051 with the club. Dooley pitched yet another season of 225+ innings last year in Omaha, bringing his career total to 2,163 innings in just 10 years of service. He quickly had a 3.71 ERA last year, and won 13 games. He now finds himself atop the Omaha leaderboard for career wins with 144. Look away after next season though, as Dooley does hold an opt-out decision on his final contract year for 2052, where he would make $19.9M if he opted in.

Speaking of consistency, Norio Hayashi should be set to return again next year as well. For the longest time, Hayashi and Dooley have been a 1-2 punch. Hayashi, who pitched the first 3 years of his career in the bullpen before developing a cut fast ball, is also entering the 11th season of his career (all with Omaha). Hayashi, just like Dooley, may be pitching his final season in Omaha as the team holds a $20.9M option on him next season that looks likely to be declined because of cap issues.

Also in the rotation will be Mike Alexander, who was very good this year despite ending the year in AAA. Alexander, who was pitching in his fifth season, had a 4.40 ERA in 218 innings. It’s hard to forget he is just 24 years old, and should be an important piece for Omaha next year.

Now, to the important pieces of why Omaha should be looking better next season from the mound.

24-year-old Jose Martinez had quite a debut last season in the majors, surprising everyone with his consistent good performances. Martinez, who made the jump from Single-A to the BBA last season, was wonderful in 32 starts. He had 237 innings pitched, struck out 211 batters, and had an ERA of just 3.49, which lead the team. I’m not sure where Martinez fits into the club in 2051, because of the players we're about to mention, but one would imagine he has to be somewhere.

Kyle Smallwood is under contract for next season as well. He spent his career in Charlotte prior to last season’s trade bringing him to Omaha. He pitched much better in Omaha than Charlotte last season, starting 7 games and having a 4.84 ERA in all appearances. He is owed $6M next year and $7M the year after, but similar to Alexander and Martinez, Smallwood is also just 24 years old.

On Feb 25, 2049, the club agreed to trade OF Manuel Torres to Vancouver for SP Jose Barron. Everything looked great, until 3 weeks later, when Barron tore his UCL in spring training, ending his season before throwing a pitch in Omaha’s regular season. Barron, however, still looks fabulous, and should immediately have a spot in the rotation assuming he remains healthy. Barron provides immediate optimism for Omaha.

Last, but certainly not least, Omaha does have the #3 ranked prospect in all the BBA waiting in AAA for his call. Takashi Nakamura, who was acquired way back in 2044 for Aki Kondo, is finally ready to prove his worth in the majors at the age of 22. Nakamura has immediate top of the rotation, and Nebraska award-winning potential and fans were clamoring for his call-up last season, which never occurred.

Nakamura’s emergence is even more important with the potential that Hayashi and Dooley have one foot out the door this season as in 2052, Omaha potentially could see a rotation of Nakamura, Barron, Martinez, Alexander, and Smallwood.

For now, though, let’s enjoy the 2051 season and watch as two Omaha great’s look to end on a positive note, and young stars emerge.
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