The corn is beginning to grow outside of Des Moines again and its slow emergence from the soil makes GM Webb nervous. Pretty soon the old anxiety about what’s hidden behind those stalks will rise just like the corn. Its also a metaphor for the anxiety that is rising about Des Moines 2044 season. To be fair, Des Moines really wasn’t constructing a team this year to compete, with high payroll that wasn’t translating to wins on the field, the Kernels are in budget mode this season. Still, 6-19 start is particularly horrifying considering the Kernels started much hotter last year and they shed some chronic underperformers while improving the defence.
The main culprit is pitching. The Kernels have scored a mildly impressive 112 runs in April, which is third in the Heartland. The problem is, they have given up 148 runs, which is a Frick League worst.
In the starting rotation, Timmy Karnes has been decent for a youngster, Donger has a 5.86 ERA but when accounting for defence, his FIP is 4.26. On the other end is Bobby Lynch, who’s 5.95 FIP is not helping the cause. Greg Palmer has been decent, but the back end of the rotation with Ernesto Lopez and Rafael Rodriguez has not been picking up the slack. The good news is that Rafael "Nutball" Rodriguez is only 22 and is still expected to develop further.
The bullpen is still finding its footing but numerous poor performance by Jorge Aguilar and Tokimasa Ihara have furthered the agony. One bright spot is top prospect Bill Keil. His 5.96 ERA looks awful, but when looking at his 3.96 FIP, one starts to see his potential.
Speaking of FIP, Des Moines defence continues to underwhelm. The SS and CF positions are much improved from 2043 but the defence as whole is the worst in the Heartland.
