Trail Droppings 2042-13 Rivera Wins Final Rotation Spot

[indiansfan]

Rivera Wins Final Rotation Spot

One of the most watched contests this Spring was that for the #5 spot in Calgary’s rotation. The team announced today that Rule 5 pickup Arturo Rivera has won the battle. Rivera was drafted in the 1st round of the Rule 5 Draft this year by Calgary from New Orleans very deep minor league system.

“He pitched great all Spring and I think he won me over when he plunked Newhouse in his last outing,” Calgary pitching coach Steve Thomas said.

On Wednesday, making his 5th start, Rivera gave up a homer run in the first inning and then a leadoff homer in the 2nd to superstar Aztec catcher Hsin Mei. Joey Newhouse was the next batter up and yelled “Welcome to the big leagues, rook” at Rivera. His first pitch was a called strike inside and then after Newhouse pointed his bat at Rivera the next pitch hit him in the right shoulder. Newhouse charged the mound and both players were ejected.

“You know what I liked about the kid? He never gave up,” GM Kevin Dickson said. “If he falters, we can always send him back, but he earned his shot.

Rivera was 3-0, 4.86 ERA with an impressive 9.2 K/9. Unfortunately he also had a 5.4 BB/9. It is doubtful that Rivera would have gotten the nod except for his Rule 5 status. The team either needed to find a spot for him or return him.

Carlos Granados, also in the running for the rotation spot, will start the season as the long man in the bullpen. Granados had a terrible Spring 1-2, 7.50 ERA in 5 starts.

The odd man out and the recipient of a ticket to AAA St. Paul was Frank Boland. Some people had Boland as the favorite coming into camp, but he also had a terrible string of starts and will get some more experience at AAA where he only pitched 7 games last year.

[johnd2442]

I like the Newhouse/Rivera story. It really brought this to life. It made me want to choose a side and which player to root for!

[RonCo]

Ya gotta admire the kid.