Trail Droppings 2045-19 Gilliam Deal Shocks Pioneer Fans

[indiansfan]

Gilliam Deal Shocks Pioneer Fans

Most Calgary fans thought that Edwin Gilliam would be a Pioneer until he retired. Despite rumors that he was being shopped, they went to sleep with visions of “Crime Spree” swirling in their heads. But their wondering eyes woke to news that he had been shipped to Nashville in a deal for 3 minor league hurlers, leaving the team with a hole in it’s rotation going into the postseason.

Gilliam has been the mainstay of the Calgary rotation for the past 9 seasons. Lacking the star power of his teammate "Black Lightning", he posted 8 straight seasons with double digit wins and never graced the disabled list. A 3 time All Star and Zimmer Award winner, Gilliam finishes his tour in Calgary with a 110-80 record. His best season came in 2041 when he went 16-10, with a league leading 3.32 ERA and 1.11 WHIP.

“I’d say I am surprised, but not shocked,” Gilliam said. “I guess it’s the business side of the game. I’m glad to be going to Nashville, I think that is a team on the way up.”

For years GMs have made the call to Calgary inquiring about Gilliam, only to be shut down with a quick and firm “No” from GM Kevin Dickson. What changed this season and what does this deal do to the team’s chances of winning in the playoffs?

“Well we were going to have a big decision coming up next year. Both Jeff and Edwin have opt outs in their contracts at the end of the 46 season and given what starting pitchers are getting in free agency we expected one or both to exercise their clause,” Dickson said. “So we could wait and see what happens and hope for a comp pick or we could move one of them now. Trading a guy in a season where he is going to leave in free agency at the end of it reduces his value. With Nashville trying for the playoffs this year and then they get him for all of next year, it just seemed like the best time to make a move and get the best value.”

Dickson indicated that of the two pitchers the team was going to focus on resigning Pierce and didn’t think the payroll could sustain both hurlers. However, if Gilliam opts out and leaves Nashville, the team might pursue him. By trading him now, they guarantee a return and will still have the chance to bid on him when he hits the market. Another factor could be that Gilliam will soon turn 30 with Pierce joining him next season. The deal brings in 3 young pitching prospects giving the team’s minor league system added depth.

The trade does leave a hole in the rotation and newly acquired Juan Garcia is expected to fill it. Although he won’t be penciled in at #2, the team hopes he can hold down a back of the rotation spot. The contract extension given to Garcia makes sense in retrospect.

The pitchers coming to Calgary are Juma Leghzaoui, Jim Watson and Ryan Monger. All are starters and the oldest is 23. While none are a lock to make it into a BBA rotation, they all have potential.

Leghzaoui was a 10th round pick in 2042, but has blossomed in the Nashville system. At AAA this season he went 12-8, 3.47 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP. The right hander throw 3 good pitches, a hot slider being his best. The one concern the team has with the 21 year old is that he might be susceptible to giving up the longball in the confines of The Stockyard.

Watson was a 1st round selection in 2044. He split his time between A and AA this year, struggling at the latter. Lacking some of the raw talent of Leghzaoui, Watson is just 20 and the team thinks with the proper coaching he can become a back end starter.

Monger, at 23, is the oldest of the group. A 12th rounder in 2041 he has shown he has great control of his pitches even though none of them are outstanding. In the last 2 seasons at AAA he has posted WHIPs of 1.14 and 1.20. Keeping runners off the base path is something Calgary ranks highly.

[Dington]

It didn't work, you can have him back.

[indiansfan]

It didn't work, you can have him back.

Never say never

[Dington]

It didn't work, you can have him back.

Never say never

I didn't. 2046 Nebraska winner.