WHIV 2054.2- How 'Bout A Good Old Fashioned News and Notes™ Team News?

[recte44]

5/27/2054

- The Hustlers are 5th in the JL in Runs Scores, 2nd in Runs Allowed. Their bullpen is currently 1st in the JL in Bullpen ERA. Despite this, the Hustlers are doing some shifting around on the pitching staff. Right-hander Ron Noftall was traded to Rocky Mountain for a prospect. "We just couldn't keep doing this with him," manager Edward Allen said. "No one disputes his talent, but at some point you gotta do the job." The club will promote Ivan Ruiz (6-3, 3.35 ERA) from Milwaukee to fill a spot in the bullpen, at least at first. "Ivan's been a starter in the league, but right now we have a spot for him in the pen," explained Allen. "I suppose he'll prefer the bullpen spot to Milwaukee." Also being brought up from Milwaukee is two-way player Kenny Kelly, who will get a spot start versus Atlantic City. "We needed a spot starter, and his schedule matched up with the day we needed," said Allen. "He can ultimately help us at the plate, too, which we find very interesting."

- Shortstop has been an adventure for the Hustlers this season. Shalon van Buuren won the job in Spring Training, then was abysmal at the plate in April and not great in the field, either. Stewart Turton has gotten some time at shortstop with William Drew at second base in an "offense first" configuration, which would be tolerable if Drew (.200/.265/.378) would get back to hitting. Then they tried Dusty Crouch, who couldn't hit or field and is already sent to DFA land. If there is any silver lining, it's that van Buuren has quietly been raking in the month of May (.271/.368/.492/.859). "I don't understand fielding metrics and I don't know anyone who can honestly say they do, but it seems like he should be able to play the position decently," said Allen. "We'll get by somehow."

- Las Vegas typically plays the long game when it comes to free agency, and this year was much of the same with one big exception. They were in early and big on GBC import Steffan Gimsing and signed him to a five year, $36 million deal. This marked the first time the Hustlers had gone big in free agency in quite some time and the pressure was on Gimsing, who'd only been a starting pitcher the last two seasons for Athens. A rough spring didn't have fans feeling great, but the season started and Gimsing has been awesome. "Jay who?" joked Allen.

[tylertoo]

Then they tried Dusty Crouch, who couldn't hit or field and is already sent to DFA land.

But what a great name.

[trmmilwwi]

Is it a Brandy old fashioned type of team news?! Sweet with fruit.

[Trebro]

Then they tried Dusty Crouch, who couldn't hit or field and is already sent to DFA land.

But what a great name.

Shouldn't he be playing with Kum?