WHIV 2035.36- Deadline Trades Signal New Direction

[recte44]

Deadline Trades Signal New Direction
September 1, 2035

The Las Vegas Hustlers Trade Deadline was radically different in 2035 than it has been in many years. This year for the first time in forever, the Hustlers were sellers as they look to reinvent themselves in the coming seasons.

First, the Hustlers dealt long time pitching ace Sam Romero to the San Fernando Bears. In return, they received a top pitching prospect in Kwang-chih Ec , and two 16 year old international complex prospects: CF Esteban Fernandez and RF Tjakke van Grootveld . This cleared a bunch of cap space in the process moving forward.

Next, they dealt both Jimmy Greenwood and Julio Velasco to the Calgary Pioneers which cleared even more salary for the future. Coming back to Vegas was 22 year old shortstop Kagehisa Echi and 16 year old international complex mega-prospect 1B Otto Altaner .

In their third and final trade of the deadline, Vegas shipped outfielder Adrian Young and catching prospect Diesel Dave to the Huntsville Phantoms in exchange for CF Roberto Mendez , RF Sadaharu Oh III , and 2B Tyler Shacklady .

These three trades signal a huge change in direction for a Hustlers club that is far more accustomed to being buyers this time of year than sellers. GM Matt Rectenwald indicated this was a necessary "correction" and doesn't necessarily signal a long rebuild. "I'd call it more of a re-tool than a rebuild," said Rectenwald. "We don't think we'll be irrelevant by any means."

By trading all of the established starting pitchers, Vegas' rotation is now led by the "veteran" Hyun-sik Chang in the #1 slot. He is followed by lefty Chin Kim who has been solid all season, and Hirotada Miura who has been a swingman this year but has plenty of starting experience. The last two spots are now filled by youngsters in lefty Hao Kun who just pitched a no-hitter vs. Nashville and Jesus Lopez who must still establish himself as a big league starter. With all the young arms in the rotation, manager Matthew Barnard is going with a six man rotation at least for now, adding veteran knuckleballer Floyd Carter to the rotation.

On the offensive side, the Hustlers now start #1 prospect Quant Kouros at second base with Kagehisa Echi as his double play partner. Third base is now a straight platoon of two rookies, with Kazuo Yamamoto vs RHP and Antonio Baca vs LHP.

By dealing Young, the Hustlers opened up a spot for impressive rookie Antonio Cortez in right field. With Cortez, Hector Gomez and Brian Bender the Hustlers have three impressive youngsters in their OF/DH rotation.

Another huge benefit to these deals? The Hustlers salary cap number for next year is now under $75 million- leaving them in a great position to add to the new young core in free agency and/or via the trade market.

And by the way, no one is writing off a playoff berth this year just yet. "Sure, we can make it," Barnard said. "Let's see what these kids can do!"

[starfox64]

Love watching all the different approaches to team building. Soaking it all in like a sponge...

[recte44]

This will be a unique retool that no one will want to miss.

[RonCo]

Will the playoff streak be broken?

[7teen]

Will the playoff streak be broken?

I'm thinking yes.

[recte44]

Unfortunately you were correct, sir.