WHIV 2038.2- Hustlers Cut Bait on Troop

[recte44]

Hustlers Cut Bait on Troop
November 7, 2037

Sometimes the best laid plans just don't work out. Most of the time those failures are clear to everyone but hard for the people most closely involved to admit their failure. In the case of the Las Vegas Hustlers and Jubal Troop , their admit of failure was quick and swift. Following the acquisition of the lefty midseason, Troop started 15 games for the Hustlers and posted an abysmal 6.89 ERA and 1.46 WHIP with 18 homers allowed in 95.1 innings. His one playoff start, though it was a loss, offered a slight glimmer of hope (7 IP, 8 H, 4 ER, 0 HR, 1 BB, 8 K) but it was truly too little too late. Before a projected arbitration payday of over $10 million, the Hustlers dealt Troop to the Edmonton Jackrabbits in return for outfielder Declan Creuen and right-handed pitching prospect Senzo Kobayashi .

The return is a bit of a head scratcher as Creuen adds to an already discussed logjam in the corner outfield/DH spots. "In this case it's simply about talent acquisition," explained Hustlers GM Matt Rectenwald. "We like Creuen, obviously, and positional logjams tend to resolve themselves naturally." Creuen sounded not overjoyed by the move but understanding. "I'm not surprised by the news," Creuen told reporters, "It's part of the business and I understand that. I am looking forward to playing for the Hustlers."

Kobayashi checks off all of the boxes the Hustlers are looking for in a relief pitching prospect. He's young and controllable, a ground baller with great stuff, and has enough endurance that he could be a long man. "We're going to give him another year to see if he can do anything with that changeup, and if not we'll convert him," said Rectenwald.

Despite the trade, the Hustlers still have several candidates to fill the two open rotation slots behind Hao Kun , Gerardo Fajardo and Hyun-sik Chang . Chin Kim probably still has the inside track on one job, with Alvin Chartrand , Kyle Elston , Bert Hugill and Ryosei Akahori competing as well. "We're happy with our depth but we will keep our eyes peeled for a front line starter as well," added Rectenwald.