WHIV 2038.6- Checking the Locks: Starting Pitchers

[recte44]

Checking the Locks: Starting Pitchers
Preseason 2038

Hat tip to Edmonton's Chris Robillard who introduced this awesome format.

The Las Vegas starting rotation has historically been the engine that fuels the Hustlers machine. Over the last few years, however, the rotation hasn't been up to that high standard. With the big free agent addition of Mauro "Looney" Flores to their existing staff, Vegas hopes they can reach new heights this season.

Sure Fire Locks:
Mauro Flores
Hao Kun
Hyun-sik Chang
Gerardo Fajardo

Obviously Flores leads the way as the Hustlers new #1 starter, the type of true ace they haven't had since the heyday of Gary Estes. Kun has been on the fringes of emerging as an ace, and with Flores on staff can be an awesome #2. Chang needs to bounce back from a disappointing 2037 season but has all the tools to be a fine pitcher and has done it in the past. Fajardo dodged the injury bug for the most part last year en route to becoming the Hustlers most dependable starter.

Near Locks:
Chin Kim

The 26 year old lefty Kim will be given every opportunity to win the fifth starter job. He just has too much talent to give up on as a starting pitcher. The renovations made to The Casino at Moe Fugger may help him more than any other pitcher on staff.

Trying To Get In The Door:
Alvin Chartrand
Kyle Elston
Sandro Plumey
Bert Hugill
John Hughes

There is quality depth behind the presumptive five-man rotation. Chartrand cracked the rotation to start 2037 but quickly pitched his way out of it and still has two option years remaining to continue his development. Elston was picked up off waivers last season and has the talent to start games. Out of options, he may find himself in the bullpen to start the year. The same applies to Hugill, who figures to be a valuable swingman for Las Vegas this season. Plumey and Hughes are youngsters who will both be ticketed for Milwaukee (AAA).

Breaking In The Back Door (NRI):
Matt Mills
Jaime Sanchez

Mills is a wily veteran who will be given a chance to make the big club as a swingman but more than likely will open the year in the minors as a depth option. The Hustlers want to take a peek at Sanchez in camp but he'll start the year in the minors.

[crobillard]

Love the breaking in the back door addition. Spot on with the theme. I love your pitching staff. Flores is a fantastic fit too. Beastly.