WHIV 2039.8- Pitching Depth Tested Early

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WHIV 2039.8- Pitching Depth Tested Early

Post by recte44 » Wed Jul 03, 2019 7:44 pm

Pitching Depth Tested Early
April 22, 3029

Going into the spring of 2039, the Las Vegas Hustlers felt generally good about their pitching depth. In fact, they were afraid they would possibly lose a player with too many candidates for the roster and not enough players with minor league options remaining.

Things change quickly in baseball, especially when it comes to the health of pitchers.

As Spring reached its apex, the first bullet hit. Heralded prospect Senzo Kobayashi was diagnosed with a partially torn UCL. "This stings," GM Matt Rectenwald said. "We fully expected Senzo to make an impact at the big league level this season." Instead, he'll begin a lengthy rehab process which will last a year.

Just two days later the Hustlers suffered a even more critical strike, as left-handed relief stud Wayne Muirhead went down with a torn UCL. "We probably won't see Wayne back on a mound until next April at the earliest," said Rectenwald.

Suddenly the depth was thinning out. Still, Rectenwald felt good about his staff moving into the season...until April 18th, that is. The third major injury struck yet another Las Vegas left, as veteran Bert Hugill suffered a partially torn labrum. "The plan for Bert is rest and rehab, no surgery, and we're hopeful he could return by September," said Rectenwald.

With the Hugill injury the Hustlers now face a roster decision with an open spot on their major league staff. Looking at the Hustlers depth there were several internal possibilities:
- Poto Tornatore: Great arm, no control.
- Sandro Plumey: He's been absolutely shelled this year at AAA Milwaukee.
- Roman Sanchez: We're not even sure if we like him yet.
- Wayne Mawle: Lefty, which fills the void. Almost ready. Just not quite yet.
- Dean Rackham: Perhaps the most heralded of the bunch, but serious concerns about his ability to get lefties out.
- Marvin Atkinson: Top prospect. Don't want to rush him.
- Jaime Sanchez: May be the most ready of this group. In a perfect world we want him to pitch every fifth day.

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After reviewing all of the internal options, it was time to look outside of the organization. Ideally, the Hustlers were looking for a cost-controlled, young arm with good movement and the ability to start or relieve. They quickly found a match with Louisville and agreed to a trade with their new GM Stephen Shaw in record time. Las Vegas would send prospect Emanuele Mercati to Louisville and in exchange will get Mutsuhito Imai, a 23 year old right-hander.

In Imai, all of the wishlist boxes are checked. He's still in his pre-arby years. He has big league experience, and successful experience at that. He can start or relieve. "We like this kid," said Rectenwald.

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Re: WHIV 2039.8- Pitching Depth Tested Early

Post by RonCo » Wed Jul 03, 2019 7:58 pm

See problem, fix problem.
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Re: WHIV 2039.8- Pitching Depth Tested Early

Post by HoosierVic » Wed Jul 03, 2019 8:58 pm

Imai single-handedly destroyed the Huntsville clubhouse morale, but Vegas is no doubt better prepared to handle someone like that. Good luck!

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Re: WHIV 2039.8- Pitching Depth Tested Early

Post by ae37jr » Wed Jul 03, 2019 9:09 pm

Starting pitching seems to suck in general across the board right now in the BBA. You'd be hard pressed to find a team with a competent #5 that they feel comfortable with.
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