WHIV 2044.7- Checking The Locks, Starting Pitchers

[recte44]

WHIV 2044.7- Checking The Locks, Starting Pitchers (5)

Sure Fire Locks (3):
Gerald Abbott (L)
Elliot Buckland (R)
Drees Geestman (R)

Geestman is the newly crowned ace after his acquisition from Montreal and subsequent extension signing. Buckland, traded from Nashville, is the new #2 and should give solid innings. Abbott is now the #3, which is much more in line to where he belongs in a rotation and is poised to have a breakout year.

Near Locks (2):
Antonio Gonzalez (R)
Johnny Hale (R)

Gonzalez should have a solid case for the #4 spot after his brilliant performance in 2043. Hale will get first crack at the fifth spot, though he could also end up in the bullpen.

Trying To Break In (2):
Jorge Fuentes (R)
Sean Gardner (R)

The primary challengers to Hale (and to a much lesser extent Gonzalez) are Gardner and Fuentes. Gardner pitched really well for the Hustlers in the second half of 2043. The club likes him as a swingman. Fuentes, on the other hand, was dismal in the big leagues and could be ticketed for the pen as well. He does have one thing going for him, and that's his lack of minor league options.

Breaking In The Back Door (5):
Rudy Forrest (R)
Mike Jayne (R)
Nathaniel Davis (L)
Stan Cyr (R)
Jorge Martinez (R)

Forrest, the wily minor league vet, got a token September start last season to reward him for a great year. The other four are the future.