WHIV 2044.10- Tryouts Continue as September Arrives

[recte44]

WHIV 2044.10- Tryouts Continue as September Arrives
September 8, 2044

27 pitchers have taken the mound for the Las Vegas Hustlers in 2044. 33 position players have appeared in a game as a Hustler. That's a total of 60 players that will go down in history as a Las Vegas Hustler in 2044. Since May 1st, Las Vegas is 40-75, a .348 winning percentage. The whole season has a feel of one long audition. "That's the whole point," said GM Matt Rectenwald. "When you know you can't compete, that's when you need to take a look at a lot of guys you might not normally look at."

One example is behind the plate. Las Vegas has had an amazing EIGHT players appear in the tools of ignorance this season. The journey eventually allowed Reggie Leeper to emerge as a keeper. "Once upon a time Reggie was a high draft pick (4th overall by Montreal in 2040)," said Rectenwald. "We got him thrown in along with Drees Geestman knowing that we didn't have a real answer at catcher. By no means do we think he'll keep up this pace, but he's shown he is a big leaguer."

Under normal conditions, the Hustlers would fill their 40 man with players for the September roster expansion. This year, Las Vegas has four minor league teams in the playoffs. "We don't want to disrupt them too much, so we brought up some guys now and we'll take another look as those playoffs end," Rectenwald said.

The early callups include two pitchers who will make their BBA debuts.
Jorge Cruz is a righty who spent most of the year in AA-Reno's rotation, however he projects as a reliever at the BBA level. The 2042 eighteenth round pick has a live fastball and splitter, but can he contain the longball?

Another righty, 21 year old Horst Duineveld arrives with a slightly higher pedigree than Cruz. Drafted one year earlier than Cruz, he was a second rounder by Las Vegas. Duineveld is also making the jump from Reno. Players and coaches love this guy. His live fastball and slider are much more effective against righties than lefties, and he is able to pitch for long stretches. While Cruz's kryptonite is homers, Duineveld's will be walks.

[bschr682]

I see lots of familiar names. Me likey. Duineveld would be such a stud if he had control. maybe it'll come back to him.