WHIV 2045.15- What Remains Unclear (Pitching)

[recte44]

WHIV 2045.15- What Remains Unclear
September 26, 2045

2045 was unquestionably a transitional year for the Las Vegas Hustlers. Many decisions have been made and the future is coming into focus. Before we get into the pieces of the puzzle that were discovered this year, we first need to look into the not so clear components of the future Hustlers. Let's dive in to the unclear aspects of the pitching staff.

1. Is Mike Jayne a starter or a reliever?
He's been successful in both roles this year. First as a middle reliever, then as a starter, then as a stopper, then as a closer. His awesome May won him the JL Rookie of the Month Award, and also helped to get him to the All-Star Game in his first full season. So what is he? And why is it a question? Well, it comes down to stamina. He has less stamina than your typical starter, but how will he most impact ballgames? The answer might be found in two statistics. He saved 85% of opportunities. Meanwhile, his Quality Start percentage was 20%.

2. Similarly to Jayne, is Martin Ross best utilized as a reliever, and in what role?
Here's the deal. Scouts say that all four of his pitches are maxed, except his changeup. The changeup is just one point away from being maxed. For some reason, this affects his stuff by two ratings points (he's a 7 and a 9 potential). We think that he's a reliever. We think that he might be able to be a stopper, along with Jayne in theory. The duo would have the makings of a bullpen core.

3. Did the Hustlers get a gem in Gilberto Cruz or is he just a headache?
It's no secret Cruz is bad in a clubhouse. That's the only reason New Orleans let him go for nothing. He has an electric right arm. He could be a closer, but does he even care? Well, the Hustlers will certainly take the time to see if they can tame him. If so, he's the third of the Rule of Three.

4. Could Armando Castro actually be a thing?
Six pitches. This always gets our attention. I have no stats to back it up but I get the feeling that guys with five or six pitches usually outperform their ratings as starting pitchers. So what do we do with this guy? I mean, 5 movement. Well, he has two option years left so we'll have plenty of time to see.

5. Speaking of outliers, what about Angelo Torres?
I mean, he has five pitches (well, four really) but if you were uncomfortable with a 5 movement, then there's Torres and his 4 movement. We have given him a long, long look. 44.2 innings and he's sure looking like a major league pitcher.

6. Then there's a gaggle of other guys. Can we finally make a decision on Gerald Abbott? Why can't Alex Corona perform to his FIP? Why have we held back Wayne Dorsey? What to do with Anibal Ramirez and his backwards split? Will walks doom the career of Horst Duineveld? What in the hell is the deal with Jorge Fuentes??