WHIV 2046.7- Unlikely Game 1 Starter for Hustlers

[recte44]

Who amongst you thought that Gerald "Rumor Mill" Abbott would be slated to be the Game 1 starting pitcher for the Las Vegas Hustlers in the Doubleday Series after a first round bye?

The whole sentence would sound outlandish, even silly, to anyone at the beginning of the 2046 season. Abbott was a long reliever. The Hustlers starting rotation was stacked with young talent, but no one really thought the Hustlers were a playoff team; much less a division winner with a playoff bye.

Yet, here we are. Las Vegas has gone 35-19 (.648) since August 1. Abbott has emerged as the late season hero for the Hustlers and according to his manager, Edward Allen, he's earned the top spot.

"What Gerald lacks in stuff, he makes up for it with sheer moxie," said Allen. "He's the bees knees as far as I'm concerned," the skipper said slyly while twirling a new handlebar mustache.

Spirits are at a high level in the clubhouse. "We've been through all of the adversity," Abbott said. "Just look at what our staff is now compared to the beginning of the year."

While Stan Cyr (partially torn UCL) was already out for the season, the Hustlers are now missing the following pitchers from their Opening Day staff:
Drees Geestman (forearm inflammation)
Brian King (torn rotator cuff)
Martin Ross (ulnar nerve entrapment)

In fact, Kevin Morales is the only member of the Opening Day rotation that will be in the playoff rotation, which looks as follows:
Game 1: Abbott
Game 2: Morales
Game 3: Nathaniel Davis
Game 4: Mike Jayne

Not so coincedentally, here is the Hustlers current "Who's Hot":
WHO'S HOT?
P Mike Jayne 2-0, 1.93 Last 2 games
P Nathaniel Davis 0-1, 1.98 Last 2 games
P Kevin Morales 1-1, 0.64 Last 2 games
P Gerald Abbott 2-0, 0.77 Last 3 games

[HerbD]

I knew Geestman was a pu$$y! Forearm inflammation?

[indiansfan]

I look forward to welcoming Abbott to the postseason