WHIV 2059.20- End of an Era?
Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2024 6:57 pm
When the Las Vegas Hustlers lost to the Charm City Jimmies and were eliminated from the playoffs, it was more than just a failed run in the Doubleday Series. It's more likely the end of an era.
"I was talking with another General Manager that I really respect," said Hustlers GM Matt Rectenwald. "You know, wins a metric shitton of regular season games, bounced in the Doubleday Series this year, but that's neither here nor there. I told him who we are all losing and how it's probably time for us to rebuild here in Las Vegas. You know what he told me? It's probably overdue. I thought about this for a while until I realized that he's right on the money. Since our three-peat we've been hanging on with a lot of smoke and mirrors, with apologies to @Lane. Didn't mean to steal your catch phrase, buddy, but it's true. We probably had no business being in the playoffs this year, much less winning a series, much less dropping three of the four losses to Charm City by just a run each. Consider that- we were a few runs away from the Cartwright Cup with a flawed team on the field. This offseason allows us the chance to really clear the slate and start anew."
Who's all leaving? Brace yourselves, as it's a lot.
First, the Team Options:
DH Tom Rudge- Decline. He's 40 years of age, and barely played over the last couple of months. It's probably time to retire. We'll see if he does. Clears $11M in cap space.
2B Stewart Turton- Decline. Also an advanced age, and his playing time was sparse as well. It's time to move on. Clears $10M in cap space.
SP Jose Barron- Decline. Coming off a major injury and didn't really live up to expectations. Clears $10.8M in cap space in both 2060 and 2061.
Next, the Free Agents:
1B Michael Pedarzolli- Played well again as he always does, but again is asking for way too much money. Will monitor as has been the case the past two years.
RP John Dawson- We enjoyed having him as a Hustler, but his contract demands are almost comical. Good luck in free agency.
SP Mahad Einan- We weren't shocked that he turned down his player option for 2060 that would have dropped his salary approximately $4 million.
LF Stepan Shabrov- His career year will likely price him out.
"I was talking with another General Manager that I really respect," said Hustlers GM Matt Rectenwald. "You know, wins a metric shitton of regular season games, bounced in the Doubleday Series this year, but that's neither here nor there. I told him who we are all losing and how it's probably time for us to rebuild here in Las Vegas. You know what he told me? It's probably overdue. I thought about this for a while until I realized that he's right on the money. Since our three-peat we've been hanging on with a lot of smoke and mirrors, with apologies to @Lane. Didn't mean to steal your catch phrase, buddy, but it's true. We probably had no business being in the playoffs this year, much less winning a series, much less dropping three of the four losses to Charm City by just a run each. Consider that- we were a few runs away from the Cartwright Cup with a flawed team on the field. This offseason allows us the chance to really clear the slate and start anew."
Who's all leaving? Brace yourselves, as it's a lot.
First, the Team Options:
DH Tom Rudge- Decline. He's 40 years of age, and barely played over the last couple of months. It's probably time to retire. We'll see if he does. Clears $11M in cap space.
2B Stewart Turton- Decline. Also an advanced age, and his playing time was sparse as well. It's time to move on. Clears $10M in cap space.
SP Jose Barron- Decline. Coming off a major injury and didn't really live up to expectations. Clears $10.8M in cap space in both 2060 and 2061.
Next, the Free Agents:
1B Michael Pedarzolli- Played well again as he always does, but again is asking for way too much money. Will monitor as has been the case the past two years.
RP John Dawson- We enjoyed having him as a Hustler, but his contract demands are almost comical. Good luck in free agency.
SP Mahad Einan- We weren't shocked that he turned down his player option for 2060 that would have dropped his salary approximately $4 million.
LF Stepan Shabrov- His career year will likely price him out.