2037.10 - The Long Beach Independent - Jean 'Who'-guet

[Lane]

WHO IS HUGUET?

August 14, 2037
Honolulu, HI

With a subtle fist pump and a couple slaps into the palm of his glove, Jean Huguet returned to the Surfer's dugout following a sixth inning strikeout of Benton Allen. The swinging K was the 8th and final of the day for the 25 year old starter, and it helped him earn his 8th win of the season.

Practically unknown in Long Beach before taking the mound against Vancouver on May 30th, Huguet has endeared himself to the fans with his 8-2 record and 3.10 ERA. As a prospect in the Edmonton system, he was known for his overpowering stuff, pumping his cutter to the plate near 100 MPH in combination with a wicked curve and decent slider.

So far in his BBA career, he has been unable to control the HRs and walks to find any success. When he was released by the Jackrabbits following the 2036 season, the Surfers picked him up on a minor league deal. Not that we blame the Edmonton club for letting him go...he had an astonishing 0-14 record for them in 2036 across 36 appearances (12 starts). If you include 2035, he had appeared in 38 games and had a record of 0-15 with a 6.10 ERA / 4.59 FIP before this season.

Huguet was pressed into the rotation this season following the the talent dropoff of Allain Jolivet, the injuries to now-retired (CEI) Kevin Graham, and Manny Gabriel's (successful) move to the bullpen. He must have been happy, because it took until the seventh start for him to record his first loss of the season. After that game against Yellow Springs and another poor outing the next time out against New Orleans, he picked the pace back up.

Now, in mid-August, he's arguably one of Long Beach's most important pitchers as they fight for a Frick League Wild Card berth.