2038.01 - The Long Beach Independent - 3 Questions for 2038

[Lane]

BIG QUESTIONS LOOM FOLLOWING ANOTHER DISAPPOINTING SEASON

1. What moves will the front office make to bolster the rotation?

The Surfers FO has seemingly proved their proficiency at building an excellent bullpen, with the 2037 version ending up 2nd in the Frick League by ERA (3.79). However, as has been the case seemingly forever, the starting rotation has struggled, most recently 9th in the FL with a 4.78 ERA. As was the case last offseason, there will likely be premium free agent pitchers on the market.

One time Surfer prospect Arthur Dempster could (should?) be the top target this offseason. Rumor has it that Rockville is seeking to extend the 28 year old righty before free agency opens, but given the contract handed to Lawrence Columbus LaLoosh last offseason (5/$130 million) it's hard to imagine Dempster passing up the chance to be the center of a 30 team bidding war.

Also on the market could be 31 year old righty Mauro Flores. Though he's a few years older and not quite as good as Dempster, he would immediately become the Surfers ace.


2. Who will play SS?

Le Sigh. The perpetual hole. Brett Compton was acquired at the deadline for a heft fee, with the hopes that he would sign an extension. As it ended up, he changed his mind and decided to go to free agency. Over his 31 games in Long Beach he hit .350/.406/.462 with acceptable defense back at SS. Rumors are that the Surfers will try to re-sign him, and they should hope he is amenable since the SS market looks to be as thin as usual.

3. Will the luck even out?

By BaseRuns, LBC was the second unluckiest team in the BBA. Their expected W-L of 91-71 would have placed them 6th in the BBA (4th in the FL) just behind San Fernando. However, they ended up 7 games under that, and missed the playoffs entirely. Could it have been first year manager Callum Hopkins? Long Beach ought to spend significant time pondering this issue this offseason to avoid a similar fate next year.