Chasing The Storm 2041-6 A Disappointing Finish
Posted: Thu Mar 05, 2020 1:32 pm
After Seattle fans briefly allowed themselves to get excited for a potential playoff run, they saw their hopes cruelly dashed, as the Storm ultimately finished out of the playoffs with a record of 83-79. Ultimately, Seattle could not overcome its horrible performance in July, and it will head into the offseason knowing that they should have done more this season. Because this season was such a disappointment, let's take this opportunity to look at Seattle's most disappointing players from the 2041 season.
On offense, it's pretty clear that the most disappointing player was Lionnel Crepin. In the past, Crepin has always been one of Seattle's best hitters, but after six straight years with a wRC+ over 100, Crepin's performance has really declined over the last 2 years. This season, Crepin only had an OPS of .749. Although Crepin continued to draw tons of walks, and ultimately walked more than he struck out, he was simply not productive enough when he had to swing the bat, as his .388 slugging percentage attested. Although Crepin has been a longtime standout in the purple of the Storm, he is a free agent after this season, and it's hard to imagine that he will be back next season.
On the mound, the most disappointing player was Gordon Graves. Graves has long tantalized Seattle fans with his ability to throw 5 pitches and to generate ground balls, but he has simply never been able to consistently produce results that matched his talent. This year was no exception, as Graves had an ERA of 6.82. His underlying numbers weren't much better, as his FIP was 5.43. Graves' problems were pretty simple: he walked too many hitters, didn't strike out enough, and gave up too many hits. Other than that, though, he was fantastic! Graves is under contract for next season and he will be back in Seattle, but it's fair to ask at this point if Seattle can trust him to be a member of the starting rotation.
On offense, it's pretty clear that the most disappointing player was Lionnel Crepin. In the past, Crepin has always been one of Seattle's best hitters, but after six straight years with a wRC+ over 100, Crepin's performance has really declined over the last 2 years. This season, Crepin only had an OPS of .749. Although Crepin continued to draw tons of walks, and ultimately walked more than he struck out, he was simply not productive enough when he had to swing the bat, as his .388 slugging percentage attested. Although Crepin has been a longtime standout in the purple of the Storm, he is a free agent after this season, and it's hard to imagine that he will be back next season.
On the mound, the most disappointing player was Gordon Graves. Graves has long tantalized Seattle fans with his ability to throw 5 pitches and to generate ground balls, but he has simply never been able to consistently produce results that matched his talent. This year was no exception, as Graves had an ERA of 6.82. His underlying numbers weren't much better, as his FIP was 5.43. Graves' problems were pretty simple: he walked too many hitters, didn't strike out enough, and gave up too many hits. Other than that, though, he was fantastic! Graves is under contract for next season and he will be back in Seattle, but it's fair to ask at this point if Seattle can trust him to be a member of the starting rotation.