Unfortunately in recent seasons, not the best...
Las Vegas doesn’t seem to know the meaning of “Rebuiding”, opting instead to constantly “Reload” every year and be a perennial Championship Contender. The Hustlers have finished in the Top 2 in the Division for 15 years straight, including 11 Division Championships. However, in that time, they have reached the Landis Finals only once (and Won it in 2027). Surely a bitter pill for team that’s currently in the middle of one of the greatest regular season Dynasty runs in BBA History. A pill though, that fuels GM Matt Rectenberg's fire to continue to field the best team in the BBA and power through this playoff slump.
Las Vegas is going to be the early season favorite to win the newly formed Sun Belt Division in the Johnson League. Going by last season’s records, the Hustlers would have finished the year up by 9 games against the teams now in their new home division. The Hustlers look ready to grab the reins and lead the charge into the play-offs and shed the extended Play-Off blues they currently suffer from.
STARTING ROTATION
Some might argue that Julio Velasco was robbed of the Nebraska in 2032 (21-2, 2.68), however he ran up against a buzzsaw in Charm Cities Egbert Behner (22-7, 2.95 ERA). Velasco is a Premier starter in the BBA and sure to be a #1 Ace on any team in the league. The only downside (if any) that can said about Velasco is that he tends to give up the long ball. However, he with his pin-point control and low WHIP, he rarely gives up multi-run homers.
As part of the reloading process, Las Vegas traded away two young pitchers to Long Beach for an excellent #2 starter in Jimmy Greenwood. Vegas went ahead and put all their fans questions to bed about his future and promptly signed Greenwood to a long term, 6 year extension worth $13 Mil per year. The only caveat seems to be that it could be said that the contract might be considered undervalued and if Jimmy continues to perform at an elite level, there’s Player Option after year two of the contract. But, it appears that Jimmy Greenwood is likely to remain a Hustler for at least three years and a lot can change in that time.
It could be argued that Sam Romero is actually the #2 starter, and not Greenwood… And most likely many would agree. Definitely a luxury to have such a quality trio heading up the starting rotation. Sam is lifetime Hustler, spending his entire career in Las Vegas. And with his 6 year extension signed last year, maybe he’ll play on the Vegas Strip on long into his Mid-30’s.
A wild card for the rotation,Hyun-Sik Chang looks to rebound from an injury plagued 2034 season that saw him miss almost 3 ½ months. He’s currently not known as injury prone, but has lost significant time the last two years. If Chang can blossom this season, it’ll turn this rotation from great to power house.
RELIEVERS
Closer Shawn Huber took over the closer role for Las Vegas last season and was excellent. He's a strike out machine, logging over 13K's per 9. A great asset to possess, when you need someone to come in with runners in scoring position and they need to absolutely stay put with no chance of advancing.
Hirotara Muira was outstanding for Las Vega last season in mixed duties, closing, middle relief, starting... Though it appears he’s going to being set up or fireman role in the early going. Miura has expressed interest to be a full time starter. However, there doesn’t appear to be a spot for him currently, so his future role for the club is muddy. It’ll remain to be seen if he’ll be content to stay there or push for more.
Will the young Jesus Lopez could be ready to emerge and take an important role on the pitching staff? He got roughed up a bit last when he was called up, but it appears he should have the tools to utilized anywhere. He’s slated to be a late inning reliever initially, but could have the chance to be a starter as well.
INFIELD
There’s nowhere better to begin with the Hustler Offense than Catcher, Hank Brewer. He’s a career .300+ AVG and .900 OPS switch hitter, equally skilled from both sides of the plate. Blessed with a canon arm, he has enough Golden Bats and Diamond Gloves to field his own baseball team. The only weird award next to his plethora of awards is a lonely, single BBA Championship… And he’s the kind of guy a team needs on the field to add more of them.
Sitting 90’ away from Brewer for the last 10+ years is 29 year old 1st Basemen Gervasio Ridder, a power hitting monster quickly closing in 400 HR’s. He hits for average, gets on base at a .400 clip and has awesome power. At his current pace, he’s likely to pass 400 by the time he turns 31. While he’s not so great with the glove, he won’t be hitting DH on a regular basis until the following player moves on.
Brought in from Vancouver in the middle of last season, 35 year old DH Elroy Hinson probably didn’t live up to his contract of $8.5 million. Hinson has seen a dip in performance in the last couple of years after being an annual All-Star Catcher in the 2020’s. Elroy is a well rounded hitter, who does a little of everything. He can still play behind the plate if required, but as long as Brewer is healthy, Hinson should be the DH for the foreseeable future. Though he might be more valuable as a trade commodity since his defensively abilities are going to waste as a DH.
Short-Stop Lloyd Braun is a defensive wizard who’s very competent with the bat. He’s recently teamed up youngAntonio Cruz, who was brought up last season to play Second Base. Together, they provide solid defense up the middle, though Cruz has yet to prove himself holding the bat. However, it appears that 2035 might be the time for him to breakout.
The Hustlers seem to have a need at Third Base. Las Vegas is giving rookie Antonio Baca as shot to earn a starting spot on the team. Defensively, he can handle himself, though it remains to be seen if Baca can be a BBA Starter offensively. He’s certainly get a chance because it doesn’t appear that there’s anyone pressing him from behind for the spot.
OUTFIELD
Much to the pleasure of the Home Town Fans and the GM, prodigal Son, Henry Rectenberg, was traded to Las Vegas from Brooklyn. Henry is good defensive outfielder and well-rounded at the plate. Though his performance dipped considerably in 2034 after an excellent 2033 season that saw him carry a .400+OBP and .900+ OPS.
Centerfielder Juan Sweetword was dynamite least season. He’s an excellent combination of speed, range, contact and a just enough power to be dangerous in the lead off spot. The Husters rewarded Juan with a 6 year contract, worth $118 Million. His only downside is a tendency to a bit of wild swinger, which sometimes affects his On-Base Percentage.
Right Fielder, Adrian Young, rebounded in a big way last season after a shaky 2033 outing. However, holding Adrian back from being considered an All Star is his inability to play a full season. He tends to be plagued with minor injuries, taking him out for chunks at time, 3 weeks here, 6 weeks there. If he can put together close to a full season of production, he could be in the running as a top player in his position, especially with his defensive ability.
Over-all, Las Vegas loaded from top to bottom, with only a couple minor holes in the line up. The starter rotation is stocked and the bullpen has key players to close out games. The offense has a few top of players in the league at their position with no gaps, either on offense or defense. Once again, The Hustlers have to be a League favorite to go all the way to the Finals and nothing less will sure to be a disappointment for GM Matt Rectenberg and the Las Vegas fan base.
