Omaha & Madison GMs meet at winter meetings 2052
It’s been a couple of seasons now as GM Simon watches helplessly on how a promising young career in Madison has been derailed, one could say almost “pushed off a roof” in his time in Omaha. We are of course speaking of one David Ferrell. Who’s short time in Omaha has led to a 5.92 ERA in 96 innings with a .352 BABIP and a 4.39 FIP. More to come on that as the season goes on.
Overview - What has happened to the Cyclones, once a dominating team in the league’s best division, they made the playoffs 6 out of 7 years (2042 – 2048) averaging over 90 wins a season. They even tossed in a championship to boot in 2046. However, since then they have finished no higher than 5th place. One could probably look no further than the pitching staff, whose team ERA has continued to creep upwards from 3.75 to a whopping 5.15 in 2051. They started to trend back in the right directly in 2052, getting back to down to 4.52, but allowing five runs a game. However, that once powerful offense has also slipped in recent seasons, as they seem to still rely on the long ball. Looking at the current roster makeup, 12 of their 14 hitters are rated seven or better in power and nine of 12 with seven or better gap power. With only five players with career above average OBP, it might be a lot of solo HRs in the near future.
Can they turn it around in 2053?
Additions:
FA signing RF Bobby Horne to a 3 year 18.5m contract – under the covers the team could cut-bait if this goes south. It is only a 3.5m outlay in 2053, then 2 back-to-back team options in 2054 & 55 if they do not feel he is worth the 7.5m per year. Starting out the season with a strained hammy for 6 weeks is not helping his cause.
FA signing SP Joe D’antonio to a 1 year 1m contract – what can you say. There is nothing wrong with a 1-year prove it contract. At 32yo and a prolific knuckleball, still they hope he can make the jump from AA / GBC from last year.
FA signing 2B Francisco Arredondo to a 2 year 14m contract – This is also pretty much a 1 year deal, with a 2nd year team option of 8.5m (3m buyout). The 3m could go to 7m this season if he hits his 500 PA role. He had 498 last season, so it should be interesting to watch.
R5 – SP Jacob Cruz from Rockville – squirreled away in the back part of the bullpen – just looking to hide him for this season, and play the long game. He has 3 above average pitches, with a so-so slider. At 22yo could be a nice pickup in a few years.
R5 – 2B Logan Niles from Phoenix – GM Niles saw the 29yo switch hitting 2B with 10 power and fell in-love right away. If all goes according to plan he will most likely play a backup role and maybe a spots start in the Cyclones infield this season. If this kid gets anything more for that, something gone a rye in Omaha.
Injury Return - SP – Tim Dooley – He is back and injury free! Losing him for almost 14 weeks of the 2052 season did not help. That is why I am adding him here. If he can get back to his pre-injury form and provide 200+ innings for this club that will trickle down to the rest of the staff. He has been relativity major injury free in his career, here is hoping 2052 was just an anomaly. If he is out again, it could be another, last place finish for this club again.
The OOTP Supercomputer/Poll is high on Omaha this season, pegging them at 93-69 record, a +20 difference! Good enough for the second best record in the Frick. I’m bullish on Omaha, but not for +20. I’m gonna say it’s a +7 and top off at 80-82.
Good enough to finish behind the worst 4th place team in the Brewster.
Some classy Lady-Wolves have a message for @niles08
