Will Cruz Help the Rotation Bounce Back? (Hoppy Endings, pre Sim 9) [PP:2055.14]

[neugey]

Time has finally run out for Marcus Forrest, who started 9 games in 2055 with a 6.54 ERA, 1.71 WHIP and -1.4 WPA for Edmonton. The southpaw, who was waived by Calgary and claimed by the Jackrabbits during the 2054 preseason, had options remaining and was sent outright to AAA to join an Inferno team that is playing well but also has other veteran starters like Peter Roop and Matt Alicea who are also struggling to pitch effectively at any level right now. Misery loves company, or so they say.

Replacing Forrest in the lineup will be righty Jacob Cruz, who has been terrific at AA with a 2.86 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and a 5-0 record. Other pitchers were also considered for the rotation spot, including another AA standout in Roman Rodriguez, but the job ultimately went to Cruz.

“We considered other options, but we feel Cruz has the best chance to sustain his success right now,” explained GM Mike Bauer. “Cruz did a fine job for Omaha in 2053 and a solid job mostly as a reliever for us in 2054 after we traded for him. We think he’ll provide stability to the rotation.”

Though Cruz is a fan favorite in Edmonton, fans were not all that pleased with his addition to the rotation. They want to see Rule V standout Ivan Martinez get a shot. Martinez has been baffling BBA hitters as a reliable setup man thus far. He’s recorded a 1.64 ERA and 0.91 WHIP with 12.7 strikeouts per 9 innings. BBA hitters just haven’t seemed to figure out his excellent pitch combination. Will Cruz eventually give way to Martinez?

“I wouldn’t rule that out”, said Bauer. “But we’d like to see Ivan accrue more innings in the BBA before putting that load on his shoulders.”

But with Jackrabbits’ starters ranked 15th in the Johnson and only ace Mahad Einan pitching well as a starter, the urgency might be higher than Bauer is indicating. Sources indicate Martinez may be given his chance in the rotation if things don’t improve by the All-Star break.

[BaseClogger]

Cruz looks like a big leaguer. Eventually you could have two Cruz’s in your rotation.