Fresh Fur: Sean Noah (Hoppy Endings, pre Sim 1) [PP:2056.05]

[neugey]

Despite targeting many players, Edmonton only ended up with one player in the Rule V draft, nabbing SP Sean Noah from Phoenix. Despite having shaky control, the Jackrabbits will take their chances with Noah being a regular contributor to the 2056 Edmonton pitching staff.

But shortly after acquiring him, changes were made to help get the most out of the 27-year-old. Pitching coach Peter Roberts worked meticulously with Noah to convert the longtime starter prospect to a full-time reliever. Noah now has consolidated his repertoire to just two pitches – a very effective forkball and a particularly nasty changeup. “We wanted to maximize Noah’s groundball ability, and having him in the rotation with the control issues was not an option,” explained Roberts. “We know the walks will occasionally be a headache in relief, but he’s pretty much the only arm on our staff with shaky control so we think we’ll be able to manage it. In short bursts, we think Noah will generate a ton of K’s and a lot of weak grounders, and will be an important asset to the bullpen.”

This move brings the Regina-born Noah back to his homeland in Canada. Originally a scouting discovery with Chicago, Noah had some decent success in the minors, but in 2054 a major elbow injury put him on the IL for several months and the Black Sox began to have doubts about Noah and released him. He then joined Phoenix’s farm system before the 2055 season and showed nice progress, starting 29 games at AA with a 4.14 ERA and 12.4 K/9. The strikeout totals caught Edmonton’s attention and now Noah will make his major league debut.

“I’m excited for this opportunity, willing to do whatever is needed in relief to help the team win,” said Noah. Roberts says the Jackrabbits will attempt to try Noah as a setup man, providing the control does not prove too costly.

[jiminyhopkins]

Very effective conversion! Excited to see how he does.