The Uphill Battle (Hoppy Endings, pre FA Sim 4) [PP:2057.01]

[neugey]

2056 was an unmitigated disaster for Edmonton, with the club falling all the way from a 2055 .500 record to a 57-105 sob story in 2056.

There were several reasons (or excuses, based on your perspective) for the huge drop-off. One big one was a major regression in pitching fortune, both in the rotation and in the bullpen. No one pitcher could seem to really steady themselves. Not even Mahad “Furball” Einan, who did fare somewhat better before he was mercifully traded to a semi-contender in Las Vegas.

Another key setback was the long-term injury of big free agent acquisition 2B Billy McKay. He played in 21 games for the Jackrabbits before suffering a career-altering shoulder injury. The damage was so severe that he will also need basically all of the 2057 regular season to recover. When GM Mike Bauer looks at his payroll this year and McKay tops the list, it has to be discouraging to see a player that won’t be able to contribute.

The catching situation is not all that great but the organization is afraid to invest free agent dollars into the position after being burned in the past. Young players such as 3B Ray Hoskins and 1B/LF Dean Procter showed promise, but both slumped badly in the late summer months. For Edmonton to make any headway in 2057, those two will need to fare better.

The failures of 2056 overshadowed some nice performances by veterans, however. Potential Hall of Fame corner infielder Steven Collins III still hit .299 at his advanced age. 1B/RF Matthew Woods continued to refine his power game and hit 30 home runs, a nice number for a strong-side platoon hitter.

If the Jackrabbits are to rebound in 2057, it’s going to take some great contributions from additional new young talent. Top-flight SP prospect Glenn Hargrove will need to follow up his cup of coffee and help steady the rotation. And he may not be the only young arm joining the rotation. SP Keith Forrest, acquired from Omaha in a 2055 trade, is receiving serious consideration to also make his debut. And two-way player Brent “Spork” Gilbert will likely hit the bigs as a full-fledged two-way player in 2057 either right away or as the season progresses.

Infielder Pedro Guzman, who hit .296 in limited action in 2056, is the likely candidate to fill McKay’s spot. But he may have other infield candidates in the high minors or available via free agency or waivers that could make his seat hot if he struggles. The team is also praying SS Damek Korbel stays healthy and doesn’t have substantial injuries like were seen in 2056 and derailed the infield.

Admittedly, Edmonton is in a quasi-rebuild right now. The presence of old veterans like Korbel, CF Dan Flores, DH Gonzalo Martinez and Collins III on the roster do not really resemble a youth movement. But the days of those players are somewhat numbered as age-related decline, trade offers and retirement could become a factor before long.

[trmmilwwi]

Horrible luck with McKay.