Tavio Ciccolella
6 Starts, 4-0, 2.93 ERA, 2 Complete Games
Josh Brown
6 Starts, 2-3, 5.30 ERA
With the absence of #1 Starter Chris Kelly for the first two months of the season, Josh Brown was called upon to step up and move into the #1 position. Instead, Josh Brown has wilted under the pressure... But wait, Ageless wonder, 37 Year Old Tavio Ciccolella has emerged after struggling for two seasons to provide a spark for the entire pitching staff.
Tavio one runned San Fernando while scattering 5 hits over 9 innings. In his first three starts, Tavio pitched 23 innings while only allowing 1 run. His rubber arm is legendary and he's lead the league in innings pitched 4 times. He's unflappable and is always a Fan Favorite whether he's pitching a shut out or getting shelled in under 3 innings. After his quick start, Twin Cities took the opportunity to extend his contract for a another year at $1.3 Million.
As for Josh Brown, "'I'm not worried about it," replied Manager Juan Williams, "He's just had a tough month, he's too good to not turn it around. Josh is still improving and will be solid contributor for Twin Cities for years to come."
Outside of Tavio, Twin Cities is getting solid production from it's other starters early in the season.
Travis Arnold 3-1, 3.10 ERA
Jerry Coyle 3-1, 3.47 ERA
Jessie Stewart
3-1, 2.30 ERA, 5 Saves, 27 IP
Jessie Stewart has taken his starter talents into the Stopper role and has played a vital role in solidify the bullpen since taken over the spot last season. He rarely goes less than 2 innings and often brought into games late even when the team is down. It lead to Jessie earning 12 wins last season and it appears he's picking up where he left off last season. Stewart has been vital to turning around a bullpen that was letting too many games slip away when Felix Alvarado held the closer spot 2 years ago. In the early going, Twin Cities has the 2nd ranked Bullpen ERA at 2.43. It's allowed Manger Juan Williams to reduce pitch counts on his starters, knowing the Bullpen won't throw away games late.
"There was just this sense that we're all just trying to hang on until Chris Kelly returns. Hopefully April can put an end to that." Commented GM Scott Piccoli, "Twin Cities is a well rounded team. While we're not loaded with Top 5 players, the team is solid with few holes and is filled with guys who know their role. We don't hit a lot of home runs, but our offense is scrappy and knows how to get on base. The guys at the top of the order know how to steal bases and get into scoring position."
