LHP Lorenzo de'Medici (13/7/5) - 100+ MPH
The Twin Cities' GM Piccoli's love for Italian pitchers grew another size this offseason as young reliever Lorenzo de'Medici's BBA outlook continued to improve. Drafted in 2034, Lorenzo's pitches have improved since entering the River Monster system. At only 20 years old, he may be a bit young to make the jump this season, but he's telling everyone who'll listen that he's ready to go.
Talent scouts are excited to see him in action as he's hard thrower and appears to be equally effective against Righties and Lefties. He has the stamina to possibly assume a Stopper role, which would be Juan Martinez's preferred role if the team had a reliever who could fill it. The River Monsters were plagued with late inning meltdowns in 2036, so that's a situation worth keeping an eye as the season moves one. So far, the bullpen has held it's own, but a change in that situation could facilitate an early call up for de-Medici.
Tavio Ciccolella
In other Italian Pitcher news... Twin Cities finally pulled the plug and released 39 year old veteran Tavio Ciccolella. He was a long shot at staying in the rotation, but Tavio has continued to thumb his nose at skeptics for years, being productive when it appeared that he had no business doing so. Drafted in 2017, Tavio was a multiple time EBA All-Star and Champion in his younger days and even a Frick League All-Star for a couple of season after the EBA dissolved. He even lead the Frick League in wins as recently as 2033 with 18, at 35 years old.
Being a Fan Favorite with a rubber arm, he may still have enough left to make another run with another club. He's still able to eat some innings, but he can't keep games close like he used to...
Random Tavio Career Highlights
4 Times Season Innings Leader (2022, 2023, 2033, 2034) - Including an incredible 262.2 innings in 2033
9 Complete Games in 2033 - Including 4 Shut Outs... both lead the league
3,700+ Innings Pitched between the BBA & EBA - Would be good for Top 15 Over-all career & Second among active Pitchers (1st - Ricardo Diaz - 3,800+ IP 8th Over-all Career IP
