2037-08: Talons Season Preview: The Rotation

[jiminyhopkins]

To start our annual Season Preview Series, let's take a look at the starting rotation. I mean, it's virtually impossible to have our entire starting rotation on the DL for a second consecutive year, right? Right...?

1. Lawrence Columbus LaLoosh (10/7/8 Talents)
This was the Talons' big move of the winter. We don't know whether it will be enough, but here's what we do know. Laloosh is a pitcher who, as of today, is on his way to the BBA Hall of Fame. He has already amassed 52 WAR so far at age 32. He's been a part of numerous playoff teams. He's also been signed to a 5 year deal, at 130 million, that takes him through his age 36 season. The big question is this: If the basic idea (for a pitcher in his mid 30's) of two great years, 1 decent year, and two replacement level years holds true, will this all be worth it?

2. Jose Trujillo (10/7/6 Talents)
The former ace gets relegated to number two, and honestly, that's where he should have been all along. Trujillo, who only has one more guaranteed season before a couple of option years, is looking to come back from a season ending injury he suffered before the All Star break last season. Still, this is a guy who led the BBA in wins in 2035, and had been pretty healthy up to that point in his career. Scouts are starting to note a bit of a weakness against lefties, however, and that will have to be monitored.

3. Bob Corrigan (10/7/6 Talents)
Bob "Mixtape" Corrigan's season also ended in July of last year, just like Trujillo. At the time of his injury, Corrigan was leading the BBA in wins with 13, but a torn flexor tendon actually sowed doubt if he was even to be ready for Spring Training this year. But he was here and pitched well, and well suited to the #3 role on any staff. One thing scouts have noted is that he is becoming particularly adept at holding runners, scoring an 11 in that regard.

4. Cesar Aguilar (8/6/7 Talents)
Next up in today's game of "When Did Their Season End" is Aguilar. And if you guessed July, just like the other two, you'd be right. It was his first full year in the bigs up to that point, and he was below replacement level. But his ratings suggest that he should be close to league average, which is fine for a #4. And besides, he was supposed to be the big return in the Winson deal, so expect the Talons to keep trotting him out there no matter what.

5. Nate Horswill (8/6/7 Talents)
Recently profiled in the "5 Year Draft Review" in the Media Guide, Horswill got a grade of TBD. Well the only thing the Talons have determined so far is that he STILL needs to work on his changeup, which hasn't moved an inch since he was drafted. Another thing they have determined is that this will be his last season as a starting pitcher if he can't get that third pitch shored up. Reliever conversion awaits.

[Ted]

It's been said before, but it sucks that Aguilar forgot he was a top prospect at one point.