On A Higher Plane...2035.10 Expansion Draft news Pitching

[felipe]

The Wichita Aviators went arm heavy in the BBA 2035 Expansion Draft, selecting 18 pitchers from their 35 picks.

"There is nothing more important than pitching," commented Wichita Genius, GM Hopkins," The thing that seems to sink most clubs is an inability to eat innings...I don't think we will have that problem."

The Wichita Aviators selected Nine pitchers that started at least 20 games last season in the BBA, and several others that appear that they could start in a pinch.

The undisputed 'ace' of the staff will be Jesus '3000' Tonche, who was selected in the 32nd round of the expansion draft. Tonche started 32 games for the Montreal Blazers, going 10-9, and striking out 153 batters.

"It was nice to get a guy with almost 150 career wins," grinned the Genius ,"He only lasted so late in the draft because of that hefty contract that that idiot in Montreal gave him...and because his pitches seem to be flattening out a little. But he's only thirty two years old, so I can see him reaching 200 wins before the end of his current deal. Twelve million dollars for fifteen wins? I'll take that value."

Baby Face West, the twenty-two year old lefty drafted from Vancouver also figures prominently in the proposed Wichita rotation. West was drafted with the third overall pick. As a twenty one year-old, West went 11-7 averaging almost a strikeout an inning over his 22 starts.

"I couldn't believe that West was available to be drafted," smiled the Genius," And apparently, neither could the Vancouver GM."

"I'm not sure if the ridiculous parks from the old Frick League Pacific helped out West inordinately, but I had him Kouda and (Boise's first overall pick) Mace, as the clear first three picks in the draft. In fact, I was kind of happy that Boise got the first overall pick, so I could snag two of the three!"

A face familiar to long-time Genius watchers will be the expected third pitcher of the rotation, twenty-eight year-old knuckleballer, Abe Colbert Jr.. Colbert had a rough 2034, (8-15 5.20 FIP), but still started 26 games and struck out 195 batters.

"A team like Louisville can't wait around for a struggling pitcher to right himself," said the Genius," But an expansion team is only too happy to take a chance on a guy with a pedigree like Abe's. The guy has struck out a 1000 batter's in only 5 seasons. He has two world championship rings. And, he's only twenty-eight."

"Abe lasted until the 24th round because he's due to make $7 million this season, and is a free agent after. Its kind of a perfect situation for Abe to perform. A good season this year, and he will be able to write his own check next winter."

The six pitchers in the mix for the last two rotation spots are:

Former Tropic, thirty-one year-old Vasilyev, who was battered to the tune of 21 losses in 2034, with a 5.06 FIP.

Former Hurricane, twenty-nine year old (and fourth Aviator pick),Arturo Cruz, who started 20 games and compiled a 7-5 record with a 4.63 FIP, averaging four strikeouts every five innings.

Former Wolf, twenty-five year-old Tommy Dietz, who started 27 games going 6-12 with a career high 5.52 FIP.

Former Long Beach, twenty-seven year old lefty, Gonzalo Fajardo, who went 10-10 with a 4.80 FIP over 31 starts.

Former Gambler, twenty-six year old lefty, Kazunori Sato, who went 9-8 in 26 starts with a 5.22 FIP.

Former Talon, thirty-one year old, Piano Legs Villegas, who went 11-10 with a 4.59 FIP.

The bullpen will most probably be comprised out of loogy legendDuck Cantrell (Jacksonville), fireballer Bure Jr. (Phoenix), veteran Chris Brown (Montreal), lefty Aldo Hes (Louisville), Reggie Gascoigne (California), and exciting youngster Armando Rasquilha (Rockville).

Three pitchers presumably selected for the future were Okamura (Long Beach), Makin (Las Vegas), and Quntana (Vancouver).

"We think we have built a good base from the expansion draft," grinned the Genius," But obviously, our work is far from finished."

[RonCo]

Not horrible, anyway.

[usnspecialist]

I think west is a great pickup, could front that rotation thru the early years and then settle into a #2 role when the team is ready to contend.

[RonCo]

Yes, West was meant to be protected, but apparently one of Brett's mole interns "made an administrative mistake."

[Joshua Biddle]

Interested to see how two ex-Gamblers (Fajardo, Sato) do for the Aviators

[ae37jr]

I'm rooting for Dickinson. I kinda left him exposed because I knew Stu would take him and he was blocked here.