RHP Jay Lee
1996 stats: 17-9, 1.75 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, 302 K, 37 BB, 268 IP in 34 starts; 108.2 VORP, 251 ERA+, 13 complete games, 4 shutouts
Recently described as "simply the top starter in the Johnson and probably the MBBA," Lee is exactly the type of pitcher you want at the top of your rotation. He strikes batters out, he issues few walks, he keeps the ball in the park, he goes deep into games and he gives your team a better-than-average chance to win every time he takes the mound. Expect the Moonshiners to sign him to a long-term deal before his arbitration years are all behind him.
No. 2
RHP Corey Haim
1996 stats: 19-8, 3.67 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 148 K, 24 BB, 238 IP in 34 starts; 48.2 VORP, 120 ERA+, 1 complete game
The 25-year-old Haim had an even better record than Lee last year, despite worse peripheral stats. It's unlikely he can be quite that successful again this year if he continues with similar ERA and WHIP marks, but with what should be an improved offense supporting him, it's possible he could approach 20 wins again. He makes batters put the ball in play (as evidence by the 6-to-1 K/BB ratio), which also should play to the team's defensive strengths.
No. 3
RHP Hipolito Pichardo
1996 stats: 16-10, 3.32 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 164 K, 74 BB, 233 IP in 33 starts; 47.6 VORP, 6 complete games for Madison and Calgary
Greenville's biggest free-agent acquisition, the 27-year-old Pichardo should be an improvement to last year's starting squad and one hell of an innings eater in the middle of the rotation. He keeps the ball in the park, holds runners on base and averaged 7 innings per start last year.
No. 4
RHP Israel Martinez
1996 stats: 12-11, 3.57 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 183 K, 86 BB, 231.2 IP in 33 starts; 43.1 VORP, 123 ERA+, 6 complete games
Martinez was a less-heralded free agent than Pichardo despite putting up similar numbers last season. He'll walk a few more batters than Greenville generally likes, but he'll strike out a few more, too. He should make a run at being the Johnson's best No. 4 starter.
No. 5
RHP Ray Weighill
1996 stats: 3-3, 1 save, 2.64 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 63 K, 18 BB, 71.2 IP in 67 games; 22.2 VORP, 166 ERA+
Weighill spent last year in the bullpen, but with the Moonshiners' excess of middle relievers (and the 27-year-old's solid stamina), he's been moved to the rotation for the 1997 season. Having to go through a lineup multiple times means he's not likely to put up an ERA below 3.00 and a WHIP below 1.10 again, but matching his career averages of 3.43 and 1.31 would be more than enough to be a success in the No. 5 spot. He transitioned to the rotation well during Spring Training, going 4-0 with a 1.12 ERA, 0.75 WHIP and 6-to-1 K/BB ratio in 4 starts.
