WHIV 1999 Vol 4- Pitching Preview

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The Hustlers had one of the best pitching staffs in the MBBA last season, and this year they feel they are actually improved. With the addition of Bjorn Nepal and Will Gagus and the subtraction of Felix Pan, the Hustlers strength will again be on the mound.

Starting Rotation:
It's hard to pick an ace out of the Hustlers top three guys, and for the third straight year they'll have a different Opening Day starter. This year, the Hustlers are putting talented 24 year old righty Christopher "Trooper" Stoller in the ace slot. He's followed by co-aces in the form of Micheal Shellenbarger and Johnny Madorin. Holding down the #4 spot was last years top emerging hurler, Eric Sweet. The #5 starter, and one of the best #5 starters in the MBBA, is the aforementioned Nepal, who was actually the on paper ace for the LMS Runner-Up Black Sox last season. Wow.

Bullpen:
There will be a changing of the guard in the Hustlers pen this season. Austin Horta, a hard throwing lefty, ascends to the closer role to start the season. Longtime closer, veteran Marty Powers, will begin as the top set-up man but can always switch with Horta if he struggles. It remains to be seen if Powers will remain content on the team while not serving as the closer. He has been shopped with some interest but is too talented to not get a decent return on. A pitcher to keep an eye on is Curt Wilson. The lefty had a huge spring training and should add some value to middle relief. Gagus adds a third lefty to the mix, the first time the Hustlers have had this many lefties in their bullpen in recent history. Veterans Cory Bailey, Rene Arocha, and Sam Morton round out what appears to be an improved and quite deep pen.

Depth:
Nicolas Coll suffered an injury in spring training, allowing the Hustlers to start him on the Disabled List and avoid a difficult roster decision for now. Young Robert Yoo is ready for the show, but now finds himself in the position Eric Sweet was a couple years ago, just waiting for his shot. Bartolo Torres has a bright future in short relief, he'll be in AAA Milwaukee working to hone his control.

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