TN 62.04 Nelson Middlebrook; Has the Shredders Closer Arrived?

[Chuck V]

Yep.

i suppose i should go into just a bit more detail.

In the June draft of 2059, GM Chuck Valenches, in his debut draft, chose of Luis Rúbio with the 3rd pick overall. a round later the Shredders drafted a reliever with three solid pitches out of the Africa Monarchs college team, number 37 overall. Nelson Middlebrooks signed a friendly $715,000 signing bonus and reported to rookie ball Mississauga.

Middlebrooks progress was steady, generally putting up good numbers, struggling a little bit on promotion, but developing at every level. Last year Middlebrooks made his AAA debut with the Odessa Hobos and despite some inconsistent outings, managed to save 29 games. 2062 saw Middlebrooks begin the year in Odessa, save 12 of 12 opportunities and then get the call.

Middlebrooks excelled at the BBA level, going 6-4 with a 3.02 era and 21 saves. the kid was pretty much a natural and at 22 years old, He has still not fully developed. to truly be an elite closer he will have to add a little velocity to that arm and develop all three of his pitches. a fastball, slider and cutter that could all become out pitches. He will also have to learn how to bear down in save situations as he only saved 75% of his opportunities and elite closers these days, such as Montreal's Augusto Ayala, save around 85%.

This role used to have little meaning for the Austin Shredders GM, as he has held fast in his beliefs that you don't overpay for a closer when you cant hand him many leads. with the offense continuing to develop, and a small distant light at the end of the tunnel that may be Henry Bransington, or a train, it is possible that Nelson Middlebrooks is coming along at just the right time.

[Jwalk100]

Manny Aguilar and Julio Blanco are almost ready. That'll give the Shredders a nice boost soon.

[BaseClogger]

Ooo he’s nasty.

[Chuck V]

I still need defense up the middle (maybe move Cabral to 1st?). I will also likely try and increase Komatsu’s speed in an attempt to increase his range in CF. Komatsu, despite OF range of 8, has a -23.4 ZR and Cabral has a -16 or so ZR up the middle.

Obviously still need pitching.

[RonCo]

If that stuff comes all the way in, watch out.

[Krathan]

Middlebrooks looks like he should be good and it sounds like you have a plan to deal with your team’s issues. Austin definitely seems like they’re on the rise.