[mikev]

2014 Pitching Preview

The Crusaders 2014 pitching staff doesn't look quite as strong as it does in previous years. There are really only two starting pitchers who are above average, and the bullpen is still solid but no longer spectacular. That said, here's the preview.

Rotation

1. Jorge Enriquez, RHP



2013: 20-14, 3.16 ERA, 290.2 IP, 1.16 WHIP, 53.4 VORP

Enriquez returns to the #1 slot in the Crusaders rotation due to the loss of Ken McKain. The 31 year old had a fantastic 2013, and while he may not be as out-of-this-world dominant as some of the other aces in the league, there's something to be said about a guy who can throw almost 300 innings of above average ball year in and year out.

2. George Adams, RHP



2013: 18-15, 4.03 ERA, 254.2 IP, 1.34 WHIP, 20.7 VORP

Adams, the team's 4th starter most of last season, was the recepient of a healthy talent bump toward the end of the 2013 campaign. He's the Crusaders Ace-In-Waiting, and we're expecting much better numbers from him due to his talent increase.

3. Francisco Reynoso, RHP



2013: 14-11, 3.29 ERA, 251.1 IP, 1.25 WHIP, 44.6 VORP

Reynoso is ageless. The big Cuban (6'6, 203) has basically done the same thing every season he's pitched - win about 15 games, have an ERA around 3.5, and chew up innings without walking a lot of guys. He's shown no signs of slowing down, and he's signed cheap for the next two years. We expect that he'll be more valuable than his contract.

4. Cahya Nasution, LHP



2013 (A): 7-9, 4.17 ERA, 144.2 IP, 1.49 WHIP, 11.7 VORP

Nasution was given a low dollar contract in the hopes that he makes strides in Spring Training and starts to realize some of the potential he's got. His ceiling is likely a #3 starter, but if we can get him there he's a cheap option and a better option than a guy like Blackley or Fernandez. Honestly, I'm not too excited with my 4th starter possibilites this year, and I think it could really hamper the team.

Bullpen

CL. Angel Sandoval, RHP



2013: 3-4, 15 SV, 3.29 ERA, 120.1 IP, 1.22 WHIP, 20.2 VORP

Sandoval will assume the closer role this year for the Crusaders. The 24 year old just inked a 3 year contract extension, so we're assuming he'll probably lump now. Anyway, his innings pitched will probably go down a bit, but he'll be used as the super closer so we can leverage as much as we can from him.

SU. Hsin-ta Jin, LHP



2013: 1-4, 15 SV, 2.44 ERA, 44.1 IP, 1.26 WHIP, 11.9 VORP

Old? Check. Past his prime? Probably. Lefty who can still run it up at 95 mph? Damn right. Jin has seemingly been around forever, and while he's not as good as he used to be, he's still a solid option in the bullpen and at just under $4M he's friggin underpaid

SU. Luis Vargas, RHP



2013: 5-5, 15 SV, 1.44 ERA, 56.1 IP, 1.01 WHIP, 27.7 VORP

Look at those stats. Then look at his ratings. Then cry. No, he wasn't injured last year. He was friggin dominant, a 21 year old monster who had been IN THE BIG LEAGUES SINCE AGE 17. Then, one day, he forgot how to pitch and his talents dropped from 4/5/4 down to 2/3/1. Awesome. I'm going to go throw up now.