Ouch!!!

Lucas718 · 07-09-2007, 08:56 PM

This was supposed to be our year. We had just completed a run through the playoffs, but ultimately lost in the ALCS in 5 games. We made some key free agent upgrades and were ready to take another shot at glory. Expectations were high as Felix "Grumbles" Martinez, our 5 star #1 starter took the hill, fresh off a Cy Young season.

Then it happened.

Top of the third inning and something is clearly wrong. He called the trainer out to the mound and then walked off the field after a brief discussion. He said his shoulder didn't feel right. "Felt like something popped in there", he said. So we sent him off to the hospital to get checked out, hoping for the best but expecting the worst.

Later that day the news hit the team like a gunshot wound. Torn labrum, out for 8 months. Barely 3 innings into the new season and the league's top starting pitcher is gone for the year. Jose Diaz and his 9.00 spring training ERA and 1 measly star was called up to fill Felix's spot in the rotation. While publicly stating that he has all the faith that Jose will step up his game, GM Lucas718 was privately heard saying that losing Felix dealt a major blow to the team's playoff hopes and the team will need to examine any and all trade opportunities.

Kelric · 07-09-2007, 11:05 PM

Don't you hate it when that happens?

battists · 07-10-2007, 08:29 AM

Time to prove your mettle as a GM, Lucas!

I had something similar happen recently. My expansion team is in year 2. Year 1 was, predictably, a total disaster. In the offseason, I signed a stud pitcher and a superior contact hitter and infielder, Juan Fuentes. Really, Fuentes was the first player in my starting lineup who deserved to be there, and hopefully the first piece in the puzzle.

So, Year 2, the team is right around .500 about 40 games in, and he goes down in a collision at second; torn ACL, gone for the season.

Batting .336 at the time and generally carrying the team.

We immediately went into a 4-14 tailspin and haven't recovered since, also losing our starting CF (second best hitter on the team) for 7 months. (For those of you who complain about the injuries, we didn't have a SINGLE dl-worthy injury to our active roster last season!)

The pitcher has gone on to throw a perfect game this season, with an ERA in the 3s and a WHIP around 1.40, but since we can't hit at all, he's just 7-9 and was snubbed for the All-Star game. (Bet he's happy he signed a 3-year deal!)

The good news is, the backup SS has stepped up his game in the meanwhile, performing much better in a full-time role than he was as a backup. If nothing else, it should up his trade value somewhat!

07-09-2007, 08:56 PM	#1 (permalink)
Lucas718 Minors (Triple A) Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 212 Thanks: 17 Thanked 9x in 7 posts	Ouch!!! This was supposed to be our year. We had just completed a run through the playoffs, but ultimately lost in the ALCS in 5 games. We made some key free agent upgrades and were ready to take another shot at glory. Expectations were high as Felix "Grumbles" Martinez, our 5 star #1 starter took the hill, fresh off a Cy Young season. Then it happened. Top of the third inning and something is clearly wrong. He called the trainer out to the mound and then walked off the field after a brief discussion. He said his shoulder didn't feel right. "Felt like something popped in there", he said. So we sent him off to the hospital to get checked out, hoping for the best but expecting the worst. Later that day the news hit the team like a gunshot wound. Torn labrum, out for 8 months. Barely 3 innings into the new season and the league's top starting pitcher is gone for the year. Jose Diaz and his 9.00 spring training ERA and 1 measly star was called up to fill Felix's spot in the rotation. While publicly stating that he has all the faith that Jose will step up his game, GM Lucas718 was privately heard saying that losing Felix dealt a major blow to the team's playoff hopes and the team will need to examine any and all trade opportunities.

07-09-2007, 11:05 PM	#2 (permalink)
Kelric Hall Of Famer Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Greater Boston Area Posts: 3,983 Thanks: 7 Thanked 46x in 36 posts	Don't you hate it when that happens? __________________ Former Co-Commish and owner of the Boston Red Sox, 1783-1144, .609%, of the defunct Overlords Baseball League (1930-48). 17 Division wins, 9 ALCS wins, 5 World Series wins.

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07-10-2007, 08:29 AM	#3 (permalink)
battists OOTP Developments Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 17,189 Blog Entries: 7 Thanks: 31 Thanked 776x in 220 posts	Time to prove your mettle as a GM, Lucas! I had something similar happen recently. My expansion team is in year 2. Year 1 was, predictably, a total disaster. In the offseason, I signed a stud pitcher and a superior contact hitter and infielder, Juan Fuentes. Really, Fuentes was the first player in my starting lineup who deserved to be there, and hopefully the first piece in the puzzle. So, Year 2, the team is right around .500 about 40 games in, and he goes down in a collision at second; torn ACL, gone for the season. Batting .336 at the time and generally carrying the team. We immediately went into a 4-14 tailspin and haven't recovered since, also losing our starting CF (second best hitter on the team) for 7 months. (For those of you who complain about the injuries, we didn't have a SINGLE dl-worthy injury to our active roster last season!) The pitcher has gone on to throw a perfect game this season, with an ERA in the 3s and a WHIP around 1.40, but since we can't hit at all, he's just 7-9 and was snubbed for the All-Star game. (Bet he's happy he signed a 3-year deal!) The good news is, the backup SS has stepped up his game in the meanwhile, performing much better in a full-time role than he was as a backup. If nothing else, it should up his trade value somewhat!