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Post by Mac_Yankees GM on Nov 19, 2016 11:20:56 GMT -5
82 games into the 2040 season the Carolina Warhounds find themselves in 2nd place in the National League South 4 games under .500, which is a big improvement over we they were in mid June when they were buried in last place 11 games under the break even mark.
The pitching staff has been led by the 1-2 punch of Rich Hebson 9-3 and Mark Aubin 8-3, but don't overlook the work of Ed Alder who has produced an outstanding 0.96 whip in 10 starts since joing the rotation. The bullpen that was once a source of great pain has improved since the shifting of Sixto Ramos 14 saves 2.87 era into the closer role.
At the plate Marcos Pena .403 obp, Brian Merritt .382 obp and Kwan-Cheol Nang 58 rbis are having their typical all-star caliber seasons. The lineup has been bolstered by the unexpected contributions of veteran minor leaguer's Dan Long and Randolph Weichard.
So what can we expect from the Warhounds in the second half of the season? Despite being 8 games back in the division and 10 games out of a wildcard spot, I feel this team (if healthy) can be playing meaningful games through the final weeks of the regular season.
The big question confronting first year GM Mac Mckenzie is whether he should consider trading his 28 year old ace Hebson at the deadline. Hebson is approaching his final arbitration year this off season. Trading him would surely end any playoff hopes for the Warhounds in 2040, but could bring back a foundation to build a contender for the upcoming seasons. As this report goes to press- Mckenzie has indicated that while he is reluctant to trade the popular righthander, he is a least willing to listen to offers.
And the season continues……..
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