Ten Games Under .500 Brings Changes to
Rotation, Lineup, and a Big Trade
Rocky goes to a contender
July 7 -- Black Sox fans awoke to news that confirmed their worst fears: extremely popular second baseman Rocky Wattson had been traded. GM Mike Dunn, who many fans describe as a heartless, ruthless scoundrel (actually they use other terms), shipped Rocky to the contending Rockville club for SP Shane Peel (AAA) and RP Murugayan Gabato (SA).
"We understand fans are not happy," Dunn said in a canned statement undoubtedly written by a PR flack. "But the reality is in the standings: we are 10 games under .500 in a tough, tough, division. We need to get younger, and we need replenish our farm system. The time is now to build for the future. We wish Rocky the best and hope he sees some post-season action."
Wattson, 31, has been with the organization his entire career. He was drafted in the first round (18th overall) by the club in 2038 when the club was based in Hunstville. He has one more year left on a six-year extension signed in 2045, at $12.5 million (team option).
Peel, 23, is faring well in AAA, with a .352 era and 1.15 WHIP over 15 starts. He is likely to be given a shot for the Black Sox starting rotation next season. Gabato was a first round draft pick for Rockville in '49 (34th overall). He is currently pitching in relief in Short-A ball, but the Black Sox front office hopes to develop his change-up into a solid third pitch and turn him into a starter. He's only 17, so there's plenty of time for that.
To fill Wattson's spot, Dunn promoted 2B Jeffrey Cote from AAA. Cote is young and strong on defense, but without much at the plate, he is merely seen as a stopgap at second for the remainder of the season.
That's not the only change to the big league lineup. Centerfielder Carlos Garza, who had been leading off, is now benched in favor of CF David "The Humanoid" McElroy, who will bat sixth. Taking over as lead off hitter is the likely All-Star, catcher Pedro Gomez, who is hitting .316. It's unusual to have a catcher lead off, but manager Dave Schroeder dubs it an experiment that may be short-lived.
The other change comes in the rotation: SP Fernando Murillo is devoted to the bullpen and veteran John McClain assumes his spot as a starter. Murillo has been brilliant at times, including his complete game three-hitter over Yellow Springs on June 13. But he has struggled in his last four starts. "Murillo is just 24 and has a bright future, so hopefully the bullpen assignment will give him time to sort things out," said Schroeder.
