The Kernel Journal - Vol. 2, No. 2

[lynchy34]

Starting Pitching Disappoints

Coming into the 1996 season, the starting rotation was considered the overwhelming strength of the Des Moines Kernels organization.

But after #2 P Shamus Perfetto (4-0, 1.38) was lost for three months, the rotation lost its co-ace. Every Des Moines starter is way off of their 1995 performance, which hasn't helped matters. All-world P Eddie Harris (1-5, 3.92) has been the best of the bunch, but he's more than a run off of his normal performance. The normally solid P Rene Arocha (4-2, 5.33) has been winning games, but hasn't been terrible effective. P Ramon Cisneros (3-2, 4.34) has been decent but very inconsistent. P Mike McGrevey was key to the Kernels' playoff push lasts eason, posting a 6-3 mark down the stretch. This season? He has a staff-worst 6.56 ERA with a 1-3 record. In his first start after replacing Perfetto, promising youngster P Tom Mayes was lit up to the tune of five runs in just 2 2/3 innings. Yikes.

Through it all, though, the Kernels find themselves at 20-15, just 2.5 games behind Austin in the Frick Midwest and a half game back of Buffalo for the early lead in the Frick Wild Card chase. The Frick League's best bullpen has really bailed the Kernels out repeatedly. The offense has been led by 3B Lorenzo Picou, who just had a 28-game hit sterak snapped. The star is hitting a robust .409 with 4 HR and 26 RBI. RF Dan Manville has provided the pop, leading Des Moines with 11 HR and 29 RBI.

The Kernels have hung tough without much depth to speak of, enduring injuries to 2B Tommy Corcoran and CF Robert Nolan. The team desperately needs to upgrade at first base, and the club has an offer on the table. But it's one that would weaken a strong bullpen and further limit the club's depth. Decisions need to be made and fast.

[7teen]

Sheesh, looking at your staff for a potential playoff run makes me realize I still need one more starter in order to avenge last year's FLCS defeat.

[mad0die]

You will fade, just inflated b/c BIR and NO suck so much

[bschr682]

I have a 1B available. And i can help with his high salary if thats the only problem....

[lynchy34]

You will fade, just inflated b/c BIR and NO suck so much

Pot, meet kettle.

[lynchy34]

I have a 1B available. And i can help with his high salary if thats the only problem....

I'm so tight to the cap, it would have to be an exact salary match.

[recte44]

Perfetto down???? EEK!
:eek2:

[aaronweiner]

Great heaping gobs of kablooey! I'm in the same exact boat you are, other than the injury thing - I can't believe how bad I am at this point.