Call to the Post. Vol 2

[Thoroughbreds]

Welcome to the second instalment of call to the post, which is the top 3 news items surrounding the Kentucky Thoroughbreds.

After an offseason full of promise and expectations it has been a lackluster start for Kentucky. There are signs that Kentucky maybe awakening from their early season doldrums. They have gone 9-4 in their last 14 games including a rare series win against the Florida Fastriders. Kentucky currently sits at 25-20, one half game out of the wild card lead.

Problems in Centerfield?

Last season as a rookie Pedro Bermudez burst on to the scene and accumulated a 2.2 WAR is just 42 games played. Thoroughbred management was so smitten and convinced with him that they traded away Rodrigo Guttierez to Diluth. Guttierez was the only other CF in the organization talented enough to play at the PEBA level. That decision may end up being a costly mistake. Bermudez is a 5 tool player and is projected to be the starter for many years to come. This year however he has shown that he may not be ready for the full time starting role. In 42 games this season - the exact amount he played last season he is hitting a measly .184 and has a WAR of 0.3. He looks fine in the field but definitely overmatched at the plate. Unfortunately Kentucky has nobody that can step in and play the full time role in CF. Management has to hope that keeping him in the lineup does not hinder his development and ruin their star CF for the future.

Ju-Hyung Park earning his money

Many eyebrows were raised when Ju-Hyung Park signed a massive 113 million dollar total contract and even though he was a career reliever he was promptly put into the starting rotation. A starter with high expectations with a huge contract and on a team that expects to be in the playoffs - what could possible go wrong? So far Park hasn't shown man signs that the pressure is getting to him. He is leading the team in wins and has a record of 5-2 with an ERA of 3.03. Despite being 30 years old and a career reliever, Park has managed to pitch into the 8th inning in 4 of his 9 starts this season. Apart from Chris Brown, Park has been the team's best starter. He has a long way to go to justify the contract but he is off to a good start.

Antonio Canseco starting to roll

Canseco is a 27 year old OF who is a 2 time all-star and has averaged 27 home runs a year over the past 3 seasons. This year he is hoping to take another step towards being one of the league's premier power hitters. Early on he is tied for the Imperial League lead in homers with 11. It is early but he is on pace for 40 long balls if he continues at this current clip. Combined with Rocky Kowalski they make up one of the most potent combinations in the PEBA. The question is with the scarce offence in the PEBA, will Canseco be able to continue at this pace?