In 1988, Metallica released the "...And Justice for All" album. In it, there lay a track called "To Live is To Die", about the futility of life and how we are merely destined to die upon our birth. It is entirely instrumental, down-beat, and very nearly depressing to listen to.
That is exactly how I felt watching the Bureaucrats this past week.
Starting the season 0-6, much like last year, the 'Crats are off to a horrid start. They just downright stink. Our expectations for the season were already low as it was but we didn't expect this. Here is where things stand as of 6 games into the season.
- 12th in Batting Average (.201)
- 12th in On-Base Percentage (.226)
- 13th in Runs Against (31)
- 10th in Starter ERA (4.01)
- 12th in Bullpen ERA (4.97)
Now, it is early in the season, and PEBA seasons are very long and wins will eventually come, but let us give into the Frayed Ends of Sanity and assume that we will never win again. Of course, in every rough there is a diamond, now let's look at the bright spots so far in this young season.
HITTERS
- Walter Daniel .346/.346/.615/.961 2 HR 3 RBI 1 2B 1 SB
In his first year in the black and gold, Walter Daniel is already putting up respectable numbers. The 7-year veteran has led the offense to 9 hits in 26 at bats, and has already put up .3 WAR. If he continues this pace, he will hit 54 HR, 81 RBI, and have a WAR of 8.2. We look forward to the production he will bring forth.
- Kaleb Felton .273/.304/.364/.668 1 RBI 2 RB
A welcome surprise is Kaleb Felton, one of 2 Rule 5 picks on the roster this season. The young South African has put up respectable numbers thus far, and has terrorized lefties in the 10 plate appearances he has against them, going .333/.400/.444/.844 when facing southpaws. Hopefully, if he continues this, he'll get the Shortest Straw for starts throughout the season at 2B.
- Rowan Stuart .231/.231/.346/.577 1 HR 2 RBI
Rounding out our hitters list is Rowan Stuart, the Australian outfielder turned Designated Hitter has put up decent numbers thus far. Definitely off to a slow start, he'll surely catch up to his usual self and increase production.
PITCHERS
- Francisco Sutrez 1.50 ERA 5K 1.17 WHIP
Offseason acquisition Sutrez is putting in good work so far. Let us avoid the Harvester of Sorrow and hope he continues this throughout the season.
- Barney Swanson 1.50 ERA 6K 0.83 WHIP
Much like Sutrez, Swanson has put in good work thus far, and even earned Player of the Game honors in his last start. Let us hope he continues and has a season similar to last year.
- Atilio Gaivo 3.00 ERA 4K 1.67 WHIP
Gaivo was offered a minor league contract in the offseason, and it seems to be paying off here. Even though the team couldn't get a win to save their lives, the rotation has managed to put forth decent performances.
And that's the review of the first week. Read the next edition to get the run-down. Stay tuned!
