June 5th, 2034: Livermore, CA

New General Manager Michael Czosnyka and Pitching Coach John Franklin have put all of their efforts into putting together a young and future focused rotation that can be the corner stone for the team upon their return to PEBA.

While 2035 and beyond is the focus, we are already seeing dividends in 2034.

1. Chris ‘Liver’ Pate is the young rotation’s ‘veteran’ at only 29 years old. Czosnyka bestowed the nickname, Liver, on the staff ace after their initial meet and greet when the GM joined the team before the 2034 season. Stating, “That boy reminds me of a good old Liver Pate spread thickly on some rye toast” after watching some tapes of Pate attacking the inside corner on his opponents. A power pitcher, Pate tops out at 98 miles an hour typically and has a solid 3 pitch arsenal which has allowed him to 200+ strike outs for the past 3 seasons.
2. Naoaki Gato was a critical offseason acquisition from the Kure Arsenal which saw SP/RP Tim Broughton, SP Kanzaburo Chikafuji, $700,000, and NJ’s 1st round pick (10th overall) for the foundational lefty. Already pitching for Kure for 7 years, Gato is just starting to hit his stride as a starter and has a high potential in Franklin’s eyes. “The kid’s fork is nasty! It will get him far where we are going.”
3. Yasuoka ‘The Calm’ Seki is a true home grown talent just getting his start this year on the main roster after limited appearances and a spot on the reserve roster in 2033. ‘The Calm’ is known for his control of the batters box, or so he claims. In only his first full season pitching, Seki has improved by leaps and bounds, compared to his limited experience, however ‘The Calm’ is a nickname he will have to grow in to in the coming years as reduces his walks and gets better command of his Changeup and Splitter. Seki is only 22 years old, but is expected to be a rotational piece of the future Hitmen.
4. Brendon Cardenas is a glimpse into the future for what fans can expect out of ‘The Calm’ as he matures. Cardenas followed a similar path of trial by fire after being the 1st overall pick back in 2029.  In 5+ seasons, he has amassed a 44-29 record, 3.47 ERA, and 476 strikeouts. Cardenas has more power than Seki, but still depends on his control to get hitters out. Cardenas also favors the Forkball like fellow starter, Naoaki Gato.
5. Yub Issa is quickly developing as the diamond in the rough find of the offseason after hitting the free agent market after the 2033 season in Palm Springs. While bouncing around in Havana, Issa last pitched for the National City Bankers, the Hi-A squad of Palm Springs before leaving the team. Upon arriving in the WIL, Issa has been playing with a chip on his shoulder, eager to prove his doubters wrong. This has resulted in an impressive start that puts him at the top of the league’s win total so far in 2034.

The bullpen is next with plenty of old faces, and some new ones. Shortly we will take a look at what the bullpen of the future may look like for the Hitmen.

– @alleatherKohler