Monday, May 6, 2013
American Baseball Perspective Exclusive Report

Rumors abound from across the pond that a major roster shakeup might be looming for the London Underground.  The team sits a dismal 12-19 through the first month of the season, and there have not been many bright spots.  Even Orlando Germán has been struggling, with teams pitching around him as his teammates continue to struggle.  Only two regulars are batting above .240.  The team has a total OPS of .678.  They are last in hits, walks, batting average and on-base percentage.  London’s team ERA is an even 5.00.  Opponents are hitting a league leading .278 against the pitching staff.  Struggling may be too lenient a term.

Owner Sir John Fowler has made his unhappiness known.  “I know we are a young team and we were expected to struggle a bit this year.  I understood we would not make the playoffs, but this start has been horrifying for me.  We have some of the best fans in the PEBA and, for me, it is an embarrassment that this is our on-field product.”

New GM Pete Grassi agrees.  “This is unacceptable.  We have some injuries, I understand, but I feel I put the best team together to compete and it is just not happening.  Changes need to be made and changes will be made.”

The rumor mill has been churning since the comments of Fowler and Grassi.  One expected change to be made is inserting free agent signing José Alsina into the starting lineup.  Signed for his defensive skills, Alsina will be asked to pick up some of the offensive slack from current catcher John Hendershot.

Looking towards the minors, outfielder George Worley looks like a potential call-up.  Where he may fit in is unknown at this time, as the outfield is currently manned by Germán, home run-basher Rémi Young and leading hitter Dennis Carter.  A platoon situation may be a possibility, as Young has hit lefties well this year and Worley has hit righties well.  The splits don’t lie.

Looking at the pitching staff, Cipriano Peña has struggled mightily since day one and is on the verge of being optioned.  Possible replacements include top prospect Hiroyuki “Zippo” Nii, who, despite his 0-4 record, is pitching to a 2.93 ERA tune and has 32 strikeouts in 43 IP.  Veteran Rafael Tapia may also get the call-up.  He has similar numbers to Nii, does not need to be added to the 40-man roster and has a $3.2 million contract.

While the above are all rumors, beat writers definitely expect something to happen soon.