Slayer Fans Anticipate 2007 Season

By Gimli Deathbrow

MINAS MORGUL - Minas Morgul has revamped their pitching staff by adding some experienced players that might actually have a little talent. The biggest name acquired on the bump would be Floralia Eäràlad, a starting pitcher. Eäràlad scouts and has performed a lot like Elensar, which made him attractive to the Slayers. Other starters have been brought in. Nosethrottler returns from Lake Town via free agency and is looking to be the 4th starter. Fingerdrinker was signed as a starter via free agency, but is looked to be set to being a reliever as the Slayers will go with a 4-man rotation.

Relievers also made arrivals, mostly via trade this time around. Stonejuggler is one of the better ones. A solid pitcher, he has some upside as noted by scouts. The most interesting might be Armormaster, not only for his wierd ratings, but for the fact he will be the team's closer. Interest is mounting about how the knuckleballer will handle the closer's role. "Our offense was weak, but the pitching might have been even worse. The bullpen in particular was inexcusable and hopefully the moves we made will help tighten up that part of our team." K.L. said.

The draft was also completed today, and another young arm will be brought to Minas Morgul. SP Emeraldmallet was the team's first round selection in today's draft. The 22 year-old dwarf is projected to be a top level pitcher and should be a good addition to what is hopefully a maturing duo of Elvawen and Elensar.

"He looks very good. I think we did a good job with our high pick and hopefully will be as big a part of our future as we hope." K.L. commented.

Scouts also like the personality of Emeraldmallet. The young dwarf has been known to become the team cheerleader and raise his team's morale. Many of this former teammates speak rather highly of him and can only remember him as a positive influence in the clubhouse.

The Rule 5 draft remains, and the Slayers have submitted their protections to the league as they prepare to make their selections. Opinion is mixed about just what kind of talent will be availible, but K.L. remains hopeful.

"Every player is another oppertunity. We'll just have to see and make the best selections we can. Like with any draft, there's a measure of risk and uncertainity. Just because these are major league ready players, that doesn't take away the risk." K.L. commented.

Overall, Minas Morgul already looks better on paper. They brought in some more talent without losing too much of their future. The pitching in particular looks more rounded and developed and the offense should be more productive as well, especially if Driderwalker, Chubb, and Sandyman show signs of finally snapping out of their funk.

No one is expecting anything, however, it looks like the Slayers are likely to be competitive at the least.

And that would be a start in the right direction.

Posted at October 12, 2004 11:17 AM | more from Minas Morgul