Slayers Prepare for Return to Playoffs

The Slayers have done it. They proved that last season was no fluke and are in line to increase their franchise record in wins, set just last season. The team has 91 wins currently, needing just 3 more to surpass the 93 they picked up last season.

"They have played hard. The offense in particular had to carry us all year, and sometimes it looked like we wouldn't be able to do it. I think picking up those pitchers when we did helped us out a lot." K.L. spoke.

'Those pitchers' would be Fabur Beardcutter and Hildebrand Bridger. Bridger was the first one picked up, acquired by the Slayers in late June. In July, she was terrible, posting a near 8.00 ERA and going 0-3. However, in August, she turned things around and picked up 10 saves in the month and so far in September, she's been strong as well and picked up the save in the clinching game.

The second pitcher was picked up near the non-waiver trading deadline. Fabur Beardcutter, he of the $20+ million contract, was acquired at a sizable cost in prospects. His performance is pretty interesting in that he's pitched in 15 games since being acquired and won just 4, but lost only 1! His August ERA was 3.50 while his September ERA is so far just 1.50.

The boosted pitching staff improved with their additions and the bullpen started getting into shape as well as the team found the right mix. Struggling pitchers Earora, Shegorn, and Smoothflower were sent to AAA while unknowns like Mark Crafton and Nark Steelshaper came into play. Both of them played well, Gemina Velenda started coming into her own and yet another Rule V success in Sabino Valdez threw in some helpful innings, especially when the regular relievers were tired. Injured Kashi Darkleaf is now ready to play, and before her injury, she started showing signs of improvement.

One pitcher that really impressed with his play as Hagush Eartrembler. Fans in Minas Morgul were surprised by his play, but K.L. remarked "I knew he had it in him. Pitchers like him [high movement and control] will always have a chance here and they can survive our ballpark. I knew that if I was patient, I could get this kind of performance out of him, and he didn't disappoint me."

The offense did well also. K.L. favorite Tina Legal is having a career year in her first as an everyday player. She actually has the best batting average on the team by 1 point over Imrilron, and her OPS of .887 is third best behind Imrilron and another resurgent player in Tanta Chubb. Chubb has 45 HR and 110 RBI, by FAR her best offensive output in her career.

Minta Sandyman also played well, trying to keep her career going on the upswing after years of being a disappointment. Lumtina Elvawen is trying to fight off aging, and succeeded with 22 HR and 43 SB so far, while part-time players like Minto Foxburr, Lyric Portoga, Giol Driderwalker, and Gwogast Gorund have done very well when they got the call. Foxburr in particular seems to be deadly in the pinch hit role, hitting .354 with a .904 OPS in those situations.

Overall, it seems the Slayers are looking to keep improving. The payroll of the team is nearing the salary cap, however, so it will be interesting to see what the team does. However, with a minor league system that is still producing success, having won all three levels this past minor league season, and is ranked between 4th and 8th overall depending on the day, the moons, and what the scouts ate for lunch that day, it would seem that the Slayers will find a way even if they have to lose some of their better players.

After all, this team has been a roster-in-flux ever since K.L. took over. They are used to it by now.

Posted at September 9, 2005 01:06 AM | more from Minas Morgul