Iron Pig Year in Review

About the only thing that went right this season was obtaining the #2 pick in the upcoming draft. The team showed some signs of life and we have some optimism for 2010, but we still have grave concerns regarding the pitching staff for next season.

Pitching:
The team ERA was miserable especially considering half of the games were played at a ballpark with zero ballpark homerun chances. Midseason acquisition, Jonathan Papelbon was the lone bright spot on the pitching staff, posting a 1-1 record with 11 saves (we won a total of 51 games), an era of 1.99 and 41 strikeouts in 32 innings. On the flip side, Jon Garland struggled mightily with a 5-17 record, an era of 7.04 and 90 strikeouts in 188 innings. Rookies Johnny Cueto and Kevin Slowey flashed glimpses of what the IronPig fans hope to see for many years to come while grizzled veterans Gil Meche and Aaron Harrang both had sub par seasons.

When manager Burns was asked about the 2009 pitching staff, he had only this comment, "We were awful. We had a total of 36 innings of pitching that met my expectations. Paps and Capps were all that was decent. There will be changes for 2010."

Batting:
All star Jose Reyes posted terriffic all around numbers. His .310, 99 runs, 80 extra base hits (including 23 triples), 71 rbi and 64 stolen bases all were team highs. It is reported that he "tweaked" his hamstring while playing tag with his kids after the season. The injury is not reported as being serious and he is expected to be ready for spring training next season. We will keep you posted pending further developments.

Several batters feature prominently for the 2010 season including rookies Evan Longoria, Chase Headley, Justin Upton and Adam Lind. This core of rookie talent is expected to perform much better in 2010 because of the experience garnered in 2009.

During an interview with rookie RF Justin Upton, a reporter asked him what he had learned in 2009. "**** yeah man, I ****'* hated ****** losing man. I don't know about no ****** experience, but I tell you this, ****** lefties better ****** watch out for me next ****** season."

Manager Burns noted after the interview that famous public speaker and rookie mentor, Crash Davis will be hired to assist all team rookies with their interview skills and that reporters really do not have much to fear from his team.