Today we will be selecting a pitcher from a full season team to compete for our Fiftieth spot. There are eleven that I believe should get some consideration, so all will be included.
Steve Hirschfeld and Bobby Lanigan were the anchors of New Britain starting rotation. Hirschfeld was amongst the most effective pitchers in the league for much of the season, while Lanigan led the team in innings with 153.2. Hirschfeld finished with a 8-8 record and 3.73 ERA in 128.0 innings. Lanigan was 8-9 with a 4.45 ERA. Brett Jacobson was also very good for the Rock Cats, beginning in the bullpen and later as a starter. He finished with a 4.56 ERA in 100.2 innings.
Matt Schuld had a 4-1 record with a 3.99 ERA in Ft. Myers before moving up to New Britain where he struggled. Kane Holbrooks, who was our 24th ranked prospect last year, was very good at Ft. Myers in April (2.43 ERA in 29.2 innings) before battling injuries the rest of the year. He finished with a 5-9 record and 4.87 ERA in 94.1 innings. Bruce Pugh was decent at Ft. Myers (2-4 with a 4.53 ERA), however, struggled at New Britain.
Clint Dempster was very good at Beloit where he had a 2.14 ERA and 4-2 record in 46.1 innings. He moved up to Ft. Myers where his ERA ballooned to 7.89 in 21.2 innings. Jose Gonzalez was again one of the most effective relievers in the organization, picking up thirteen saves at Beloit where he had a 5-3 record and 2.47 ERA in 62.0 innings with 63 strikeouts. Ryan O'Rourke had an excellent 5-5 record for the Snappers with a 3.18 ERA in 110.1 innings. Before moving to the starting rotation, he had a 1.85 ERA in 17 relief appearances. Michael Tonkin had a 4-3 record for the Snappers with a 3.87 ERA in 76.2 innings. Blayne Weller had a 6-6 record with a 3.99 ERA in 85.2 innings.
This round will remain open through noon Thursday when we will vote on ten pitchers from the two rookie league teams.