In a surprising move just hours before their season opener, the Strat Pack League’s Sledgehammers decided to shake up their rotation, waiving right-hander Scott Erickson. General Manager Scott Hilbrandt made the decision, releasing Erickson despite his solid 1998 campaign with the Baltimore Orioles. However, the Sledgehammers wasted no time filling the void, quickly signing Erickson’s Orioles teammate, Mike Mussina, to bolster their starting rotation.
Erickson, who posted a respectable 16-13 record in 1998, delivered a 4.01 ERA over 251.1 innings. Known for his durability, Erickson led the league in complete games with 11 and was one of Baltimore’s most consistent arms that season. In his 36 starts, he allowed 284 hits, 125 runs, and struck out 186 batters while walking 69, resulting in a WHIP of 1.352. Although his home run rate slightly increased (0.8 HR/9), Erickson managed a solid 4.1 K/9 and a SO/W ratio of 2.70. For many teams, Erickson’s durability and experience would make him a key asset; however, the Sledgehammers are aiming for an upgrade that could bring more precision and effectiveness to their pitching staff.
In an intriguing turn, Hilbrandt quickly moved to bring in Mike Mussina. Mussina’s 1998 numbers stand out in almost every category, promising a more controlled and effective approach. In his 29 starts for the Orioles that season, Mussina posted a 3.49 ERA, along with a 13-10 record over 206.1 innings. Known for his elite control and consistent strikeouts, Mussina struck out 175 batters while walking just 41, yielding an impressive 4.27 SO/W ratio. His WHIP was a notably low 1.115, indicating his ability to keep runners off base. He also managed to limit home runs to 1.0 HR/9, a slight edge over Erickson in this department.
The decision to bring in Mussina, who won a Gold Glove in 1998 and had an ERA+ of 130, suggests the Sledgehammers are seeking not only reliability but a finesse pitcher who can dominate opposing lineups. Mussina joins an already strong rotation that includes Curt Schilling and Kevin Brown, both formidable power pitchers known for their strikeout abilities.
With Mussina on board, the Sledgehammers are positioned to have one of the most intimidating rotations in the Strat Pack League. The gamble to release Erickson in favor of Mussina might seem risky, but if Mussina delivers as expected, this move could pay off as a season-defining decision for Hilbrandt and the Sledgehammers.
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