Season 8 Big League Recap: SPs

Before looking toward the greener pastures of Season 9, The Big Island would like to gaze back longingly on the departing Season 8.

It was a year of ups and downs for Honolulu that ended in disappointing fashion, by losing the final game of the year to Kansas City and dropping into second place in the AL West.

We'll break this motha down position by position.

Starting Pitching
Season Opening Rotation ________Season Ending Rotation
SP1: Eddie Baker _________________SP1: Baker
SP2: Bruce Wells _________________SP2: Ronnie Field
SP3: Alex Scanlan ________________SP3: Edgar Lee
SP4: Matt Hogan _________________SP4: Dmitri Hull
SP5: Dave Dorsey (Rule 5) __________SP5: Eric Nye

Aside from ace Eddie Baker the DHD rotation changed entirely throughout the season. Bruce Wells and Matt Hogan found themselves at AAA and Rule 5 Draftee Dave Dorsey moved to the bullpen after poor 1st halves. Alex Scanlan was a nasty #2 starter (3.98ERA) before being dealt to Cincy in the Jeff Jennings trade.

Honolulu sent former 1st round pick Ralph Dixon to Arizona to pick up veteran hurler Ronnie Field. Talent was never the issue with Field, it was durability. Over 13 season-ending starts Field stayed healthy and effective, going 8-1 with a 2.00ERA and 1.07WHIP.

Trade also brought Dmitri Hull to the staff late in the season. Originally a reliever, Hull made several starts down the stretch. Although the overall numbers weren't pretty, Hull performed well during several key games down the stretch.

Rookie Edgar Lee survived a rocky start to emerge as a legit #3 starter after his mid-season callup.

Overall Starters Performance: C-
The Grade Would've Improved If...Honolulu had spent fewer starts waiting for Wells, Hogan and Dorsey to come around and made moves sooner.