Las Vegas fight for a playoff spot

The main goal for Vegas this year was to contend for a playoff spot and it's exactly what happen. The team are just 3 games back for the wildcard spot, even if they're coming from 2 straights bad weeks. What cause this turn around? Attack? yes the attack is good, very good. It's still number 1 in TML in most categories. But the biggest improvement came from pitching staff where the starters pass from 11th to 4 in TML ERA. Lou Latulippe is now the undisputed number 1 of the team with a 15-3 records. Jose Serrano, after an horrible start, pitch very well now. Bob Magee and Derrick Scott continu their good work and Buddy Wills had some good showing.

The attack is good, the starting pitcher are very good, where's the problem? Relief need to improve. They are last in TML ERA. It's not a big surprise because many youngsters made their debut; Fernandez, Adams, Romero and Yamachita in his first full year as closer. They will improve but GM will need to obtain some help there in the future if the team want to step up in standing.

But for now, everyone is happy in Vegas and fans wishes that the team will now put a victory straight to clinch a playoff spot.

A youngster to Watch : Joe Kennedy. With the injury of Dave Lewis (CF), the organisation recall Joe Kennedy. A good defensive fielder, he can boost an attack. He hit 30 HR in AAA in 109 games and he will probably get one outfielder spot next year. He will be in audition for the job this september...

Joe Kennedy, the next Vegas superstar?

Gould trade: a look on the trade

Last year, the Jokers traded the best pitcher in ABL history; Maurice Gould. Las Vegas GM received some criticism for the trade. Now, if we take a look at all of this, what can we say about it?

Maurice Gould; age 32; salary 20,000,000  7-4; 3,06 SO 145  WAR  5.7  VS  Lou Latulippe; age 23, salary 500,000 9-1; 2,86 SO 87; WAR 3.2

If we look the WAR of the two pitchers, Maurice Gould is still a true all-star. With 145 KO, an ERA near 3,00 he delivers like he always did. But he's 32 and bring a huge contract with him. Lou Latulippe became quickly a true number 1 in Las Vegas. At 23, he still improve and show a 9-1 records an a very good ERA of 2,86. So if we look at the number, Latulippe do a good job, not as good as Gould but pretty close.

Rich Barrett, age 30, salary 4,850,000 2-2, save 1 ERA 8,63  WAR - 0,6  VS  Masaki Baba, age 24, salary 6,825,000  average .345; OBP .409 11 HR; 51 RBI and a WAR 2.1 and Valentin Alverado, age 24; salary 500,000; average .286; OBP .321  24 HR, 61 RBI and a WAR 3.1

With Gould, the Jokers gave Rich Barrett. He really struggle in Montréal with a huge ERA and a negative WAR. Masaki Baba gave another big bat in Vegas. His average is over .340 and he post a 2,1 WAR. He's one of the reason the Jokers still have one of the best attack in TML. Valentin Alverado was the Joker in this trade. A youngster with a lot of potential, could he fulfill it?  Right now, he's leading the league in home run and play extremely well in defense. With a WAR of 3.1, he really open the eyes of Las Vegas fans this year.

So even if Maurice Gould is clearly the best player of the transaction, Latulippe, Baba and Alverado give Las Vegas a solid trio who will Anchor the franchise for many years to come. So, one year after the trade, we can said that Las Vegas receive a good value for their ace.

Lou Latulippe is probably going to All Star game