STARTING ROTATION (overall/potential)
#61 LIVAN HERNANDEZ (R) (63/39)
Age 30, 10th season
2004(MON): 11-15, 35 GS, 255.0 IP, 234 H, 83 BB, 186 SO, 3.60 ERA
Hernandez will be my opening day starter. He doesn't have very impressive stuff, but his movement and control are well above average and he's very durable. He's started at least 30 games every year since 1998, and should be very dependable for me.
#34 TOMO OHKA (R) (55/32)
Age 29, 7th season
2004(MON): 3-7, 15 GS, 84.2 IP, 98 H, 20 BB, 38 SO, 3.92 ERA
Ohka's got 5 pitches, but none of them are really all that great. His control is definitely his strength. My scout believes that Ohka (like Hernandez) is in decline, but for now he's my best option for #2 in the rotation.
#40 ZACH DAY (R) (45/36)
Age 26, 4th season
2004(MON): 5-10, 19 GS, 116.2 IP, 117 H, 45 BB, 61 SO, 3.93 ERA
On most teams, Day would probably be a #4 or #5 guy. But in this rotation he's #3. He's a bit below average overall but he's got good movement. I'm a bit concerned about his GB rate (46%)...that seems low for a sinkerballer, but we'll see how he does.
(note: Zach Day's original historical facegen was...terrifying. Seriously, his skin is all grey and he's got this dead look in his eyes. Ugh I cant even look at it. If the creator of the historical facegens happens to read this, how about changing the old creepy one to the new one I created?)
#21 ESTEBAN LOAIZA (R) (23/23)
Age 33, 11th season
2004(CHW/NYY): 10-7, 27 GS, 183.0 IP, 217 H, 71 BB, 117 SO, 5.70 ERA
Loaiza won the Cy Young in 2003 with Chicago, going 21-9 with a 2.90 ERA. He fell back down to earth in 2004 however and will try to revive his career in Montreal.
#36 TONY ARMAS JR (R) (29/29)
Age 26, 7th season
2004(MON): 2-4, 16 GS, 72.0 IP, 66 H, 45 BB, 54 SO, 4.88 ERA
Armas' career has been plagued by injuries, but for now he's healthy and good enough to snag the last spot in the rotation. He struggles a bit with his control, but overall he's a decent #5 guy.