Dolphins face difficult decision as playoffs loomBUENOS AIRES--There has been much to celebrate for Argentinian baseball fans this year, as the Dolphins have raced out to a commanding lead in the Latin America division of the ABL. But the players and coaches are anything but satisfied.
"After losing in the championship last year, we knew we had one goal for 2109," said veteran hurler and team ace Clifford Mitchell. "We've played the entire season with that one goal in mind."
Dolphins ace Clifford "Fudd" Mitchell
That goal, it needs not be said, is to clear the one hurdle that tripped up the Dolphins last season and win a WBA championship. But as the playoffs loom, Dolphins manager Jon Taylor faces some tough choices, especially in his starting rotation. In an attempt to audition more arms, Taylor recently expanded his rotation to include six pitchers.
"We've been very happy with our starting pitching this season. We're lucky to have the depth to expand to a six-man (rotation) late in the year to keep our guys fresh," said Taylor, adding that "The move also gives us a chance to give Toddy (Young) a look for the 4 spot."
Dolphins manager Jon Taylor
Three right-handers, Clifford Mitchell, Zuesef Longle, and Feliciano Pgo, have etched their names into the playoff rotation with certainty. The fourth spot, however, remains open to as many as five potential contenders.
Harmage Partha has been an integral part of the BA rotation since coming over from Seoul in 2106. But injuries have stalked his fortunes ever since he went down with a torn flexor tendon during last season's playoffs. This season he has made only seven starts and has yet to find sustained success.
Todd Young has journeyed back and forth between the rotation and the bullpen since he debuted with the Dolphins in '03. In his 20 starts this season he's gone 12-5 with a 3.25 ERA. "Hot Toddy," as the fans call him, was recently re-added to the starting rotation. Young failed to assert himself, though, surrendering four runs in six innings against the Northwest Emeralds.
Wang-fen Lao has been steady, though not exactly sensational, in this his first full season in the Dolphin rotation. His ERA has hovered around 4 for most of the season. The 24 year old righty is coming off a four inning, seven run shellacking at the hands of Santo Domingo, a foe the Dolphins are likely to encounter this October.
Two names also beckon from the Dolphins' AAA affiliate in La Plata, where Jorge Torres and Victor Lopez have dazzled all year long. Officially, the pair are not being considered for the playoff roster, but sources close to the team have indicated that both Torres and Lopez have been instructed to continue their throwing programs despite the AAA season having concluded.
According to Jon Taylor, that move is nothing but routine. "We will be choosing our fourth starter from our active roster," said Taylor, declining to elaborate or answer follow up questions from media members.
In any case, a call-up this late in the season seems unlikely as things currently stand. With the Dolphins gaze fixed squarely on the postseason, one can be assured that every start made by Partha, Lao, and Young will be carefully scrutinized by the Buenos Aires coaching staff and front office.
Dan FarnellDan Farnell covers the Dolphins for the Buenos Aires Herald. He previously was the beat writer for the Montreal Voltigeurs of the World Baseball Federation, and his memoir "Finding Myself: How Elective Eye Surgery Ended My Career as a Pitcher, and Began my Life as a Writer" has sold millions of copies and has printed in 22 languages.
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