Offseason Update: Melbourne left with tough questions after blockbuster

[Bob_Meteors]

MELBOURNE, Australia: We have had almost 24 hours to digest the blockbuster deal that finalized last night between Mumbai and Melbourne. Analysts at the WBA Times have concluded that this deal leaves Melbourne as an instant contender without giving up too much. It was also an excellent deal for Mumbai, but more on that later. For now, it seems clear that the Meteors have a few big questions to answer.

Pitching: Melbourne's pitching is now stacked, that seems clear. What is much less clear is where everyone is going to play. It seems like returning ace Kvana Datar and new pickups Abdeljilil Abedi and Andy Stone will have the top 3 rotation spots. Nobody knows what the order will be, but that question will have to wait. For now, Melbourne has to decide who will get the 4th and 5th spots in the rotation. A week ago, it seemed certain that Janardan Shreerang, who the Meteors just obtained from Santo Domingo, would have a spot in their rotation. However, sources are saying that the team might choose to play Shreerang in a relief role instead. Melbourne also has three other pitchers returning from last year. Yami Salehe, Imre Maxa, and Nasih bin Kamil all have a claim to a rotation spot. Confounding the issue even more, sources say that Melbourne's pitching coach is pushing hard for Bob Pérez to be given a chance to start after playing in the bullpen most of the last season. Those who do not start will probably take their place in an excellent bullpen. Trade rumors continue to abound about Magtanggol Baladad, but so far, he is still on the team as their closer. Imazighen Kitur, of course, was just traded to Mumbai, but the Meteors recently picked up closer Jesús Mercado from Santo Domingo. Melbourne's bullpen also features 4 other players who weren't on the team last Opening Day: Sergio Castillo, Himayati Ramkumar, Manny Juarez, and Bereket Ainran.

Outfield: Melbourne's outfield is also very puzzling. It looks pretty clear that Botol Gamarra will be starting in left field. The rest of the outfield will be Stéphane Salomon in center and Gong Jiang in left, if things stay the way they are currently. However, extension talks with Jiang, who is set to be a free agent in a few weeks, are reportedly going very poorly. Salomon's name has also come up a few times in rumored trade discussions. Melbourne certainly has no shortage of replacements, but who will they choose? Ze-min Tsao, who has been at triple A all season due to a lack of room? Percy Oskam, who hit just .173 at triple A, but remained on their playoff roster? Or Tiago Celestino, who the Meteors recently obtained in the Stone/Dwijen deal? And what happens if Salomon and Jiang stay? Melbourne might need until Opening Day to decide the answers.

What Next: Will Melbourne make any more big trades? Analysts have noticed that they still have an overabundance of OF talent, and seem to have some spare starters. Trade talks with other teams reportedly stalled after the blockbuster was announced, but there is plenty of time for a deal before the regular season begins.

Jill Impact
Jill Impact covers the IBL for the Melbourne Gazette. She graciously agreed to let the WBA Times print her article.