A late in season run saw Jersey Shore capture their 3rd CL Eastern Division title in 4 years and their 2nd ever World Series appearance last season. Though they fell to Boston in 5 games, the season was considered a success and saw a lot of young players step in and make big contributions. A year later and a new season are upon us and we have a lot of familiar faces but the staff also has a few changes. Jersey lost 4 fairly big contributors from the past couple years. Those names include SP Art Ellis, SP Greg Schaefer, MR Phillip Moran and MR/CL Jose Ruiz. Who will be taking their spots? Find out below.
Pitching
Art Ellis really showed his age in the past 2 seasons and declining his large option was a no brainer for Jersey. Greg Schaefer on the other hand wasn't the easiest decision. Rumors have it that Jersey was in talks with Schaefer and at least 2 other clubs for a sign and trade, but nothing materialized. Coincidentally both of these players, including MR Jose Ruiz are all with division rival Madison now.
The Rotation
Jersey brings one of the strongest rotations we have seen from them in years. 4 members are under the age of 26 and Jose Ramos is coming off his best season as a pro. If they pitch up to their potential, Jersey should be very much in the hunt to win the East for a 4th time in 5 years.
Jose Ramos - 25 years old, IFA signing 2013 season. Ace of the staff, 41 wins over the last 2 seasons and finished 2nd to Lebel in Cy Young voting last season.
2020 stats: 18-5, 3.09 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 3.27 FIP, 3.45 K/BB
Contract: $7.06M. Signed through 2023 season.
Sergio Martinez - 24 yeras old, IFA signing 2013 season. After great 2019 season he took a step backwards last year. Jersey is hoping it was just a sophomore slump. Highly talented.
2020 stats: 14-10, 4.27 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, 3.88 FIP, 1.61 K/BB
Contract: $2.59M. Signed through 2024 season.
Ramon Ruiz - 24 years old, IFA signing 2013 season. Ruiz got his feet wet last year getting 12 starts with mixed reviews. He really burst onto the scene in 2019 winning 21 games in AAA after being thought of as a C type prospect. His only downfall would seem to be his stamina.
2020 stats: 6-2, 4.46 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 3.65 FIP, 3.05 K/BB
Contract: $400K. Should become Arb eligible in 2023.
Jose Lara - 30 years old, acquired via trade with Toronto after the 2017 season. The elder statesman of the rotation, Lara has been a polarizing, up and down starter since coming to Jersey, not what they expected when the trade was made.
2020 stats: 12-10, 5.70 ERA, 1.49 WHIP, 5.14 FIP, 2.23 K/BB
Contract: $15M. Signed through 2023 season,
Javier Garcia - 24 years old, acquired via trade with Vista during 2015 season. A strong spring training won the 5th spot for Garcia this year. After 3 straight years of striking out 225+ batters in AAA he got 3 starts last year for Jersey. Probably not a long term option, but can throw heat.
2020 stats: 1-1, 5.12 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 4.18 FIP, 2.75 K/BB
Contract: $400K. Should be arb eligible in 2024.
The Bullpen
The only loss in a fairly inexperienced pen was Ruiz but Jersey had the man power in AAA to replace him internally. Mungo's option was picked up to anchor the bullpen as it should be one of the team's strong points again this season.
Jaime Saenz - 35 years old, re-acquired via trade with Baffin Island during the 2020 season. The 2021 season will be the 10th Saenz will appear in Jersey. One of the better relievers in the game and hardest throwing pitchers.
2020 stats: 6-3, 35 saves. 2.43 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 1.99 FIP, 4.95 K/BB.
Contract: $9M. Signed through the 2021 season.
Gerald Johnson - 25 years old, drafted 2015 in 1st compensatory round. Johnson is a closer in the wings, who is said to have one of the better fastballs in the league. Likes to keep the ball on the ground, only flaw is he lacks control at times.
2020 stats: 7-2, 10 saves. 2.45 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 2.76 FIP, 3.45 K/BB.
Contract: $1.04M. Signed through the 2025 season.
Angel Lara - 25 years old, signed as an IFA 2013 season. Hard throwing right hander and 2021 will be his 4th season in the Jersey pen. Like Johnson, groundball pitcher who avoids giving up the long ball.
2020 stats: 5-4, 2 saves. 3.76 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 3.18 FIP, 2.42 K/BB.
Contract: $820K. Signed through the 2022 season.
Hyo-chin Kim - 24 years old, signed a MLC during 2013 season. After tearing his UCL in spring training of the 2019 season and missing the entire year, he came back in 2020 and the best season of his career. This will be his 5th season in the pen and could be a future closer.
2020 stats: 6-1, 2 saves. 2.43 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 2.78 FIP, 5.71 K/BB
Contract: $1.49M. Signed though the 2026 season.
Luis Cortez - 26 years old, received via trade with Vista during the 2014 season. Talented hurler spending his 4th year as part of the Jersey pen, but has never pitched a full year, always bounced between Jersey and AAA. Out of options so it's time to put up numbers.
2020 stats: 0-1, 1 save. 5.14 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, 5.63 FIP, 2.00 K/BB
Contract: $400K. Should be arb eligible in 2023.
Claude Pinard - 27 years old, drafted in the 2nd round of the 2016 draft. Pinard is a true rookie after taking a couple extra years to reach the pros. Was great last year as the closer in AAA and impressed in spring training.
2020 stats (AAA): 7-3, 16 saves. 2.45 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 3.05 FIP, 3.17 K/BB
Contract: $400K. Should become arb eligible in 2024.
Yin-zeng Zong - 30 years old, drafted in the 7th round of the 2013 draft. Zong is the only 7th round pick from 2013 to see major league action. Put up his best numbers as a pro last season and throws very hard.
2020 stats: 3-1. 1.89 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 3.58 FIP, 2.78 K/BB
Contract: $830K. Signed through 2023 season.
There you have it. Your 2021 Jersey Shore pitching staff. The 12 man rotation is a lot for the D-Bags who usually only carry 11 men. There are a few options in AAA including top prospect SP Roland Martin if injuries or poor play arise. Can this staff be one of the best in the CL? Only time will tell.
GO D-BAGS
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