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CON: Contact Hitting — POW: Power Hitting — ROT: Pitching Rotation — PEN: Bullpen Depth — DEF: Defense — OA: Overall
Strong arms are the Cox strength. A Jardine-Haffey rotation is likely somewhat underrated at 83. A score that finds them fifth in WSEM, although sitting only a point behind the numbers three and four rotations of the Wicked Aces and Holy Balls. Kiefer Haffey works quickly and throws a lot of strikes. This past weekend at the Beat It, Kiefer was half of the pitching duo that blazed through a record setting 22 minute 6 inning game - a game the Cox took 2-0 over Chris Paquin and the Balls. Haffey has a career 1.45 WHIP and 3.31 K/BB ratio over 80 innings pitched: very respectable numbers, especially if you're not throwing as your club's ace. That role is expected to be assumed by Trey Jardine, who excelled in his rookie campaign: 1.12 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, and an even 4.0 K/BB ratio. And that's just the tip of this staff; the Cox go deep on the mound. After being picked up in the Supplemental Draft, rookie Scott Kujawa looked good in his debut outing at the Beat It. Although he took the 1-0 loss to the Squirrels, he impressed the spectators and earned comparisons to some of WSEM's top 10 pitchers. Plus, let's not miss that his name starts with 'K' - that's a good sign for any wiffle pitcher. Meanwhile, Michael Villarreal goes from being the Islanders number-one to now being positioned as the Cox number-four. From his third game pitched of his rookie season on Vill had a 3.62 K/BB ratio, and he threw a 1.54 WHIP over the final third of his rookie season. He'll throw strikes and let his fielders make plays behind him. A style that will likely be much more rewarded with this younger crowd covering his field. This Cox lineup isn't without some pop, either. Captain Stephen Werner is the big gun after his impressive 2014 campaign provided a .699 SLG% with 10 HR, including game winners off both Bischoffs and Farkas. Rookie Nate Bellinger also showed off some power in the spring tournaments with a couple big home runs. To make the most of these flashes of power, the Cox feature a trio of guys who specialize in getting on base. Nathan Motta, Villarreal, and Haffey all had OBPs over .400 in 2014: .407, .429 and .492, respectively. Much the same as it was last year for Werner with King Friday, this offense seems poised to shine in key spots. Don't expect it to take command of many games and dominate, but it will find the way to come through with a run behind their pitcher when he needs it. Overall, the Red Cox are rated as the number six team in WSEM. Granted, these ratings were done before seeing their (almost) completed squad at the Beat It Tournament. Based on that, I say to hell with the numbers. Look for this team to jump off the page and make a push for the playoffs. They will be a fun team to watch this year: close games, clutch performances, and players making a name for themselves. What else can you ask for in a team to follow?
