Here in Sioux Falls the 2011 season is brand spanking new and we’re 7 games in. The Giraffes struck fear into their first two opponents taking 6 out of 7 games against Boston and Peoria. This team looked very much different that it did last year and it is called a rotation. Sadly guys of the past are gone, but the new guys are here to stay and they showed much promise so far.

Ramon Cruz the prize of the off-season opened up the 2011 season with a start that went 6.1 innings and he struck out 7. This was great for Sioux Falls on many levels as getting to the 6th inning alone was a challenge for rotation members of the past, but to add the ability to strike hitters out gave fans something to really cheer for.

Cruz then got his second Giraffe start in Peoria and went 7 innings allowing 7 hits, a home run, but striking out 6 in his second victory. Cruz has allowed just two runs in his two starts and put his signature on two Giraffe wins.

Matt Kearns last season did not have a very good one. At the major league level, Kearns kept his ERA above 6 and failed to do much of anything right. However in AAA he dominated hitters, and showed flashes of his talent. This season Kearns gained back some of the confidence in Spring Training after tossing a 2.25 ERA in his 4 spring starts that all went the 4 IP limit.

With the renowned confidence Kearns was handed the #2 spot in the rotation and like Cruz walked away with two wins. His first start wetn 5 innings pitched striking out 3 and giving up 1 walk while allowing 3 runs. Kearns was slightly discouraged but the hitters earned him the win by crushing the ball for 17 runs lifting some of the pressure.

Kearns responded in his second start, this time in Peoria, by throwing 6 innings allowing 1 earned run walking zero and striking out 5. If Kearns pitches like this all season, Landis League opponents will be overmatched.

The 3, 4, and 5 starters in the rotation all were featured in 1 start and they are currently 2-0 as a trio. Rookie Mike Hamilton went 7 strong innings giving up 1 earned run on 5 hits and 4 walks. Hamilton’s control was a bit shaky, but his start was nothing short of exceptional from a rookie.

Kun Kwan also twirled a quality start throwing 6 innings allowing just the solo home run while striking out 4. Kwan kept damage to a minimum and kept a lethal Boston lineup quiet. Finally the late February pick up Salvador Roman pitched 5.2 innings of his game allowing 2 unearned runs and striking out 5.

The Sioux Falls rotation has hit the fast track in 2011 and the team is winning because of it. The bullpen is just as strong as it has ever been each pitcher getting at least two apperances. Ochoa and Copeland each have 4, Ochoa has 3 holds and Copeland has 4 saves. Ochoa was responsible for the one loss of the season, however put into a tight situation, a single bled the winning run. That’s just baseball.

The fans in Sioux Falls will have a lot to look forward to as the ‘fight til the bullpen saves us’ days are over, and have been replaced with ‘we’re going to kick your teeth in the entire game’.