Starting Pitcher: Manny Parra

 By Vin Castillo, Miami Sentinel

Manny Parra took the mound 33 times last season, and more often than not, he left it with a win. The veteran southpaw posted a 21-9 record with a 3.23 ERA, establishing himself as the Miami Palms’ most reliable arm. Parra wasn’t overpowering—his 5.66 K/9 was among the lowest in the rotation—but he thrived on command and deception, issuing just 38 walks in 248 innings. His 1.07 WHIP was the best among Palms starters, a testament to his ability to limit baserunners.

“He just never gives in,” said Miami skipper Scott Hatteberg. “Doesn’t matter if it’s a 2-0 count or bases loaded, he’s always going to make the hitter beat him.”

One of the few blemishes on Parra’s ledger was the 37 home runs he surrendered, a product of his tendency to pitch to contact. His 43.8% ground ball rate was the lowest of any Miami starter, meaning when hitters did square him up, the ball often left the yard. Despite that, his 3.65 FIP suggests his success wasn’t a fluke—his strong peripherals backed up the results.

Parra will once again be counted on as a stabilizing force atop the rotation in 2020. With a deep arsenal and pinpoint control, he gives Miami a chance to win every time he takes the ball. If he can keep the ball in the yard just a little more, the Palms might have their ace.


(Welcome aboard to fictional beat writer Vin Castillo, writing for the fictional Miami Sentinel)

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