Where Are They Now? (One Month Later) – 64.08

[neugey]

With the 2064 GBC Amateur Draft complete and all draft signings complete, here’s a look at what each of the 20 Moscow Thunder Bears draftees currently have going on:

1) SS Takamasa Masuda – The highly-touted switch-hitting shortstop is starting games for the A-level Kyoto Frogs. It’s very early, but his .400 OBP may indicate his ability to draw walks is better than expected. That could be an asset for a major league club that is somewhat deficient in this regard. Current BNN prospect ranking in GBC: #6

2) RP Pang Yang – Yang is currently on the IL recovering from severe shoulder inflammation. It’s expected this his condition will improve by the end of July. It’s likely that GM Bauer will allocate Yang to the A-level Frogs for high leverage bullpen work. He has the skills for a higher assignment, but it’s been reported that the organization wants to give this 20-year-old ample time to ramp in the minors. Current BNN prospect ranking in GBC: #10

3) CF Antaken Benhamou – This 23-year-old centerfielder is staring for the AA Porto Alegre Patos but has struggled early on with a .115 average. The team will give him plenty of time to catch on given his solid upside and draft capital used. Current BNN prospect ranking in GBC: #30

4) 3B Keohi Nanaoio – Keohi was the very last pick to sign and now is reportedly on his way to Kyoto to start at 3B or at least become part of a time-share. Current BNN prospect ranking in GBC: #180

5) C Pat Edney – Moscow has shown a fair amount of confidence in Edney, as he was the only catcher drafted in 2064. He’s earning some playing time in A-ball but like Benhamou has been struggling with his bat. Time will tell if he can make the improvements required to reach the majors. Current BNN prospect ranking in GBC: #112

6) 2B Frazer Ivey – As with other draftees, Ivey is starting in A-ball but so far it’s been a struggle. He will need to start hitting soon or could lose time to incumbent infielders. Current BNN prospect ranking in GBC: #209

7) SP Abdul Karim Hussain – This righty is expected to win a job in the rotation for Rookie level Panjin. He should do well as he has better command than a lot of his peers. Current BNN prospect ranking in GBC: #275

8) SP Emmanuel Perez – This righty is learning the ropes in the starting rotation with Kyoto. He’s started 3 games so far, with his second being a 2-hit complete game gem. That breakout performance caught the eyes of management, and he could make it to AA sooner than anticipated.

9) CF Ivan Mulholland – Ivan joins a crowded A-level outfield and will have to play well to earn consistent playing time. His defense should keep him employed in the minors for a while at the very least. Current BNN prospect ranking in GBC: #331

10) RP Chris Lovegrove – Chris is starting out as a middle reliever in A-ball and has already been hit hard (7.71 ERA). He may not be around for long unless he starts pitching well.

11) 1B Zheng-ze Chiang – Chiang will have to post solid hitting numbers in order to keep his roster spot over other infielders and outfielders who can easily slide over to 1B. Current BNN prospect ranking in GBC: #307

12) 1B Kakalia Fomai – After some deliberation over contract terms, this 17-year-old recently signed and will see some playing time in Rookie ball. He may ramp up slowly given his young age.

13) 1B Seto Karsumaatmaja – This promising young hitter wanted close to 1 million to sign with Moscow. Without hesitation, the team told Seto he’d need to look elsewhere for that kind of money.

14) SS Luke Galbraith – Luke has long odds to land a roster spot and is currently DFA’d.

15) LF Mark Walker – This 17-year-old will be brought along slowly in Rookie ball, but may have to fend off IFA prospects to stick around past this season.

16) P Haroun Al Rachid Ali – No roster space, DFA and soon to be released.

17) P Veniamin Volhov – No roster space, DFA and soon to be released.

18) RP Mukesh Manjusha – His youth and control narrowly earned him a slot in Rookie ball.

19) P Kane Brenton – No roster space, DFA and soon to be released.

20) P Ivan Hibbert – A 17-year-old with just enough upside and velocity that he should stick in Rookie ball for a while. However, his control is shaky.

For those of you keeping score at home, that's 15 out of the 20 draftees who've landed a spot of some sort in the organization. Stay tuned for future updates.

[Jwalk100]

Pang Yang's nickname should be Tygers of Pan Tang.

[neugey]

Pang Yang's nickname should be Tygers of Pan Tang.

If only it was "Bears of Pan Tang"!