Slugger Shavings 2063.4 - Middle Infield Refresh

[RT60]

Compared to the big money free agent pitchers acquired last off-season, the acquisition via trade of 2B Senzo Sato and SS Jose Villa flew under the radar. The Sluggers had thought they plugged a gaping defensive hole up the middle of the infield, with hopefully some help at the plate if the stars aligned. Given his impending free agency at the end of the season, Sato was simply a one-season bridge to allow former first-overall pick Roger Watts more time to develop. Jose Villa was eyed as a defensive upgrade at shortstop with the potential to start for many years.

In hopes of catapulting the team into playoff contention, Roger Watts was called up earlier than expected to play shortstop given Villa's relatively anemic bat. As it became clear that the team was not going to make the playoffs, Sato was traded for a high-risk prospect. Watts then briefly moved over to 2B, and soon after the team called up former 2061 2nd round pick Aristo Andreadis for his major league debut given how well Andreadis had been playing on AAA Missouri's playoff-bound team. Watts hit well in 45 games (.266/7/22) as expected, but the buzz around the clubhouse was the hot bat of Andreadis who hit .324 in 22 games. Andreadis had been stuck in Watt's shadow since the 2062 draft, but now both players are enjoying the spotlight. The team looks forward to their partnership for the entire 2064 season.