Hawks Nest, v27.8 - Checking the Locks: LF

[trmmilwwi]

LEFT FIELD

SURE FIRE LOCKS: Gilbert Pacheco

HOPEFULS:

LONG SHOTS: Domenic “Legacy” Wyatt, Pepe Duran

Analysis:

Left field has been an interesting study for the Hawks. During the ’24-’26 seasons they employed arguably the worst defensive left fielder in the game, Edgar Jones to patrol the field. He somehow managed to grab a few fly balls that were hit right at him, and missed many others as well. The end of last season the team tested out Pacheco in Jones’ slot and he did ok. He doesn’t have the range and is ideally better suited for RF but he was miles better than Jones. Unless some deals are made expect Pacheco in left on opening day.

Wyatt is a true centerfielder in every sense of the word, earning a gold glove there in ’26 down on AAA Montgomery, but the team is not opposed to putting the speedster in left during spring training to see what happens. His power is a few years off if it ever develops but his stat line in Montgomery (.259/10/42 with 98 walks and 31 SBs) has the team scouts seeing what is best for the team. Wyatt will likely start in Montgomery but weirder things have happened.

Duran is a young prospect that will likely get another year in AAA but last season’s stat line of .276/13/52 has scouts reviewing the kid. He is below average defensively so it would be a step back towards the Jones days.

[udlb58]

Pacheco is decent, but nothing special. An okay hitter and good defense in RF. Wyatt has no business being on a MBBA roster. Duran is a poor man's Javier Barron

Best bet is probably to stick the Sturdivant / Torres platoon in LF during the Spring and see if one/both are able to get enough experience to be viable starters in left, allowing Pacheco to slot back in in RF.

[RonCo]

Yeah, Wyatt is just flat-out not ready.