May 5, 2047
by Banjo Jackson
Nashville, TN
Armed with their highest draft pick since they took Tony Frost 9th overall in the 2039 draft, the Nashville Bluebirds had to decide on arm versus bat and whether or not that player would have an immediate impact or be more of a project. With good depth in the farm system, GM Chad Nason decided to take the best player available. That meant with the 11th overall pick, the Bluebirds drafted collegiate RF Martin Hemming.
RF Martin Hemming
Hemming is a three-time Platinum Stick winner for collegiate right fielders. He is an average defensive outfielder equipped with a cannon for an arm. However, the young outfielder was drafted for his ability at the plate. Opposing pitchers have struggled to tame the England-born outfielder in college and allowed him to hit .391 with 41 HR in his collegiate career. Hemming is especially dangerous against right-handed pitching with the ability to make hard contact to the gaps with sufficient power to hit 25+ HR a year at the BBA level.
“He’s ready to play in the Big leagues now,” said Senior Scout of Non-Analytics, Whitey Buckson. “He’s the most polished hitter in this draft and still has a little room to grow and we would like to see him improve his outfield play. He can be a little impatient at the plate, but gets hits on balls out of the zone, so who’s to complain?”
Nashville will likely send Hemming to Orlando or High Point to begin his professional career. RF Pedro Mendoza is currently tearing up BBA pitching and the team signed Bastião Fardos to a long-term contract in the offseason, so there isn’t an immediate fit for the rookie. Hemming will also be battling with Matt Garrison to see who gets called up first. Garrison currently hold a 206 OPS+ in AAA and will be fighting to find his way onto the roster. With Hasheem Makin and Kazuyoshi Ohayashi also looming outfield prospects, the Bluebirds have a fruitful farm from which to pluck their next BBA player.
