June 18, 2063
by Banjo Jackson
Nashville, TN
When the Bluebirds drafted 1B Fernando Sánchez in the 7th round of the 2055 draft, they didn’t expect much. He was simply a bat to fill an organizational need at a position that can be filled by almost anyone. However, the young Cuban continues to develop immense power and made his way to Nashville. He never really his as well as his potential suggested during his time in Nashville in limited at-bats in a short-side platoon role. He struggled out of the gate in 2063 and saw himself demoted to AAA to figure out his stroke. And that he did.
1B Fernando Sánchez
In 26 games with the Orlando Oranges, Sánchez slashed .390/.450/.740 with 9 HR. That kind of impact impressed management and he was called back up to Nashville when Max Shepperson went down with injury. Sánchez has made the most of his opportunity since being recalled in late May and is slashing .371/.452/.887 with 10 HR, including a three-HR performance against the Vancouver Mounties on June 11. Which begs the question: who plays against RHP when Shepperson returns and who gets removed from the roster?
De-shi Kuo has had an OPS over .900 for most of the season and is one of the league’s most underrated players. Shepperson just signed a big free agent deal to play in Nashville and Antonio Ronguillo was selected in the Rule 5 draft, and while he isn’t quite seasoned, management really likes him. Regardless of who sees the exit, Sanchez will likely stay in the lineup with as hot as he has been. Bluebirds brass and fans, alike, are excited for what he has to offer and if this past month is a sign of things to come, look out for Nashville’s next superstar.
