37.2. Youngsters Hope to Make Impact in 2037

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37.2. Youngsters Hope to Make Impact in 2037

Post by agrudez » Thu Nov 29, 2018 4:06 pm

Fans in Huntsville have already familiarized themselves with at least one youngster looking to put in his first full season in the majors in 2037 with Santiago Diaz, whom became a mainstay and stabilizing force in the Phantoms' 'pen last year - posting a 3.65 ERA in 81.1 IP from mid June-September (a blistering workload that would've easily been North of triple digits IP had he started April with the team). And while they have every reason to be excited about seeing what he can do over a full year - particularly after some further offseason development - they shouldn't put up blinders and fixate only on him, because there are plenty more where he came from threatening to push for ML spots in the upcoming season.

Joining Diaz in the 'pen in the very near future could be a pair of Southpaws in Brinson and Rodriguez. Respectively, they both currently project for 10/7/7 and 10/7/8 ratings against LHBs at full development which is a downright stifling proposition - and will play perfectly in the Opera House. Both are very well developed as well, with each only needing 2 points of development left to finish filling out (at the tender ages of 20 and 21 respectively - and Brinson, at least, has shown a penchant for bumping potential). In most years they both would be surefire opening day mainstays (in fact, Brinson already got a cup of coffee last September), but with an overflowing roster and FIVE Southpaws, besides them, already slated to be in the ML bullpen for opening day the team could very easily start them in AAA, barring injuries - to allow them extra development time and, perhaps, save some service time, too.

That trio in the 'pen may be the most developed and ready of the bunch, but they aren't the only pitchers in Huntsville's system with their sights set on a 2037 debut. For the rotation, the team is also eagerly watching Imai and Mangin - in particular their offseason development (thus far Imai is +1 STU and Mangin has been static). At just 21 and 22 years old respectively, with 2 and 3 points of development left, respectively, there is no rush whatsoever, but if by midseason one (or both) of them are only a point off their POT it will be hard to keep them back. Of course, with a healthy Sanchez and Charles filling the 4+5 spots of the rotation and a newly fully developed Soto sitting in the 'pen chomping at the bit for a starting position, it might take an injury (knock on wood!) or trade to see either 'spec this year, too. Of course, we had quite a few of both of those last year!

And last, but not least, the team is also tracking a handful of batting prospects through the high minors as well. The most notable, of course, is the team's #1 prospect, Tommy Cochrane. At 19 years old he is still 8 points off his POT (3 CON, 5 POW) so the team is certainly in no rush to promote him; however, it's arguable that his v. RHP split (7/10/5/5/7) is already nearly as good as the team's current RH DH platoon option, Jose Cortez (8/9/3/7/8 split). If Tommy can continue his development through the season and/or Cortez starts to struggle in his role, it wouldn't be crazy for fans to start to clamor for the young, big bat to sniff the majors. Of course, starting his arb clock for such a minimalistic role might be a non-starter for management regardless.

The bat much more likely to see the majors first of any is 2035 1st round pick (Stever's first after taking the club back over), Fernando Reyes. In an otherwise down draft (compared to recent ones), this 7th overall pick has to be considered a steal at this point - with an 8/9/9/5/7 split vs. RHP flashing with only 2 points of dev left before hitting his max POT (at age 20). One could very reasonably (perhaps even logically) argue that he would be an upgrade over Parrish day one, but the fact that Reyes still only has a '3' rating in LF (he played more games at DH last year than I thought/meant to... woops!) means that he probably needs some more defensive seasoning before making the jump. He'll get a full workload in ST to see if he can get his experience up enough for opening day, though, but I think fans should probably look for a May/June intro instead so that he gets some time in AAA for more experience.

Behind the two big bats, you also have two defensive minded OFers in Crisci and Cleide just about ready for the majors, too. In fact, if the team fails to sign a backup OFer (rumor has it they are currently pursuing some RH platoon options that can act as backups as well) then Crisci may get a promotion by default to be the team's 4th OFer. In Cleide, the team has been VERY encouraged by some offseason talent bumps and the manifestation of a +vs. RHP split. Currently projecting for 7/8/4/6/7 vs. RHP with 10/8 speed and 9/8/11 defense puts him on the map as a potential future starter - though with one of the game's best blocking him his value may be best served as a trade asset.
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Re: 37.2. Youngsters Hope to Make Impact in 2037

Post by RonCo » Thu Nov 29, 2018 4:38 pm

While it wouldn't have shocked me if Huntsville had made the playoffs either of the last two seasons, it will shock me if the Phantoms aren't there this year, and totally shock me if they aren't there next. Great kids coming up.
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