2062.06 - Letter from Alfredo Aragon to Chris Stone (Manager for AAA Rockford) (dated 5/22/62)

[R.Umali]

Mr. Stone,

I trust this letter finds you in good health and in firm command of affairs in Rockford with the diligence and skill to which I am well accustomed. By now, you shall have received formal notice regarding the elevation of Mr. Mahir Bin Sa'id to the Black Sox. This is an action undertaken with the highest confidence in his continued development and his capacity to contribute at the level expected in the Brewsters Baseball Association.

In his stead, we shall be dispatching Mr. Tony Cochran to join your club in New Jersey for the forthcoming series against the Devils. If you have been attentive to the reports, you shall no doubt be aware that, after a scintillating Spring and a promising April, Mr. Cochran has endured considerable struggles through the month of May. His present slash line - .108 / .175 / .297 -speaks plainly to his difficulties, with but four hits in forty plate appearances. Two of those hits, it should be marked, were home runs. These results, regrettably, align with the observations of Mr. Ert Plabes, Director of the Development Lab.

However, whereas Mr. Plabes would have us keep Mr. Cochran with the Black Sox, I am not of a mind to permit Mr. Cochran's continued development in the BBA when there exist other, less heralded players who may presently serve the interests of our BBA roster. Mr. Sa'id stands chief among them, his performances a testament to his resolve, even in what I know has been a most challenging period for the Bulldogs. Speaking of which, I would be remiss if I did not here acknowledge my appreciation for Mr. Joe Melucci's fine turn upon the mound in early April (3 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 2 K), particularly given the limited complement of pitchers we afforded you at the time. Continue giving Mr. Melucci a variety of tasks. As far as I know, the plan for Mr. Melucci is still in effect.

I must now request that you afford Mr. Cochran every opportunity to refine his approach at the plate. Kindly place him at the top of the order and see that he receives a full measure of at-bats. I have already communicated with your hitting coach, Mr. Mark Underhay, regarding the advisement of his approach. Given Mr. Underhay's expertise in matters of contact hitting, we hold firm expectations for Mr. Cochran's tenure in Rockford. It is highly probable that, irrespective of immediate outcome, he shall remain with your club for the duration of the season.

Additionally, I have requested reports concerning Mr. Robbie Tye and Mr. Sergio Lopes. I would be most obliged if you would append your own observations upon receipt of Mr. Underhay's assessments.

Your continued cooperation and diligence in these matters are, as always, most sincerely appreciated.

With my highest regard,

Alfredo Aragon
Assistant General Manager, Chicago Black Sox
-------------------------------------
This is the latest in the season (Sim 7) that the Black Sox have sported a winning record since the regime change. We are currently 24-21. Rookie Dave Matthes is certainly part of the reason, and sophomores Angel De La Cruz's and Timofei Gadomsky's continued positive contribution are another part. But finally have a good hitting CF in Angelo Lucchesi is probably the biggest piece.