2022.1: Spring Training Top 4 Hitters
Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2015 1:10 pm
Omaha had a great spring training, leading the MBBA with a 21-7 record. While we all know that spring training doesn't mean shit, it's nice for a franchise that has been among the league's worst going on 5 years now to see some positives and go into the season with some hope. There were several standout performances, and here were four of the best on the offensive side of things:
C Bob Burke
Burke had a great debut in Omaha colors in spring, hitting .367/.430/.700 with 7 homeruns and 19 RBIs. Burke is currently penciled in to hit 4th in both lineups and hopefully will be able to bring some momentum from spring into the start of the season, where he will look to bring some improvement to a group that didn't exactly dazzle anyone last season.
LF Valentin Colon
20 year old Valentin Colon burst onto the scene in his first big league spring hitting .368/.417/.605 with 3 triples and 10 stolen bases. Colon showed his fantastic wheels, stealing 10 bases and only getting caught 1 time. He brings great versatility to the Omaha lineup and could potentially play up to 7 positions if asked. He will start his rookie campaign hitting leadoff and playing in LF, but will probably find his way to the infield eventually.
RF Iran Brito
After losing most of the 2021 season to a broken kneecap, Brito looked hungry in spring training. He hit .385/.398/.538 with 2 homeruns, a triple, and 3 stolen bases. Not necessarily the power or baserunning numbers he is capable of, but a solid average and slugging %. If he can stay healthy, the 24 year old Brito should be a key component in what should prove to be a much improved Omaha offense. Brito will start the season hitting third vs LHP and fifth vs RHP.
OF Burton Vessey
Vessey went into ST as kind of the odd man out in the Omaha OF. He hit .406/.441/.406 and drove in 5 runs in March. He played really well, but will not be unseating the aforementioned Colon or Brito to earn a starting gig in a corner. Vessey is currently on the block, but may be retained for insurance. He can immediately sub in the outfield, or if an infielder goes down and Colon moves there, take over Colon's spot in LF.
C Bob Burke
Burke had a great debut in Omaha colors in spring, hitting .367/.430/.700 with 7 homeruns and 19 RBIs. Burke is currently penciled in to hit 4th in both lineups and hopefully will be able to bring some momentum from spring into the start of the season, where he will look to bring some improvement to a group that didn't exactly dazzle anyone last season.
LF Valentin Colon
20 year old Valentin Colon burst onto the scene in his first big league spring hitting .368/.417/.605 with 3 triples and 10 stolen bases. Colon showed his fantastic wheels, stealing 10 bases and only getting caught 1 time. He brings great versatility to the Omaha lineup and could potentially play up to 7 positions if asked. He will start his rookie campaign hitting leadoff and playing in LF, but will probably find his way to the infield eventually.
RF Iran Brito
After losing most of the 2021 season to a broken kneecap, Brito looked hungry in spring training. He hit .385/.398/.538 with 2 homeruns, a triple, and 3 stolen bases. Not necessarily the power or baserunning numbers he is capable of, but a solid average and slugging %. If he can stay healthy, the 24 year old Brito should be a key component in what should prove to be a much improved Omaha offense. Brito will start the season hitting third vs LHP and fifth vs RHP.
OF Burton Vessey
Vessey went into ST as kind of the odd man out in the Omaha OF. He hit .406/.441/.406 and drove in 5 runs in March. He played really well, but will not be unseating the aforementioned Colon or Brito to earn a starting gig in a corner. Vessey is currently on the block, but may be retained for insurance. He can immediately sub in the outfield, or if an infielder goes down and Colon moves there, take over Colon's spot in LF.