Top Ten Protostars
#2 RHP Paul Springer - 24yrs old, #194 BBN, #2 Valencia
Paul Springer was drafted in 2041's 5th Round by Rockville. He worked his way up Rockville's system before being traded twice in 2044, finally ending up with Valencia.
After concluding 2043 in A ball, Springer, was promoted to AAA and turned in 1.4WAR in 10 starts. During this run, he earned his first (and only) Rockville start. Springer allowed a single run in 6+ innings. After being traded to Charlotte, the righty, struggled for the first time in his professional career, with a 6.75 ERA in 13 starts. Thus far, he's been better for Valencia in 3 starts averaging 6IP and a 3.50 ERA.
Springer's best attribute is generally believed to be his control as he is rarely very far from the strike zone. He also doesn't miss many bats and when he's not on his game can be hit often and hard. He has a smooth over the top delivery that he is able to easily repeat and puts minimal stress on his arm. His fastball, slider, and splitter repertoire is passable, though he suffers from not having an elite out pitch. With his steady delivery, sound mechanics and sterling injury history, he projects as a back of the rotation inning eater for the Stars.
#3 RF Wassim Boyer - 17yrs old, #285 BBN, #3 Valencia
Wassim "Trigger" Boyer is a international scouting find from Dutton, Ontario. He has some power but clearly bribed BBN to get on this list. Team sources say there are major concerns about his mental makeup as well as his ability to consistently make good contact. Valencia would be thrilled if he ever made the majors as a paying customer let alone a fourth or fifth outfielder.
#4 3B Jorge Estrada - 23yrs old, #312 BBN, #4 Valencia
Jorge Estrada was a 8th round pick out of high school in 2038 by Valencia. He spent his first pro season in short A ball, then actually spent 15 games in AAA and 1 game in the majors in 2042. After spending 2043 and most of 2044 in AA and AAA ball, he was called back up to the big club earlier this month.
Most scouts feel that Estrada's ceiling would be an average bench player, particularly if he continues to punish left handed pitching (.377/408/672 at all level in 2044 against southpaws). He has a decent fielder at 1st and 3rd with a cannon for an arm. While certainly not a sprinter, he is adept as a base runner and can get a handful of steals a year. At the plate most of his skills rate as average, though he does show good gap power when he gets hot. He's likely to spend some time in AAA and the majors next year but its hard to see Estrada figuring in any long term plans.