Santa Clarita Valley Journal | Organizational Awards: Russelville (55.19)

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Santa Clarita Valley Journal
Vicente Lamb, Stars Reporter
September 22, 2055

VALENCIA – So negligent have the Stars been, that they have now misspelled the name of the town in which their rookie ball team is located (Russellville, Arkansas) for ten years running. This negligence has also been reflected in a largely woeful win-loss record for the Rockets, and may be a reflection of the state of the the health of the Stars' development system as a whole. The Rockets found success in 2055, however, posting a 38-30 record, narrowly missing out on the postseason. They owed their success largely to an effective pitching staff that led the league in strikeouts.

Position Player of the Year: Outfielder, Ángel Trejo
Acquired: 2054, 27th Pick in Round 2 (65th overall)
Born: Brooklyn, New York
.348/.406/.574, .980 OPS, 166 wRC+, 2.9 WAR
Signature Moment: Went 2 for 2 with a triple, 2 walks, a stolen base, and four runs scored on July 13, against the Lexington Sycamores

In his second season as a professional, the seventeen year-old Trejo blossomed, hitting for both average and a surprising amount of power, while also exhibiting impressive patience at the plate, recording as many walks as strikeouts (22). At 6' 2” and 175 lbs, he still has a youngster's physique. Coaches like his make-up, particularly his willingness to put in the extra work. The BBA scouting service currently gives him a 40 future value. Was promoted to Class A Short Season Saturn in August, where he hit for a .409 average in 49 PA.

Pitcher of the Year: Héctor Espinoza
Acquired: 2054 Draft, 27th Pick in Round 13 (417th overall)
Born: Sulphur, Louisiana
4.96 ERA, 74 K, 17 BB, 60 HA, 5 HRA, 61.2 IP, 71 FIP-, 1.8 WAR
Signature Moment: Allowed 1 earned run in a seven-inning start, struck out 8, walked none, and allowed 3 hits, earning a game score of 75, against the Aurora Bullfrogs on July 23rd

Left-handed starter prospect Espinoza turned 18 this season, his second as a professional. He features a 95 mph fastball, a plus curveball, and a sinker, getting quite a bit of swing at miss at this level. He walked very few batters, but gave up his share of hits as his 1.25 WHIP would attest. Scouts like his 6' 4” frame, and expect his velocity to top out in the high nineties. Like Trejo, he has a great make-up and is said to be very teachable. The worry is that a tendency to miss in the zone will limit effectiveness long-term. The BBA scouting service is still unconvinced that Espinoza is a legitimate prospect, giving him a 35 future value.