2058.09: Bearing Fruit - A Pair of Bears Set to Debut on Opening Day

[BaseClogger]

4/1/2058


The San Fernando Bears had to clear space on their 40-man roster to make room for a pair of minor league non-roster invitees to Spring Training in advance of Opening Day. With veteran Dick Walton out for at least two more weeks with a broken hand the starting second baseman for San Fernando will be 22 year-old Takeichi Suzuki. And after losing out on their bid to reunite with former starting catcher Farid bin Mubarak the Bears will roll with 23 year-old Dale Olds as their backup catcher.

Suzuki was the Bears' second round pick in 2054. After a few seasons of mediocre play Suzuki experienced significant bumps last offseason and lived up to the improved scouting reports by slashing .324/.388/.509 over a full year at AAA Brooks. The lefy will get all of the starts at second against right-handed pitching while splitting time with Sammy McNeill against southpaws. He's likely ticketed for a quick return to the minors if Walton can get healthy.

Olds was a minor league free agent signing in late 2053 who received a $4,5M signing bonus. He's been worth that bonus and more hitting consistently well since he reached A ball as a 20 year-old. Olds hit .319/.407/.466 in AA across two seasons before his promotion to AAA where he hit .285/.356/.427. Scouts have been impressed with his development behind the plate this Spring which was really the only part of his game holding him back from the show. The switch-hitter will draw all of the starts against left-handed starting pitching in relief of newly acquired primary catcher Clinton Tyler.

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Both solid pieces to have around for league minimum salaries too.