2062.04: Rummaging Bears - Infielders

[BaseClogger]

3/7/2062


Sure-Fire Locks
1B Felix Ramos, 2B Bill Irvine, 3B Yuu Suzuki, SS Qutuz Mahdi

Here's San Fernando's 2062 starting infield. It's a veteran group so most of the questions surround aging: can Ramos stay healthy and get back to being an elite OBP guy as the Bears' leadoff hitter? Has Irvine lumped and his 45 rating is more indicative of his future performance than his consistent 3 WAR production in Calgary? Can Suzuki possibly replicate his 2061 Sawyer Silk season? Mahdi is now 35 years old and lumped a point in each defensive rating over the offseason--is he still an impact player at shortstop?

Near Locks
2B Frank Jardine

Jardine struggles to stay on the field but he continued his trend of producing when out there by posting a .972 OPS during his September cup of coffee. He was starting games at second base for the Bears during the postseason so we can't imagine they'll keep him off the Opening Day roster if he's healthy. Jardine could also see time in the outfield against LHP.

Trying to Break-In
2B Jose Reyes, SS Fernando Estrada, 2B Victor Ramos

San Fernando invested a rule 5 draft pick on Reyes so that gives him a leg up on his competition. Estrada was worth 1.2 WAR in a little more than half a season of playing time last year, but he's lumped some and we like him better as a backup across the infield. With three options remaining and a limited resume at AAA a return to the minors isn't out of the question. Ramos is a former rule 5 pick who played well in 2060 but saw his offensive upside plumet in 2061 and is the longshot of this grouping.

Breaking in the Back Door
3B Awdia Iman, 3B Jesus Reyes, 3B Kwan-uk Chong, 3B Jose Mendoza, SS Jason Steward

Iman and Reyes got added to 40-man roster over the offseason but haven't reached AAA yet (or AA in Reyes' case). Iman is mostly developed but he'll almost certainly head to AAA to show his ratings can translate into production at the minor leagues' highest level. Chong is the veteran non-roster guy who is making the most of his chances by hitting well in the spring. With so many young 3B candidates ahead of him I'm not sure it's enough. Mendoza is one of the team's top prospects but struggled in AA and needs more seasoning. Steward burned his first option last year and is the only other true shortstop on this list other than Mahdi. The scouts don't rave about his bat but he's done a little hitting in the high minors. We'd rather see him beat down the door at AAA.