Sticking Points 2053.2: Farm Fresh

[JimSlade]

As short season A and rookie league ball are poised to kick off, it's a good time to check in on the Rockville Pikemen's farm system. If the first few seasons under GM Jim Slade's leadership are any indication, the Pikemen organization is counting on the development of young pitching and versatile everyday players.

We'll start with the AAA Dodge City Gunslingers, who are currently in second place, with a 30-28 record. The Gunslingers feature starting pitcher Joe MacIndoe, the team's most polished pitching prospect and top pick in the 2051 draft. In 10 starts, the lefty is keeping the ball on the ground (60% groundball rate) and, not coincidentally, has given up only 1 home run. "We'd like to see a little more efficiency out of Joe," said Gunslingers' pitching coach Jose Morin, "see him keep his pitch counts down a bit. He'll be ready for Rockville when needed."

Righthander Jon Keys has also been rounding into shape, holding opposing hitters to a .205 average. The key for Keys, if you'll excuse the multiple puns, is staying in shape. He's struggled with hamstring and core injuries throughout his young career. Pikemen fans may get to see Keys up close in September. Before September callups, Mike Adams may get another shot in Rockville. The chronic underachiever is putting up nice numbers in Dodge City.

The talent, in terms of position players, is nothing to get too excited about. Switch-hitting infielder Chance Wilson has hit his first snags since ascending the minor league ranks. First baseman Numan Abu al Khayr wasn't able to capitalize on a brief callup to Rockville, but he's put up his usual promising numbers since returning to Dodge City.

The team's AA Winston-Salem Warthogs currently reside in third place with a 29-29 record. Top pitching prospect Troy Torres is not being helped by his teammates' defense. His 2-6 record belies a 3.19 FIP. The rest of the Warthogs' pitching staff is doing all it can to keep games close enough for the team's above-average offense, led by 19-year-old first baseman Tracy Allison, lefthanded-hitting catcher Sean Lavin, and bat-first middle infielders Logan Wagner and Travis Harrell, to slug out a win.

The A-ball Eau Claire Cavaliers are struggling, at 20-37. Beside young, raw starting pitcher Dabir Nawfal, acquired from El Paso in a 2052 deadline deal for outfielder Qadir bin Gamal, the team is short on pitching potential.

Catcher Roger Rodriguez, the Pikemen's 5th-round pick from the 2051 draft, is coming along nicely and may want to start thinking about what he wants to pack for a future promotion to Winston-Salem. Another 5th pick, 2052's draftee Lucas Mac Craken, is also outplaying his competition, with a .312/.411/.508 slash line in just 17 games. Switch-hitting shortstop (watch for this trend) Richard Vernon, the team's top pick in the 2052 draft, is keeping up with the competition at only 17 years of age.

We'll review the team's 2053 draft class in an upcoming feature. First pick Ruben Alvarado, a - get this - switch-hitting shortstop, will be starting his professional career with the SA Port of Spain Royales.