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.......... 18 Year Old 2B Moving Up .....
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Shortly after the 2043 Landis Series concluded the Montreal Blazers announced a shake up in the front office and Herb DeSpain was named the new General Manager. DeSpain's very first transaction with the Blazers was a two for five trade with Omaha that sent out two major leaguers and brought back four AAA/ML type players and one prospect. That prospect was 2B Kwan-uk "Tommy" Chong. Due to International Complex rules the 16 year old Chong was forced to report to Montreal's Rookie League affiliate in Oshawa of the Spike Nolan League. It was first thought that Chong could play short stop in the majors but after further evaluation it is now clear that he has neither the arm nor the range to be successful in the field. He's played second base over the past two seasons but he could end up at first base or a corner outfield spot.
At the plate Chong seems to be ahead of his peers. In his age 17 season he hit .332 with an OPS of .844. He also hit 14 doubles and one triple in 241 plate appearances. This season, in just 208 plate appearances, he's hitting .364 with an OPS of 1.029 to go along with 17 doubles, one triple, and five homers. "Tommy has done a great job since coming over from Omaha," said DeSpain. "The players love him and he's way ahead of schedule. His power has started to show and we think he'll do great things at the next level which is why we decided to move him up."