Nick Webb
Webb, 19, was selected out of junior college by Charm City with the 32nd overall pick in the recent 2063 amateur draft. Sources say that the Blazers were tempted by Webb’s power in the first round of the draft at pick 28 but were put off by his defensive challenges. This season in rookie ball, he is hitting .253/.342/.522 (109 OPS+) with 17 home runs but 99 strikeouts. He projects with elite power both into the gaps and over the fence. He has plus-plus speed but lacks the baserunning skills to turn that into stolen bases. In the field, his fate is unclear. He lacks the range to play up the middle, doesn't have the arm to play third base or right field, and his outfield glovework is suspect; first base is his likely home. Scouts praise his work ethic and adaptability.
Carlos Rodríguez
Rodríguez, 27, was recently acquired by Montreal in a waiver trade with Des Moines last month. Word is that he was on his way to join the big league club when the Blazers' travel secretary called him at the airport with news that he had been traded once again, this time to the league-leading Jimmies. He is a veteran BBA hitter with three seasons of strong production under his belt with Des Moines. This season he hit .260/.379/.466 (131 OPS+) for the Kernels before the trade to Montreal. He has plus power and projects with an elite batting eye but struggles against left-handed pitching. He can play an adequate left field but lacks range.
An-yan Dou
Dou, 20, is a left-handed pitcher who was signed out of Taiwan by Montreal in 2059. He made his professional debut last season in rookie ball; this season he is 4-5 with a 4.38 ERA (121 ERA+) in 13 starts. His sidearm delivery dominates left-handed hitters. He projects with average movement and control but his three-pitch repertoire is electric. His fastball should reach 96-98 mph and his wipeout slider projects as elite. He is working on a changeup that promises to be plus-plus someday. He'll need it to get right-handed batters out.
