The Kids Are All Right.....so far

[JohnC]

Montreal - Five months into what was supposed to a season defined by the development of their young players, the young stars have generated generally positive reviews. Perhaps the most shocking news, to some who figured it would be several seasons before the Blazers once again challenged for the FL Atlantic division, is that the Blazers are only 3.5 games out this late in the season. Management decided to promote several top prospects from AAA all at once this season to learn on the job during what was predicted by some rival GM's to be a long season.

SP Moses Tallchief - Perhaps the most hyped of the young players, Tallchief has put together a mostly solid season. On paper, the 8-8 record with a 4.45 ERA, and a 1.37 WHIP seems very average at best. However for a player who turned 22 at the start of the season, Blazers management are thrilled with his progress. He has number 1 starter written all over him and has been dominant at times during the season.

SP Martin Huigens - While not the same kind of power pitcher as Tallchief, Huigens has been very solid this season as well. His 10 wins leads the staff as does his 174 innings pitched. He is not the kind of starter who will ever have a great WHIP, but once he can harness his control, he should be a very solid number 2-3 starter in this rotation. Also only 22 at the start of the season, Blazers management hope he and Tallchief will continue to develop together.

2B Ernie Stauffer - What needs to be said about this guy. He is currently hitting a whopping .341 with 76 RBI's as a rookie. The 23yr old got a little taste of the big leagues last year when he was a September call up and tore the cover off the ball then as well to a .462 clip in just 26AB's. The only thing Blazers management would like to see him improve on would be his defense at second base.

3B Yves Riviere - Yet another 23 yr old player who is handling major league pitching at the moment. While he has no power, Riviere is hitting a solid .286 with a .344 OBP. He may end being a player without a position as his defense at third leaves a little to be desired. If he continues to develop his bat and get on base, he will find a way into the lineup somewhere.

OF Bob White - Kind of the surprise here as he was not expected to make the team out of spring training. He has turned many heads this season hitting .333 with a .394OBP. He has also managed to steal 18 bases so far and drive in 60 runs. Another player who could use some development in his defense in the OF, White has shown a ton of promise this year and could find himself at the top of the lineup in the near future.

The future appears to be bright in Montreal, as the team also has a few high end prospects at the AAA level who are very close to the ML level. SP Jack Hanski, C Jim Dunn, and OF Weston Fitzpatrick could all find themselves at the ML level at some point in the next season.

Richard Head
Montreal Times