Projected Starter: Max Hatcher?This is a series that I have stolen from the Jackrabbits, where we will evaluate each position leading into and during the early stages of Spring Training. Only players currently on the 40 man roster will be included in this series as prospects will be looked at in upcoming weeks. This is the fifth of eleven positions that will be posted. In this part, we will take a look at the short stop position.
Backup: Jesus Rojas?
Trying to find a spot: None
It’s currently unclear who the starting shortstop will be in Omaha. When the club signed Rojas to an extension many assumed he would be taking over shortstop duties, although his work with the glove was cringe worthy last season so it may be best for the club to look elsewhere to begin 2038.
The potentially did just that when the club signed Max Hatcher. Great, a guy with a good glove and some power behind the plate to play well in Omaha’s ballpark. A shoe in right? Wrong...No indications show that the club has made any decision on the shortstop decision. As a matter of a fact, it is also rumored the club still plans to call up Jake Williams to potentially play Shortstop and use Hatcher as more of an infield backup and Rojas to cover the outfield.
Williams doesn't look like much of an improvement over Hatcher, good power, bad contact, great glove. They almost mirror each other.
It’s anybody’s guess right now who is covering the spot between 2nd and 3rd base come opening day.