Ready or not, here comes Sugiyama.(46.03)

[niles08]

Ichizo Sugiyama thought after being traded to Omaha in 2044 by Phoenix that he would be spending the majority of the 2045 season at the BBA level, if not an opening day starter. That is until March 12th of 2045, just 2 weeks before the regular season. It’s that day that the Cyclones announced they had agreed to a contract with Diesel “All Star” Dave.

In an unconfirmed report, Sugiyama was said to be “flabber gasted” over the Dave signing as he was unsure what that meant his future would be in Omaha. Does he unpack or is he going to be dealt away just as quickly as he arrived?

Sugiyama spent his entire age 24 season in AAA. He finished with just a .232 batting average however managed a 125 OPS+ thanks to 32 home runs. Over 436 at bats, he struck out 182 times (41% of the time). He has clearly had mixed signals over his readiness to contribute at the top level.

Sugiyama will turn 25 at the beginning of this season with 0 BBA at bats. It’s likely he will be the clubs opening day catcher just as he envisioned a year prior.

The question remains whether he is truly ready.