Being the team with the lowest budget and lowest revenue has made the Outlaws bargain bin shoppers for years. They could be the BBA’s version of the A’s. Well, to that end, the team made a splash at backup catcher in the Rule V draft by selecting a young AAA catcher from the Calgary Pioneers farm system, 22 year old Sonny Wadden.
It is unsure whether or not the Pioneers were intent on protecting the young prospect or not, but the Outlaws had Wadden high on their list. He is similar to incumbent starter Bradford McBearett at the plate with completely average ratings (can you get more average??) but without the top end defense. McBearett excels due to his high end defense and should get the bulk of the work but Wadden has a slight edge at the plate against righties. Expect to see the youngster starting every 4th or 5th day to avoid the wear and tear on Blast McBearett who had a career season last year at age 28. The Outlaws have given the newly acquired catcher the bulk of spring training starts at catcher to test out what they may have in the youngster and so far he has excelled, hitting .467 with 2 homers. It is safe to say that Wadden will stay with the club and have a key role in ’60.
Wadden immediately replaces last year’s backup Paul Hovis who had a large drop from his 2058 season. In ’58 Hovis slashed .291/17/47 with 1.3 WAR but in ’59 he dropped to .162/7/23 and -0.9 WAR. The new version of OOTP was not kind to the low contact, low eye catcher who is still on the free agent market looking for a team in ’60.
Long term prospects at catcher fall to 17 year old Gary Weddington, a 5th round draft pick in 2059. Weddington projects to be a starter down the road and could be the heir apparent to Blast when needed.
