The Cool Of The Grass 2051.6: Des Moines Deals Sloth Fratelli for Malik Bin Mazin

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The Cool Of The Grass 2051.6: Des Moines Deals Sloth Fratelli for Malik Bin Mazin

Post by aaronweiner » Thu Jun 23, 2022 7:41 am

Des Moines and Omaha swapped disappointing young 20-somethings this week. Des Moines dealt catcher Sloth Fratelli and a prospect to the Cyclones for third baseman Malik Bin Mazin and catcher Kaz Saito, a move that should improve the Kernels on the field.

"I'm excited to see what's happening right now in Des Moines and I can't wait to be a part of it," said Mazin. "Omaha is obviously restructuring and rebuilding and the Kernels are kind of the buzz team in the Frick League."

Notably, it's easy to talk about Sloth Fratelli as a prospect and Malik Bin Mazin as the established professional. After all, the latter has had some time to be disappointing. But Mazin turns 24 in two months, and Fratelli? Already 24 and a half, and still developing. Des Moines decided they couldn't afford to be patient on the catcher, who has made significant strides in the last year but was still very underwhelming this season.

But the reason why this deal was possible because of how underwhelming Bin Mazin has been. Since a breakout 2049 season, Mazin hasn't quite done what his immense talent suggests he should do. However, every scout suggests that Mazin is still overwhelmingly talented and just needs to figure out a way to settle down and use his talent.

"We LOVE bin Mazin," said assistant GM Justin Martin. "This guy has amazing bat speed, he's got pop, he's just what we've never had."

Team officials are also quietly not that unhappy to see Fratelli go, not in the same way that they were a little concerned about losing Andy Elmer last year (dealt for Thomas Turner). There's a sentiment that they might have done as well as they could on Fratelli.

"It's possible that Sloth Fratelli will turn himself into a 35-40 home run hitter in that bandbox they have in Omaha," said a Kernels scout. "And it's possible that he'll just be okay for them and never quite get there all the way. To get a talent like Bin Mazin for him is a solid move, we think."

An underrated aspect of this deal is Saito, who the Kernels immediately plugged in as the starting catcher. Saito had a big first week in Des Moines and has a career batting average of .271 and has been the sort of consistent, unspectacular starter that Des Moines has lacked over the last few years.

"We love the way he handles the pitching staff already," said Des Moines pitching coach Tony Cabrera. "He really understands how to maneuver behind the plate."

The move also pushes Des Moines very close to the cap, which means this is likely their last move for the season.

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