Trail Droppings 2045-2 Who Will Replace Cochran?

[indiansfan]

Who Will Replace Cochran

Tommy Cochran has left Calgary for the Lonestar State. Cochran was a standout last year for the Pioneers hitting .327 with a 1.138 OPS against left handed pitching. However, in his 2 1/2 years in Calgary Cochran could never hold down the 1B job against right handed pitching. When he asked for a $10 million dollar extension, manager’s son or not, the team let him walk. He signed with El Paso for $54 million over 6 years.

So who will replace his role on the team? The Pioneers have a couple of options.

Tim Battle - One option would be to let Battle play full time at 1B. Last year he only hit .219 against lefties, but that was in a limited number of at bats. Hitting Coach Hector Cano is convinced that Battle can play every day. The team will probably let him start some games against lefties, but would like another option if this doesn’t work out.

Bryan Gill - The 26 year old made big strides last season hitting 37 homers for AA Duluth. Cochran likes the big power bat that Gill brings to the game and he can also field the position. Gill will get at bats against both lefties and righties this Spring to see what he is capable of. If the team can find a spot for him on the roster, he will be spending this year in Calgary.

Torvald Leers - At 29 years old, this might be Leers’ last shot at the majors. Plucked out of Louisville’s system in the Rule 5 Draft, Leers hit 39 homers in AAA last year and crushes lefties. The drawback is he has a stone glove. Leers would probably only make the team as a DH unless he learns to field before his 30th birthday. Odds are long however that the team will have room for both Gill and Leers.