WHIV 2036.12- Has Vegas Found Their Shortstop?

[recte44]

Has Vegas Found Their Shortstop?
May 27, 2036

From 2016-2026 the Las Vegas Hustlers were blessed with consistency from their shortstop position. Current Hustlers manager Edward Allen and then Fred Hernandez had this crucial position locked down and the Front Office had no need to worry about it.

Then in 2027 the Hustlers started struggling to find a long term fix there. Ernesto Chavez was the primary shortstop in 2027, then Omar Aparicio from 2028-2030, followed by Chavez again in 2031. Edgardo Pagan took over in 2032, then Kaoru Kouda in 2033. Las Vegas made a huge deal to acquire Lloyd Braun who seemingly put this search to rest from 2034-2035, but then was dealt away at the deadline in 2035 leaving the position to Kagehisa Echi who showed early promise but ultimately has proven to be more of a utility type.


In the Florida Prospect League of 2035, Vegas had their eyes open by Miguel Rodriguez (pictured, above) who had done nothing to write home about during his five years in the Hustlers' system. He emerged offensively in the Winter League, hitting .268/.403/.402 with 8 homers in 97 at-bats and was added to the 40-man roster. While he hadn't shown much at the plate again to start the 2036 season with Pahrump (Class A), the Hustlers scouts noticed he was showing improvement at the plate. "If he can just hit .250 that's a bonus," Vegas manager Allen said. "His defense is that good."

So two weeks ago the Hustlers made the unique decision to promote Rodriguez from Class A to the big leagues, and insert him as the everyday shortstop. It's looking like a stroke of genius. He's batting .333/.357/.410 in his first 11 games (39 at-bats), while playing good defense at perhaps the most critical position on the field.

Maybe the search is over?

[7teen]

Good defense. Jury is out on whether he can hit RHP.

Of course Valencia has a few SS if you want to pay for one of them.

[ae37jr]

Rodríguez is one of those sneaky good players. Look at him real fast and go... 5 contact, 2 power.. oh hell no. But he can run, field(6 positions if trained), take a walk, doesn't strikeout. He should do plenty to carve a niche out for himself. At the very least he and Echi make a formidable platoon with the one not starting being a prime candidate to sub out a poor fielder at another position. I've built my team around players like Rodríguez. He could play for me any day.

[Lane]

he'll be fine against lefties but i have serious concerns about his ability to hit righties at the BBA level.

[ae37jr]

he'll be fine against lefties but i have serious concerns about his ability to hit righties at the BBA level.

I see your point. And you might be right. He still has room for growth though. Right now he is projecting to be 6/6/2/8/7 VS righty when all is said and done. I think that is perfectly fine for a role player who plays great defense and runs well. Not all star level talent, but should be a starter or worst case a decent platoon player.