WHIV 2038.12- Hot Corner Future Is Now

[recte44]

Hot Corner Future Is Now
April 22, 2038

In Spring Training the Las Vegas Hustlers had an open competition for their third base job. After faring miserably the past three seasons, Antonio Baca was dealt away to Nashville. Kazuo Yamamoto made the team because he was out of options, but didn't look like the answer. Instead the Hustlers went with Antonio Cruz at third base. "We figured at least he'd provide a solid glove there," said manager Edward Allen. Five errors in 47 chances later, Allen had seen enough. "Shoot, I could throw one of my lefty outfielders there and get a similar performance," a visibly annoyed Allen exclaimed. "It's not like he's hitting either. I love Antonio but as a player he's highly frustrating."

With all of the options exhausted, Las Vegas went ahead with a bold move by promoting Sancho Castillo from Milwaukee (AAA) to the big leagues and handing him the everyday third baseman role. "He's going top be one of those players who don't get a lot of publicity or hype, but just go out there and do their job," Allen explained. "We don't have much more to lose, so we'll let the kid play."

So what's the scouting report on Castillo? The 21-year old Dominican native was a 1st round pick by Seattle (15th overall) in 2035, and was the "other" part of the return for Lloyd Braun in a 2035 deadline deal (the other player acquired was Quant Kouros ). He's had a quick ascent through the minor leagues, and projects as an above average defensive third baseman with an elite arm. Offensively, he puts the ball in play more often than not; strikeouts are not a big part of his game. He's more of a gap power guy than a home run hitter. He's got good speed but won't be much of a base-stealer.
Peak Projection: .275/.350/.425 and a potential Zimmer third baseman.

[RonCo]

Definitely worth a shot.