2004 Las Vegas Hustlers Preview: Second Base
Overview: One of the Hustlers' most underrated stars shuffles between second base and shortstop, while a once proud star languishes in reserve.
Starter: Donald "Iron Man" Noboru
Noboru was the Hustlers #1 pick (10th overall) in the 1995 Ammy Draft, the first Draft of the "new MBBA". Then, there were some who thought the Hustlers might have been better off choosing John Neely instead of Noboru. While Neely has certainly had an awesome career, Noboru is comparable defensively and a vastly better defensive player. Noboru has batted at least .318 in each of his six full MBBA seasons. He's actually coming off of that "low" .318 average from last year. Overall, it was the least productive offensive season since his rookie year in 1999. The Hustlers expect him to continue his solid play and "return to form" this year. He'll play second base versus righties and likely shift to shortstop against lefties.
Reserve: Brent Gates
Know why it seems like Brent Gates has been on the Trade Block forever? Because this will be his 11th season with the Hustlers (12th overall). He's just 34 years old and immensely talented. His bad luck to be stuck behind a couple of talented middle infielders. He actually started the first half of last year until the Hustlers decided to give Phillipe LaRouche more playing time in order to turn a good defense into a great one. It worked, and that leaves Brent Gates as one of the best reserve infielders in the game. Once again, it also leaves him on the Trade Block.
Top Prospect: Jason MacKinney
A 6th round draft pick in 2001, MacKinney has had a steady rise through the Hustlers system. Las Vegas' farm system was once at the top of the MBBA, now it's near the bottom. After conquering the Class A level on a repeat trip there, MacKinney looks poised to make the jump to AA. "It's where the men get separated from the boys," MacKinney quipped. "I'll work hard, that's for sure."