WHIV 2056.6- Checking the Locks: Catchers/Infielders

[recte44]

Sure Fire Locks (3):
Claudio Morgan (C), Stewart Turton (2B), Juan Luis Manuel (SS)

Morgan is clearly the everyday catcher and a building block for the franchise. Signing Manuel does a couple of things for the Hustlers- it improves the infield defense both by inserting Manuel at shortstop and also by moving Turton to his best position (second base).

Near Locks (2):
Tristan Lloyd (3B), Eli Landgre (2B/IF)

It would be a shock if Lloyd didn't break camp, as he's slated to be the everyday third baseman and a pillar of the lineup. Landgre is best as a utility infielder, and with Manuel in tow that's what he'll be.

Trying To Break In (6):
John Stanley (C), Reed Schute, Brian Flint (1B), Eugene Wolfe (2B), Cecil Clarke (1B/C), Banger Dan (3B/1B)

There isn't much holding Stanley back from winning the backup catcher job. All he has to do is show he's capable. Schute is ticketed for the minor leagues. Flint and Clarke currently figure to be the first base platoon, and Wolfe should join Landgre off the bench. Vegas has no idea what to do with Banger Dan.

Breaking In The Back Door (4):
Jibril Qasim (IF/OF), Ronald Young (IF/OF)Hakim Muthuri (2B/IF), Randy Wright (2B/1B)

Qasim, Young and Muthuri are all young, cheap, ready for the BBA bench types who don't seem to have a clear path to a roster spot currently. Wright is a bit further away and limited defensively, but he's been a hot bat early in Spring, and that's promising.

[BaseClogger]

Might have to steal this TN format!

[cheekimonk]

Agreed

[trmmilwwi]

Yep, love this format.

[Trebro]

If i ever am actually on time with my news (always so much off-season stuff to cover!), I will absolutely try this!