WHIV 2058.10- Checking the Locks: Infielders

[recte44]

Sure Fire Locks (3):

Helmut Grun, R/R- Last year's big free agent signing was everything the Hustlers hoped he would be. Primary first baseman, can play second base in a pinch.

Tristan "Casino" Lloyd, R/R- Is he the new "star" of the Hustlers? Last season's number certainly support that statement. He's happy to fly under the large shadow cast by veterans like Tom Rudge and Grun.

Stewart "Sky" Turton, R/R- Turton had his best offensive season last year, and played more shortstop as the year progressed, with encouraging defensive stats there. That's good, because he's gotta play shortstop now, and there isn't much of a safety net behind him.

Near Locks (2):

Randy Wright, R/R- Solid debut performance by Wright, who was called up when Turton and Wolfe were hurt in the second half. Hit well enough, his second base defense was slightly below average statistically but he should be fine there as he is now the presumptive every day second baseman.

Eugene Wolfe, R/R- Wolfe is just a solid backup infielder. Every team would love to have a guy like this.

Trying To Break In (3):

Jon Bevan, R/R- We were hoping he was more of a low "6" contact than a high "5" based on his minor league stats, and sure enough that "6" talent bump happened this offseason. So can he reach the potential? Looks like a plus defender at third base, a competent corner outfielder, and someone who could play second and short in a pinch. Ideally he'd get another season in the minor leagues, but is fully on the Las Vegas radar now as another one of those underappreciated prospects that no one ever notices until they do.

Doug Kindle, S/R- He can't hit much, but he can play all around the diamond including shortstop and center field, and that makes him a pretty decent bet to have a long career as a bench player.

Jabril Qasim, R/R- Doesn't quite hit enough to move the needle, doesn't quite field well enough at any position but can play six positions, doesn't run well enough to move the needle, and on top of that coaches don't think he's a hard worker, but he's real smart. He's already been hanging around new pitcher Edgar Sosa.

Breaking In The Back Door (6):

Luigi Canavan, L/L: First baseman in name only. Looks like he can be a left-handed power bat but needs some more minor league time. Ticketed for Reno (AA).

Esteban Carrillo, S/R- Interesting case study. 32 year old career minor leaguer. Great intangibles. Mixed results. Never broke through to the BBA. Signed because he can allegedly hit left-handed pitching. Should not play any position but "hitter".

Czar "Jimmie Jack" Mamatulin, L/R- One of the Hustlers' top hitting prospects. Spent the last half of 2057 with Reno (AA) and hit well there. He's close to the bigs. Also a "captain". Like the other first basemen here, can't really field to save his life. Will he displace Chris Hall as DH someday?

Fadeuka Hadenov, S/R- The Hustlers' second round pick in 2056, he's 20 years old and his primary position is shortstop. He hit .300 for Pahrump (A) last year and could be a fast riser.

Carson "Clowny" Stauffer, R/R- Still only 27 years old, he was a #1 pick (34th overall) by Mexico City in 2052 but he never quite made it there, and after a miserable 2057 they let him go to free agency. We see a guy who was expected to be an everyday player because of expectations, but he's really a quality utility player with something the Hustlers are lacking overall- speed (that sounds weird to say). All that gives him an inside track at a BBA roster spot.

Alberto Alvarez, R/R- Despite an average arm, he can actually play shortstop, and play it pretty well. He can't hit at all. Like not at all. Depth option.

[ae37jr]

Thought for sure Korbel was coming back with you loading up on groundball pitchers. I guess it's still a possibility.

[recte44]

I had an eye on him