WHIV 2060.5- Checking The Locks: Infielders

[recte44]

Sure Fire Locks (3):
Helmut Grun, 1B/2B (R/R)- Keeping Grun healthy and on the field is of the utmost importance to this club. With that in mind, he's likely to play first base primarily instead of second base.

Randy Wright, 2B/SS (R/R)- Wright is still only 22 years of age, which seems hard to believe. Finally had his breakout year last year. He could play shortstop but the club doesn't want to sacrifice defense unless they absolutely have to, so he'll start at second base.

Tristan Lloyd, 3B (R/R)- One of the most underrated players in the whole of the Brewster universe. Insiders say he was on the trading block all offseason and there was nary an inquiry, which is strange for a 4 WAR player under a very reasonable $6.4M salary this year.

Near Locks (3):
Jorge Madrid, SS (R/R)- From the depths of the minors to a near lock, Madrid's rise has been impressive. All glove. No expectations offensively.

Czar Mamatulin, 1B (L/R)- Had a solid rookie year, but with Grun back and another young slugger (who we'll talk about shortly) pushing for playing time, he will have to produce to play.

Don Dulaney, 3B/1B (R/R)- This is the aforementioned young slugger who is making a strong play for everyday duties, probably mostly as the DH.

Trying To Break In (4):
Luigi Canavan, 1B (L/L)- He certainly has done everything he can do as a young prospect to merit a big league roster spot, but with Mamatulin ahead of him, he'll be found in Milwaukee playing everyday.

Dave Offredi, 1B/2B (R/R)- He's not much of a defender at second base, which has held him back from being regarded as a true "top prospect". The kid has something though- is it mojo or moxie? He's a strong leader, hard worker and loyal. He runs well and has hit throughout his minor league career (.336/.398/.480/.878, 61 steals at Reno-AA last year). Sure, the Hustlers could send him to Milwaukee (AAA) and let him play everyday. But why? He seems like the perfect pinch-hitter/pinch-runner. Very strong chance he makes the team.

Stepan Shabrov, 1B/2B/"OF" (R/R)- At the end of Spring, the Hustlers will have to decide if keeping Shabrov over Offredi is worth it. Had such a great season last year, but over the winter has gone from a five range outfielder to a three range outfielder. Yikes.

Jon Bevan, IF/CO (R/R)- If only he was a better runner, or a little more range in the infield, or covered more ground in the outfield, or hit for a little more power.....yeah, yeah. Bevan is a perfectly nice player, he's just not a great player. One option year left.

Breaking In The Back Door (3):
Gary Warner, IF/RF (R/R)- Very similar to Bevan, with less contact ability, better range, a more suspect glove, more speed, and way worse intangibles. Ticketed for either Reno (AA) or Milwaukee (AAA) but has opened some eyes this spring.

Juan Rios, SS/IF/OF (R/R)- Similar to Madrid in terms of talent, but hasn't really played much above Pahrump (A). At age 23, this is a huge season for Rios.

Hakim Muthuri, 2B/IF (R/R)- A perfectly average infielder who has yet to establish himself with much success above the Class AA level.

[BaseClogger]

Lots of depth to play with. Your farm’s been productive.

[recte44]

Yup, I have lots of mid range dudes