WHIV 2061.8- Checking The Locks: Outfielders
Posted: Thu Oct 24, 2024 7:49 pm
Sure Fire Locks (3):
Tadataka Yoshikawa, LF (6/8/8/7/5)- This was the biggest signing of the offseason for the Hustlers. At one point they withdrew from negotiations with him, angering the veteran outfielder, then he re-engaged the Hustlers in preseason and they were able to come to terms on a three year deal. The major injury he had in 2057 was a fluke (broken hand) so the Hustlers felt his bat was worth the risk, especially in a park that gives a boost to right-handed sluggers.
Roberto Hampton, CF (5/4/5/6/5)- He did exactly what the club thought he'd do in his first full year as a BBA starting centerfielder. He didn't hit much (though he surprisingly hit 10 homers), he did steal 28 bases when he managed to get on base, and he was an fantastic defender in center field. It'd be nice if he offered a bit more at the plate, but ask a bunch of BBA teams if they wouldn't take this dude as their center fielder. He's only 23 years old.
Tankut Saltik, RF (5/8/6/7/5)- That 6 power could still get to that 8 potential, but will it? He's 27 years old already. The 2060 season was the year the Hustlers finally decided to just let the Turk play every day, and after goofing around with left field for a while the Hustlers eventually settled on right field as his best position and that's where he'll stay. He'll need to improve those power numbers (18 HR last year). Vegas is looking for another jump from this dude in 2061.
Near Locks (2):
Roberto Delgado, LF/RF (6/8/6/5/5)- 24 year old L/L, hits well, fields well, runs well, and is super smart. For the last couple of years, the Hustlers just haven't been able to make a full commitment to Delgado as a full-time dude. The signing of Yoshikawa puts him in the fourth outfielder role, probably getting some sporadic playing time against tough righties spelling Saltik.
Mario Romero, CF/OF/SS/2B/3B (5/7/5/6/5)- He's out of options and the Hustlers aren't about to waive him. He's a swiss army knife who can play the two hardest positions to find someone to play them in shortstop and center field. They'll have to figure out a way to squeeze him on the roster.
Trying To Break In (4):
Kamatari Kino, OF (6/7/6/4/6)- There are plenty of reasons to simply give Kino the fifth outfielder spot and not look back. There are a lot of reasons to send him to Milwaukee (AAA) with one of his two remaining options and let him play everyday. On the other hand, he has nothing left to prove there. Is he anything more than a spare outfielder? If not, is there anything wrong with what he is? Why do we like him more than Delgado? He's also just 24 years old.
Spartak Paschenkov, LF (POT: 5/5/5/7/6)- Good plate discipline and speed. Bad defense. Lack of power. Dumber than a box of rocks. Three option years left but will his 40-man spot even last the spring?
Angel Trejo, LF/RF (8/7/4/5/8)- He has one option year left, so if the Hustlers can't find a spot for him then he'll play everyday in Milwaukee. Seems to me an ideal pinch hitter weapon. Could he be more than that? We haven't decided on what the future holds for this 23 year old newcomer to the Hustlers system.
Rodrigo Cabrera, RF/OF (POT: 6/5/5/8/5)- Since the Hustlers picked him up from Rocky Mountain in July 2056, it seemed like they always had an eye on him being a big part of their future plans. Now. he seems like maybe he's the odd man out. He still has one option year left, so they don't need to make any rash decisions about Cabrera quite yet.
Breaking In The Back Door (3):
Mu'ayyad bin Nu'man, "LF" (5/6/5/7/5)- Let's be honest. He's not making the team. The Hustlers brought him to camp as a thank you for being a good dude who fills a role in AAA. When he stopped being a passable left fielder he stopped being a passable BBA player.
Chandler Larkman, CF (POT: 9/8/3/4/8)- He could be a damn fine player, and he's getting closer. Not this year. Maybe, just maybe next year.
Garry Norwood, OF (POT: 6/5/4/6/6)- He's my favorite under the radar prospect. Just a little dirt dog who can play center field and works harder than damn near anyone else. The type of dude who would play the game for free.
Tadataka Yoshikawa, LF (6/8/8/7/5)- This was the biggest signing of the offseason for the Hustlers. At one point they withdrew from negotiations with him, angering the veteran outfielder, then he re-engaged the Hustlers in preseason and they were able to come to terms on a three year deal. The major injury he had in 2057 was a fluke (broken hand) so the Hustlers felt his bat was worth the risk, especially in a park that gives a boost to right-handed sluggers.
Roberto Hampton, CF (5/4/5/6/5)- He did exactly what the club thought he'd do in his first full year as a BBA starting centerfielder. He didn't hit much (though he surprisingly hit 10 homers), he did steal 28 bases when he managed to get on base, and he was an fantastic defender in center field. It'd be nice if he offered a bit more at the plate, but ask a bunch of BBA teams if they wouldn't take this dude as their center fielder. He's only 23 years old.
Tankut Saltik, RF (5/8/6/7/5)- That 6 power could still get to that 8 potential, but will it? He's 27 years old already. The 2060 season was the year the Hustlers finally decided to just let the Turk play every day, and after goofing around with left field for a while the Hustlers eventually settled on right field as his best position and that's where he'll stay. He'll need to improve those power numbers (18 HR last year). Vegas is looking for another jump from this dude in 2061.
Near Locks (2):
Roberto Delgado, LF/RF (6/8/6/5/5)- 24 year old L/L, hits well, fields well, runs well, and is super smart. For the last couple of years, the Hustlers just haven't been able to make a full commitment to Delgado as a full-time dude. The signing of Yoshikawa puts him in the fourth outfielder role, probably getting some sporadic playing time against tough righties spelling Saltik.
Mario Romero, CF/OF/SS/2B/3B (5/7/5/6/5)- He's out of options and the Hustlers aren't about to waive him. He's a swiss army knife who can play the two hardest positions to find someone to play them in shortstop and center field. They'll have to figure out a way to squeeze him on the roster.
Trying To Break In (4):
Kamatari Kino, OF (6/7/6/4/6)- There are plenty of reasons to simply give Kino the fifth outfielder spot and not look back. There are a lot of reasons to send him to Milwaukee (AAA) with one of his two remaining options and let him play everyday. On the other hand, he has nothing left to prove there. Is he anything more than a spare outfielder? If not, is there anything wrong with what he is? Why do we like him more than Delgado? He's also just 24 years old.
Spartak Paschenkov, LF (POT: 5/5/5/7/6)- Good plate discipline and speed. Bad defense. Lack of power. Dumber than a box of rocks. Three option years left but will his 40-man spot even last the spring?
Angel Trejo, LF/RF (8/7/4/5/8)- He has one option year left, so if the Hustlers can't find a spot for him then he'll play everyday in Milwaukee. Seems to me an ideal pinch hitter weapon. Could he be more than that? We haven't decided on what the future holds for this 23 year old newcomer to the Hustlers system.
Rodrigo Cabrera, RF/OF (POT: 6/5/5/8/5)- Since the Hustlers picked him up from Rocky Mountain in July 2056, it seemed like they always had an eye on him being a big part of their future plans. Now. he seems like maybe he's the odd man out. He still has one option year left, so they don't need to make any rash decisions about Cabrera quite yet.
Breaking In The Back Door (3):
Mu'ayyad bin Nu'man, "LF" (5/6/5/7/5)- Let's be honest. He's not making the team. The Hustlers brought him to camp as a thank you for being a good dude who fills a role in AAA. When he stopped being a passable left fielder he stopped being a passable BBA player.
Chandler Larkman, CF (POT: 9/8/3/4/8)- He could be a damn fine player, and he's getting closer. Not this year. Maybe, just maybe next year.
Garry Norwood, OF (POT: 6/5/4/6/6)- He's my favorite under the radar prospect. Just a little dirt dog who can play center field and works harder than damn near anyone else. The type of dude who would play the game for free.