2060.08 - The Long Beach Independent - State of the Farm - A Tombstone

[Lane]

TWO UP THE MIDDLE

Gary Tinstaap

Tombstone, AZ

The top prospect currently at Single-A Tombstone is Radu Lupan, a 22 year old second baseman. Lupan, a right handed batter, was acquired last season in a trade with Rocky Mountain along with pitching prospec Mesîh Yamak in exchange for outfielder Glenn Fox and pitcher Jayden Nicholls. He entered the league as an international free agent, signing with Calgary in 2055 before being traded to Rocky Mountain.

He's a bit underdeveloped (okay, more than a bit) for his age, with stunted development in his power and eye ratings. However, if he is able to reach his potentials, his 6/5/7/4/7/6 bat and slightly above average defense at second base would make him a regular BBA starter. As with many other prospects we have highlighted in this series, Lupan would be average or slightly better in most aspects of his approach at the plate. There's few true standouts in the system currently, with the focus being more on balance and high floors.

Moving on now to Juan Simpson, 21 year old first round draft pick in 2059. In contrast to Lupan, Simpson is appropriately developed for his age, and needs just minor polish on his contact skills and defense. Announced at the draft as a shortstop, it appears unlikely that that will be his position in the big leagues. However, his range and arm would be above average as second base, and with Steveland Morris signed through 2064, there's not a lot of urgency to find an immediate replacement at shortstop.

Simpson brings average contact ability to the plate, but has an excellent eye and is a good baserunner despite average speed. With superior intangibles, we forsee no reason why he wouldn't be a starter in Long Beach within the next couple of seasons. Look for him to start 2061 in AA, likely landing in AAA Commerce before the end of the season.

You'll note that there has not been a ton of pitching highlighted in this series. Let's touch on one that we find in Tombstone. Félix Vázquez was a fifth round draft pick in 2056 and is in the midst of a breakout season. The 6' righty saw significant velocity improvement this year, going from throwing low 90s to sitting mid-90s and touching 97 at times. He has three pitches that rate about average, and has decent control of them. At the moment he looks like a borderline starter, but could see that change with further improvement in his velocity. At the very least, we could see the organization shift him into a full time relief role which would likely result in increased velocity and stuff by focusing on just two pitches.

[Knucklehead254]

Who needs a farm when you can just trade them away for better players

[Lane]

Who needs a farm when you can just trade them away for better players

i mean, that's been my usual way of operating. Hell, these articles are being written by Gary Tinstaap!