SP Ricardo Martínez
B/T: L/R
Age: 18
Current: 4/5/4/6/6
Potential: 6/6/7/6/9
Curveball: 5/11
Changeup: 5/8
Cutter: 4/8
Velocity: 93-95 (Pot. 96-98)
Stam: 7
Hold: 8
Def: 5
After a rough 2062 season that saw the Surfers lose over 100 games for the first time since 2051, we arrive at a small consolation price, the seventh overall pick in the amateur draft. With that slot, the team selected high school starting pitcher Ricardo Martínez. The right handed Martínez has the looks of command specialist with enough stuff to get strikeouts as well. In lieu of a four-seam fastball, he uses a cutter as his primary pitch, supplemented by a good changeup and a curveball that scouts think could be among the best in the league someday. At 6'2" and 175 pounds, Long Beach projects that he could add up to three miles per hour on his cutter with proper training and coaching.
His development is currently excellent for his age, and we would not be surprised to see him start his professional career at the single-A level in his home state of Arizona. The newly revitalized Tombstone Geckos are aiming to challenge The Best Minor League Team Ever and Some Bums in the Nashville organization for the title in the CPL.
Scouts do have questions about his work ethic, but Long Beach has been known to make significant inroads with similar issues in the past. With his current skills and an assumption of improved work ethic, we see low risk for Martínez to develop into an excellent BBA pitcher.
OFP: 65 - 1st Division SP
Likely: 55 – 1st Division SP
BBA ETA: 2065
Round 1 / Pick 20
C Glen Butler
B/T: L/R
Age: 19
Current: 5/3/2/2/5
Potential: 9/5/4/4/9
C Arm: 5
C Frm: 5
C Blk: 6
IF/OF Range: 3/6
IF/OF Error: 6/6
IF/OF Arm: 6/6
TDP: 3
SPD: 2
STL Ag/Ab: 3/3
BR: 2
With the 20th overall pick, the Surfers selected C/Util Glen Butler, a 19 year old catcher out of Australia College. The team's additional First Round pick is compensation for failing to sign last year's first rounder. Butler has a contact-first swing from the left side, and if he develops his full potential, he should have no problem hitting well against BBA pitching. He's not going to take a lot of walks, but makes up for that with enough power to hit double digit home runs every season. He may struggle slightly against left handed pitching, but that is generally accepted for left handed batters.
Behind the plate, he's a good blocker but grades as average for his arm and framing abilities. We would expect to see him spend time in the development lab honing those skills, but as he is currently rated, his bat should make up for his average defense. If he is able to improve defensively, he could grow into one of the best catchers in the BBA.
Scouts have noted excellent work ethic and a commitment to doing what is best for the team. He spent some time at third base and in the outfield in college, and scouts were impressed with his athleticism. It's possible that he serves a role on a BBA team as a catcher and a utility player, increasing his value.
OFP: 65 - 1st Division C
Likely: 50 – 1st Division C/Util
BBA ETA: 2066
