2036.12 - The Long Beach Independent - Offseason Workouts Paying Off

[Lane]

SIMPSON, LINDT CONTINUE TO IMPROVE

April 15, 2036
Calgary, AB

The Surfers are 4-8. Let's distract ourselves from the record, and take a look at some promising improvements for a couple of players.

As we reported over the offseason, Diogo Lindt did show up to Spring Training with that fancy new changeup. As such, he's become a much more exciting piece for the Surfers, and has been called up to join the rotation for at least one turn. Instead of returning to AAA following a brief DL stint, he'll be thrown right into the fire to face the righty-heavy lineup of the Calgary Pioneers.

Following 5 scoreless innings for Venezuela in the World Baseball Cup over the winter, Lindt made two starts for Santa Fe this season. Nerves got the best of him in the first start, where he went 6.1 innings and allowed 6 runs. He followed that up with 2.1 scoreless, allowing just 1 hit and 1 walk before leaving with a sore elbow. As they did down the stretch last season, the front office is again showing a lot of faith in the young right hander, handing him the ball for an important game as the Surfers try to dig out of their early season hole.

Lindt has not been the only player working to improve his game early this season. Superstar first baseman Mark Simpson has reportedly fine-tuned his eyesight, with his overall rating now a 9. With a career walk rate of 15%, we're looking forward to seeing that move up even more, and perhaps there's even a chance of breaking .400 OBP for the first time since 2032. Additionally, he's improved his contact ability against left handed pitchers. He's truly an all-world hitter when he steps into the right hand batters box, rated 9/8/9/9/7 against southpaws. It'll be a wonder if anyone throws him a strike.

The 27 year old is off to a slow start this season, hitting just .250/.304/.423 but we have no doubt that he'll be back on track by the end of the month.