Off Topic
2061 Season Snapshot
When I stepped into the role as Bikini’s GM, backstop was such a position of need I went out and Rule 5ed five “glove only” guys and went into the season with two of them as my “starters.” There’s a reason I drafted Pedro Jimenez that year. I was a low ceiling, high floor guy who was already developed enough that we brough him to the bigs before that season was out.
Needless to say, stocking catchers became a focus.
Which brings us to today. Looking at the organization feels considerably better overall. To be certain, we don’t have superstars coming through the ranks, but as Jimenez turns 28, we have five guys who I think are interesting and who look like they can make an impact at the major league level at some point. The first two I think are fairly certain to see a BBA field sometime, and the other three are all interesting question marks.
So, let’s take a look at them, shall we?
#1 – Ivan Quintana
Quintana carries a 40 Overall Potential, and I think it’s that low due to defensive blandness. Offensively there’s a lot to like, starting from the fact that he’s a lefthanded bat who doesn’t have any holes, including the fact that he can hit lefties some, which makes him a real candidate for a backup role if nothing else. He’s been a solid OBP guy who puts up positive OPS+ numbers. His arm is actually stronger than Jimenez’s, but his blocking and framing need work. At age 20, he’s got some time. We’ll see if the team wants to devote a slot on Pain Island to work on those.
Regardless, Quintana is the kind of OOTP player I love to have around because I personally think that “40” looks like an under-rating. Nothing is more fun than having a 40 or 45 play like a 50 or 55.
Fingers crossed.
2062 Projection: Hopefully will back up Jimenez
#2 – Rahimat Sulayman
Sulayman has taken an overall rating downgrade since being drafted in 2060 (his power potential dropped from “6” to “5,” but I’m not particularly worried about that right now. His bat has been strong enough (5 homers, .287/.369/.373) at Lake City A-Ball, and his glove is still looking a bit better than workable. The arm is among the best in the organization.
I am optimistic that the power hit will return. I suppose it’s possible we could send a few PPT his way and see what happens. At 20, though, he’s in that “Wait and see what happens” period. My brain projects him as a solid minimum salary backup as it stands today, but he’s not far off a stronger role.
2062 Projection: Current thought is he’ll play all of 2062 in AA Kamloops
#3 – David Castillo
I have it on good word from other GMs that David Castillo is “not a catcher.” I can see why they say that. The 5/5/4 defensive ratings score him out as just barely more capable than a cement block with a strike zone painted on it. Fair enough. What David Castillo is projected to be able to do, though, is bat left handed and hit about anything thrown at him. The ratings have been growing, which is good…but we drafted him as a really, really young kid out of high school, so the numbers have been sporadic. His .268/.328/.332 in Short-A Port au Prince this year were encouraging at moments.
To be honest, I think his path to the majors is more dependent upon developing better plate discipline than anything about the glove. If he completely busts out there, he can play for me the same way Aaron Stone played for me in my days with Yellow Springs.
We sent him to the Dev Lab last year, and the glove edged up. I expect we’ll do it again this year. If things go well for him, there’s anonzero chance David Castillo will not only “be a catcher,” but might be one of the better ones in the game. Time will tell, though. Until then, we can dream.
2062 Projection: A Full Season with our Lake City A-Ball team
#4 – Takiji Takata
Consider him the anti-David Castillo. The guy could already be a major league defender, but his bat is about as nonexistent as you can get. When I drafted him back in 2059 (round 4), I decided I’d just drop him into R-Ball and if nothing else he would help our pitchers there. I’m sure this has been true. I was also hoping his high marks for Work Ethic and Intelligence might see the offensive skills tick up. I’m about equally sure this has not been true.
At 19 and as a switch hitter, though, he remains a person of interest.
2062 Projection: Depends on other draftees. Either a 4th course of Rookie Ball, or a move to Short A.
#5 – Fred Adamic
Adamic is another guy who is here for the glove. Unlike Takata, though, if he’s going to make it the show, the glove isn’t big enough to rely on by itself. So he’s going to need a serious bump. Two would be better. Still, there’s enough material here to make a list.
2062 Projection: We picked him up partway through the year, and had him serve a backup role. Depending on some other decisions, I think he’d benefit from a full season as a starter in Short A, though I could see him at A-Ball if playing time of others warrants it.
When I stepped into the role as Bikini’s GM, backstop was such a position of need I went out and Rule 5ed five “glove only” guys and went into the season with two of them as my “starters.” There’s a reason I drafted Pedro Jimenez that year. I was a low ceiling, high floor guy who was already developed enough that we brough him to the bigs before that season was out.
Needless to say, stocking catchers became a focus.
Which brings us to today. Looking at the organization feels considerably better overall. To be certain, we don’t have superstars coming through the ranks, but as Jimenez turns 28, we have five guys who I think are interesting and who look like they can make an impact at the major league level at some point. The first two I think are fairly certain to see a BBA field sometime, and the other three are all interesting question marks.
So, let’s take a look at them, shall we?
#1 – Ivan Quintana
| Ivan Quintana (C) | Age | OVR | CON | BABIP | AvK | GAP | POW | EYE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level: AAA | 20 | 35/40 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 6/6 | 5/5 | 6/6 | 5/5 |
| Age: 20 | * | IFR | IFE | IFA | TDP | OFR | OFE | OFA |
| Bats-Throws: L/R | * | 2 | 3 | 5 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 5 |
| Height: 6'3" | * | SPD | AGR | STE | RUN | CBK | CFR | CAR |
| Weight: 195 | * | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Source: DR60.5 |
Regardless, Quintana is the kind of OOTP player I love to have around because I personally think that “40” looks like an under-rating. Nothing is more fun than having a 40 or 45 play like a 50 or 55.
Fingers crossed.
2062 Projection: Hopefully will back up Jimenez
#2 – Rahimat Sulayman
| Rahimat Sulayman (C) | Age | OVR | CON | BABIP | AvK | GAP | POW | EYE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level: A | 20 | 30/35 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Age: 20 | * | IFR | IFE | IFA | TDP | OFR | OFE | OFA |
| Bats-Throws: R/R | * | 3 | 3 | 7 | 1 | 6 | 1 | 7 |
| Height: 6'1" | * | SPD | AGR | STE | RUN | CBK | CFR | CAR |
| Weight: 200 | * | 2 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 7 | 7 | 9 |
| Source: DR60.3 |
I am optimistic that the power hit will return. I suppose it’s possible we could send a few PPT his way and see what happens. At 20, though, he’s in that “Wait and see what happens” period. My brain projects him as a solid minimum salary backup as it stands today, but he’s not far off a stronger role.
2062 Projection: Current thought is he’ll play all of 2062 in AA Kamloops
#3 – David Castillo
| David Castillo (C) | Age | OVR | CON | BABIP | AvK | GAP | POW | EYE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level: A | 19 | 20/45 | 4/8 | 4/7 | 6/8 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3/3 |
| Age: 19 | * | IFR | IFE | IFA | TDP | OFR | OFE | OFA |
| Bats-Throws: L/R | * | 3 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Height: 6'5" | * | SPD | AGR | STE | RUN | CBK | CFR | CAR |
| Weight: 195 | * | 2 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Source: DR59.2S |
To be honest, I think his path to the majors is more dependent upon developing better plate discipline than anything about the glove. If he completely busts out there, he can play for me the same way Aaron Stone played for me in my days with Yellow Springs.
We sent him to the Dev Lab last year, and the glove edged up. I expect we’ll do it again this year. If things go well for him, there’s anonzero chance David Castillo will not only “be a catcher,” but might be one of the better ones in the game. Time will tell, though. Until then, we can dream.
2062 Projection: A Full Season with our Lake City A-Ball team
#4 – Takiji Takata
| Takiji Takata (C) | Age | OVR | CON | BABIP | AvK | GAP | POW | EYE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level: R | 19 | 20/30 | 2/4 | 2/4 | 3/5 | 3/3 | 2/2 | 3/4 |
| Age: 19 | * | IFR | IFE | IFA | TDP | OFR | OFE | OFA |
| Bats-Throws: S/R | * | 3 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 5 | 2 | 4 |
| Height: 6'2" | * | SPD | AGR | STE | RUN | CBK | CFR | CAR |
| Weight: 183 | * | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 10 | 10 | 5 |
| Source: DR59.4 |
At 19 and as a switch hitter, though, he remains a person of interest.
2062 Projection: Depends on other draftees. Either a 4th course of Rookie Ball, or a move to Short A.
#5 – Fred Adamic
| Fred Adamic (C) | Age | OVR | CON | BABIP | AvK | GAP | POW | EYE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level: SA | 21 | 20/25 | 3/4 | 3/4 | 3/5 | 3/3 | 3/3 | 4/5 |
| Age: 21 | * | IFR | IFE | IFA | TDP | OFR | OFE | OFA |
| Bats-Throws: R/R | * | 4 | 2 | 5 | 1 | 5 | 4 | 5 |
| Height: 6'2" | * | SPD | AGR | STE | RUN | CBK | CFR | CAR |
| Weight: 200 | * | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 9 | 9 | 6 |
| Source: MLC |
2062 Projection: We picked him up partway through the year, and had him serve a backup role. Depending on some other decisions, I think he’d benefit from a full season as a starter in Short A, though I could see him at A-Ball if playing time of others warrants it.
