2065 Cobble Hill Robins Preview
Posted: Sun Nov 23, 2025 11:52 am
2064 in Review
W-L: 84-78
Pythag: 81-81
xW-xL: 81-81
Runs Scored: 641
Runs Allowed: 640
BaseClogger wrote: ↑Thu May 22, 2025 10:06 am72 wins would be an achievement IMO. Maybe 82 wins in 2064.
The Cobble Hill Robins made history in 2064 by snapping a long playoff drought, sneaking their way into the postseason as the Johnson League's final wild card. I don't have any evidence to back it up but they felt like the youngest team in the Brewster, having had four of the top five vote getters for the JL Gillstrom Award. Like any shoeless team, the Robins were lead by their pitching and defense. Cobble Hill made one key offseason acquisition, otherwise they'll rely on development from their youth to move up the standings in 2065.
BATTERS
While they don't offer more than a mediocre bat, the catching tandem of Eduardo Medine and Njål Helgestad combined for 4.2 WAR in 2064. The switch hitter and righty can platoon a bit, and their excellent pitch framing gives them a high floor. Gonzalo Perez will back them up in AAA, and although he's not the same caliber of defender, he offers a bit more upside at the dish via high batting averages. I can't imagine there being a ton of upside at this position due to their meager offensive tools, but all three catchers are in their early to mid-20s so a sharp decline is also unlikely.
First base and DH are interchangeable in Brooklyn where rookie sensations Ismael Delgado (2064 Gillstrom winner) and Santiago Rodriguez reside. Delgado is the better defender so expect him to be the regular in the field. Since he's a lefty, Delgado might be shielded from southpaws on occassion using a player like Miguel Fernandez. 'Yoyo' Rodriguez, on the other hand, bats right-handed so if he struggles at all he might lose playing time against right-handed pitching to veteran OBP specialist 'Flash' Dodson or upstart Callum Ladbrooke who will likely start out in AAA. Whoever they mix and match, a combined 6 WAR of production seems like the floor.
Francisco Baez played second base most days after coming over in a trade with Twin Cities. His defense was disappointing but the lefty's .364 OBP would be welcomed again in 2065. He's a nice player. They can platoon Baez with whichever righty backup middle infielder makes the roster, perhaps Antonio Martinez. Shoeless is known for being aggressive with his prospects, and I wouldn't be surprised to see Kutsi Abas in the show before his offensive tools are developed thanks to his smothering defensive ability.
There are a handful of all glove, no bat shortstops in spring camp and you don't really need to know all the names. I think the favorite for Opening Day should be Bartolo Lee. Why? He's the strongest defender. If none of them are gonna hit, might as well have the best glove. Either way, the Robins should be thankful if they receive positive WAR from shortstop.
Third base will be home to one of Cobble Hill's best players, Roderick Hochstetler. Last year's fourth overall draft pick was already an above average bat, slashing .295/.348/.414. Look for that batting average to spike another 30 points soon.
Switch-hitting Gui-fan Guao will draw the lion's share of starts in left field. Just a rookie last year, Cobble Hill will need some growth if Guao is to hold things down satisfactorily. There are a few candidates to handle the short side of the platoon, with Raul Chavarria the favorite. He hasn't played above the Short A level but that won't stop shoeless from utilizing that elite power versus lefties. Keep an eye on 2063's third overall draft pick, Claudio Confer, to push Guao later in the year.
Center field is yet another platoon. Lefty Mario Ledezma will be making his big league debut when he faces the Robins' first right-handed starting pitching opponent. He shouldn't be expected to provide much WAR as an average defender and below average hitter. He's caddied by Ed Rooney, a BBA veteran who is stronger defensively but struggles to stay healthy.
Did I mention the Robins like to platoon? Left-handed Masayoshi Kokawa will act as the primary right fielder. He doesn't have prototypical arm strength for the position, but he did 2.3 WAR in less than 400 ABs last year thanks to his 115 OPS+ bat. I guess Quiang Yao is his platoon mate. Yao hasn't played above A ball and still needs some development. This role will likely be a revolving door for Cobble Hill.
PITCHERS
I expect the Opening Day nod to go to the veteran, Carlos Moya, despite his weaker 2064 numbers compared to the three rookies who follow. Moya and his $39M salary were the big offseason splash for CBH. Moya should rebound in front of this defense to produce 3+ WAR again, although I think his ace days are behind him.
The next three spots in the rotation are either 22 or 23 years old and had outstanding rookie seasons last year: Luis Medina (4 WAR), Dave Labonte (3.3 WAR), and Bobby McHone (3.8 WAR). I can't imagine any of these pitchers improving significantly on their rookie campaigns since they all have pedestrian stuff, but they're among the best in the game at keeping the ball in the park and limiting the free passes. Expect more of the same.
Former Nashville Bluebird Armando Ortiz rounds out the rotation. He's lumped some since his 3.4 rookie campaign over in the Frick and fifth starter's production while eating innings is more realistic.
I'm not wild about the bullpen. I mean, it's pretty good. They won't be bad because shoeless knows how to identify pitching, but I don't see many high upside arms. Jose Gonzalez will be the lefty stopper and he's a good reliever. Beau Broomhall will act as his primary setup man. He's also good, and if he ever harnesses the full potential of his stuff could be a shutdown closer. I think Jerry Anaya, who came over in a small offseason deal with Bikini, will also be strong. Lefty Richard Lawrence has been an elite reliever at times during his Brewster career, although the free agent signee is 36 years old now and those days are probably past.
KURT'S PREDICTION: 83-79
I think there's room for this team to get a little better (at least against their pythag record) while still not winning more games.
Offensively, the Robins will benefit from a full year of Hochstetler and Baez. They're young so there will be plenty of upside, although I can't help but wonder if Delgado and the catchers provided as much value as one should expect already in 2064. Shortstop and center field will be lucky to contribute a combined 2 WAR. Although there's talent, there aren't sure things in the outfield corners. As a whole, they'll defend well and score enough runs to be dangerous.
On the pitching front, the bullpen should be a little better. They've invested some resources in it. I think Carlos Moya simply replacing the production the team lost from Hayden Bennion's departure would be a successful outcome. I don't expect the rest of the starting rotation to improve, as odd as that sounds for a bunch of 22 and 23 year olds, since they were already so effective in 2064.
The JL Atlantic is opening up some but remains on the tougher end of the spectrum so far as BBA divisions go. 83 wins might have the Robins once again in the wild card mix, and the team has the prospects and financial flexibility to get better during the season if the opportunity arises.