Fresh Fur, Part 7: Maximilian Nielsson (Hoppy Endings, post sim 3) [PP:2054.12]

[neugey]

Maximilian Nielsson, a native from Sweden, was not drafted, discovered or signed as an international prospect. So at 19, the switch-hitter signed with Calgary with a $65k bonus. He quickly built up his hitting skills and punished hitters, collecting awards at the Angela Drake level, especially in 2047 when he recorded a 1.012 OPS. Continuing his ascent in the minors, he developed a great batting eye which caught the attention of scouts. He debuted in 2050 for the Pioneers and for the next few years split time between AAA and a major league bench role. In 2052, Calgary needed space on the 40-man and Nielsson was the odd man out, getting released toward the end of the season.

During spring training in 2053, Charm City showed an interest in Nielsson and signed him to a minor league contract with a $950k bonus. He continued to produce at the AAA level, generating a .295/.408/.392 line and 1.8 WAR for the Annapolis Sailors.

In early 2054, Edmonton scouts noticed Nielsson in the minors and GM Mike Bauer tabbed Nielsson as someone who would be a good fit to help the major league club off the bench. A trade of minor leaguers with Charm City was quickly agreed to, and by the second week of the season Nielsson was called up and asked to contribute. He's seen limited action, but so far has drawn 5 walks and driven in a run for the Jackrabbits.

"Max is a great fit for what we need off the bench," explained Bauer. "We were looking for another hitter with a good eye to occasionally slot into the leadoff spot. Max helps us achieve our team goal of drawing more walks and adding more stress to Johnson pitching staffs. He will also backup Baby Driver at third. They are both switch hitters, and Baby has already been a mentor to Max. Just not with the fast driving - one of those guys is enough haha!"

With 5 more years of team control remaining, Max could potentially be a long-term solution for the Jackrabbits. But pushing him is majors/minors veteran infielder Eric Jones, who blasted pitching in spring training and is continuing his hot hitting in AAA. If the Jackrabbits continue to play well and feel they can contend in the Frontier division, the veteran Jones (with over 1500 BBA games of experience from his time with Seattle) could receive the promotion. It's a situation worth watching.

[indiansfan]

Hope he works out for you. One of those guys that had the ratings, but only produced for me 1 season.

[trmmilwwi]

Jones seems to love the weather in Tucson! It is certainly much better than what he had during his stops in Juneau, Kalamazoo and Winnepeg.