Fresh Fur: Outfielder Dean Procter Bolsters Rabbits’ Farm (Hoppy Endings, pre Sim 6) [PP:2055.11]

[neugey]

Fans who were dismayed by the Omaha/Edmonton trade that sent talented OF prospect Jorge Delgado away might want to brush away their tears and take in this news.

Highly touted GBC prospect OF Dean Procter, who was surprisingly released by Athens the prior week, agreed to terms with Edmonton. In an interesting arrangement for a 22-year-old prospect, Procter will contribute to the Jackrabbits farm system for an extended period. But he will likely receive a $4.1 million dollar salary whenever he is elevated to the majors.

Procter might be worthy of that payday. The Englishman hit .345/.407/.612 with a 1.019 OPS in AAA last season. As a lefty, Procter has the skill to terrify right-handed pitchers and hold up reasonably well against southpaws too. Defensively, he’s average at best in the outfield, but if he continues to hit like this, Edmonton will eventually make room for him.

Drafted by Athens in 2052 in the third round out of Manchester United College, Procter excelled in the minors and promptly caught the attention of scouts. This year he has been ranked as high as #27 in GBC prospect ratings. Last season he did get a cup of coffee with Athens with only 20 plate appearances, so he is still technically a rookie and has all his arbitration years still ahead of him.

It’s believed that Procter will spend this year in the minors but could earn a major league slot as soon as next year. Jackrabbits veteran reserve 1B/OF Ricardo Mendoza is in a contract year and could be replaced by Procter next season if the team desires to go with a younger body. If not, the Jackrabbits may stash Procter in AA or AAA until another vacancy arises.

With Procter acquired, the pressure for Edmonton to draft corner outfield help in the ongoing amateur draft is reduced, though they still might select a few if the value seems worthwhile.