2044-00019: Talons Have a Catching Prospect Too, But Apparently No One Gives Two Craps About Ichizo Sugiyama

[jiminyhopkins]

Phoenix, AZ--

Now, likely, the author of the recent post about catching prospects in the BBA will no doubt point to the arbitrary age cutoff of 22 as the reason that the Talons #2 prospect wasn't included. But Ichizo Sugiyama (70 POT) can't help it that he was already 22 when he was drafted 9th overall just last season.

But how much of a catcher prospect is he really? What with all the talk about the "shape" of ratings, Sugi's 6/3/9/6/2 potentials may not strike anyone's fancy. His low gap and avk rating will cause many to write him off immediately. But the Talons have always been about big power, and were nonetheless thrilled when Ichizo fell to them last draft, especially when he signed below slot. Still, Fukuoka native's performance will likely depent on how many of those towering fly balls he hits manage to float out of the stadium.

What about defense? Sugiyama has the raw tools to be an infielder, outfielder, or backstop. The Talons decided to stick with him at catcher due to the scarcity of such prospects in the BBA at large. With 8 ability but only 5 arm, the club has to hope that this late bloomer can grow into the role of a full time player at the position.

As for performance, Sugiyama recorded a .842 OPS and compiled 1.2 WAR in his 49 pro games at Short A after being drafted. But this year is where he really shined, leading the Single-A Toledo Liberty to a 100 win season while hitting 42 homers with a 1.005 OPS and 5.9 WARs in only 108 games. The Talons know he is behind in development, but this guy wasn't even on the radar until 2043 when he finally showed his true potential and became a legitimate prospect. A 3 position rating at catcher shows he still has work to do, even if his power bat is nearly fleshed out. Look for Sugiyama to make the jump to AAA and spend all of 2045 there.

After that, hopefully the Talons can finally kick Sang-duk Sim to the curb and call up the BBA's version of Mickey Tettleton.

Maybe then someone will notice!

[Ted]

I'm pedaling backwards.

[shoeless.db]

I thought my hatred for all things Fukuokan was well established.

[gcsii99]

42 HR and only 8 2B in 2044...i envision an epic bat flip and casual stoll on every deep fly ball...
kinda like this...except slower

[HoosierVic]

What’d Sang-duk Sim ever do to you?