Time to head for Palm Bay again
Last year I had only just taken over in Wichita when it was time to assemble the squad to send to Palm Bay, so it was very much a wing & a prayer job. We sent some guys that we thought needed some time to perform for us and the team produced an 18-10 record, just missing out on a post season slot by one game. Many of the starting batters went on to be a bit disappointing at Double-A Columbus, but Paul Cash did see some time at 1B / DH in Wichita in the latter part of the season.
This year we have a better idea of who we want to see in action together and who we think will improve for the experience.
Catchers
The catchers in Palm Bay in 2042 will be 23-yr-old Gus Mollema and 22-yr-old Brian Best. Last year Mollema was rated the starter but he’s been passed in the scout’s eyes by Best who put on a good show at Topeka. Both will get equal game time, and both are expected to get non-roster invites to Aviator’s spring camp.
Infielders
19-yr-old 1B Fernando Casimiro split 2042 between SA Springfield and A ball Topeka without breaking step. Given his young age Fernando should appreciate the extra reps and head for a full season in Topeka.
22-yr-old 2B Daniel Mares was a 2042 fourth round draft pick. He spent a quick few games in Columbus as an injury replacement before heading down to Topeka for most of the year. This is all about extra reps for him and probably back to Topeka at least till the All-Star break.
24-yr-old 3B Ernesto Ramirez was at Palm Bay last year and completed his second year in Columbus the rest of this year. He impressed but could really do with improving his defence at the hot corner, this is a sort of finishing school for him. Fail this and instead of spending 2043 in Albuquerque, he could be back in Columbus with downwards sliding value.
21-yr-old SS Raul Lopez, a second round (supplementary) pick in 2042, spent the year in Springfield and finished with a short visit to Topeka. Extra reps for him and a full season in Topeka is the game-plan here.
23-yr-old SS Walton Gomez is on his third trip to Palm Bay. He completed his second year in Topeka this season and will now have to sink or swim in Columbus in 2043. Needs to sort out his eye at the plate if he is to make a success further down the line.
23-yr-old 2B Charlie Lamont spent 2042 mostly in Columbus. It’s been a slow climb up the ladder for the 2038 minor league free agent signing, but he seems to be showing signs of the lightbulb finally going off. A good showing and he has a chance of a berth in Albuquerque but more likely his second full year in Columbus.
24-yr-old 1B/3B Ismael Reyes has bounced around the minors and is in danger of being marked Organisational Footsoldier. He’s here for his usefulness at first & third and will have to perform well to overcome his future.
