Leading up to the start of the 2039 season, "Position Battles" examines multiple players vying to make the Boise Spuds starting line-up or the active roster as a reserve. Part three of four looks at the competition to fill the team's greatest offensive weakness, the shortstop position.Thus far, the 2039 version of the Position Battles series has covered smaller roles, like back-up catcher and the left-handed platoon partner in left field. This go-around will focus on the competition for starting shortstop in Boise, a position new general manager Joe Lederer believes to be one of the most important on the diamond, along with center field and catcher. While prospect Motonobu Yamashita likely will inherit the role by 2041, if not sooner, the two candidates for this upcoming season, incumbent Joaquín Torres and free agent signee Norm Smith, will be looked upon to hold the spot down for the improving franchise.
LAST YEAR BY THE NUMBERS
Torres, in his first full-year playing shortstop for the Spuds, scuffled mightily at the plate, posting a .190/.245/.302 line with 14 steals (22 attempts). Torres has struggled to literally hit his weight (205 pounds) during his professional baseball career (.188 BBA lifetime average in 746 at-bats and .200 in Triple-A.) Despite the futility at the plate, Torres still provided positive value (0.1 WAR) due to his incredible defensive acumen. Torres lead all of the BBAA in zone rating (19.3) while finishing 4th in assists and 7th in defensive efficiency. His outstanding year with the glove earned Torres his first Yogi Zimmer Diamond Glove Award in the Frick League. Smith, like Torres, makes his living with his defensive prowess, however 2038 was his worst defensive season as a part-time starter for San Antonio. Smith did however make up for it with his best offensive season in his sixth season in the majors, hitting .329/.392/.406 in albeit only 155 at-bats. Smith continued to steal bases with efficiency in 2038, swiping 14 bases in 16 attempts, putting his BBA career stolen base percentage at an incredible 85% (88 steals out of 114 attempts.) In the end, it was a season for Smith worth 1.1 wins above replacement. EDGE: SMITH
THE BASICS
From a financial and roster flexibility standpoint, Torres comes cheaper and with an option year remaining, however considering both players are expected to make the roster, it's hardly significant. Smith was brought in by Lederer to specifically push last year's starter in Torres, with a low-risk team option in 2040. EDGE: PUSHOFFENSE
More like "offense," right? Neither player will be confused for Bopper Kengos, so it's a matter of who's offensive will offset their defense the least. Torres is the more balanced hitter of the two, whereas Smith has a complete lack of power but above-average ability to not strikeout. Some may consider Smith's avoidance in Ks a positive, however without power and an advanced eye, it may mean Smith finds himself putting balls in play weakly, potentially leading to double-plays. If Smith can produce at the plate at even 75% of what he did last year and outperform his skills, it'll go a long way to determine his playing time. Whichever player earns the shortstop job will likely bat at the bottom of the Boise lineup. EDGE: TORRESBASERUNNING/BUNTING
Not known for their bunting ability despite their excellent speed and lack of pop, it should be noted that manager Barrett Callahan don't plan on putting the bunt sign on anyways. Both shortstops can really run, however Smith's outstanding baseball IQ helps drive an elite ability to take an extra base on hits, time tag-up plays and steal bases. If he doesn't earn the starting job, Smith would retain value as a pinch runner of the Boise bench. EDGE: SMITHDEFENSE
As referenced prior, both players have made their living with their gloves. Both are considered elite in almost every advanced metric and scouts agree as well. In addition to playing standout shortstop position, both Torres and Smith are more than capable of sliding over to 2B or 3B and playing Diamond Glove defense. However with better offensive options at those two positions, their time there will likely be on days when starters rest or as late-inning defensive substitutions. Smith's ability to turn double plays with ease at such a critical defensive position could be a big factor in Callahan naming a starter. EDGE: SMITHVERDICT
Despite being last year's starter and earning a Diamond Glove Award for his work in the field, Torres will not be just handed the job. Smith and Torres are so similar as players that it will come down to their performance this spring. Both players are likely to make the roster and whoever ends up as the back-up is guaranteed to see plenty of playing time as a defensive sub around the infield and as a pinch-runner. If both shortstops can combine for 2-3 WAR, it will go a long way towards a successful season for the Spuds.
