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Tater Talk: 2044.010 – Trio of Tots Summoned to Big Leagues

Posted: Sun Oct 11, 2020 10:22 pm
by jleddy
Image After sputtering out of the gate to start the second-half of the season, Boise made big news to excite their fan base, if nothing else. After their 11-2 win over Quincy on Wednesday, Salt Lake City (AAA) prospects Eugenio Asseldonk, Mario Pereira, and José Rodríguez were called into Alpines manager Joey Gordon's office and told the life-changing news: "You've been called up to the majors, boys."

Asseldonk, 23, is the Spuds 6th-ranked prospect and #79 overall-ranked prospect according to Baseball News Network and was having fine third season in Triple-A with an 8-3 record, 3.33 ERA and 1.13 WHIP. The sidearming lefty started his career as a reliever but was moved to full-time starter last year after seeing significant growth in his skills. "I've put in a lot of work since being drafted by Boise (in 2040) and while I had hoped to be in the big leagues by now, I'm truly excited to show the ballclub what I'm capable of." Asseldonk doesn't wow scouts but he's seen his control and punch-out rate slowly improve. His best pitch is a changeup that keeps left-handed batters off-balance and with his sidearm motion, it can present a problem to right-handed batters as well. Asseldonk's strong character and groundball tendencies also fit the big league club's plans. Asseldonk will immediately join the rotation and is expected to make his major league debut at home on July 25th against Wichita.

Pereria, the Spuds' first-round selection in 2042, was named the team's Minor League Player of the Year last season after slashing .341/.392/.577 in Triple-A. It was rumored that Pereira was going to be given the short-side platoon in left field with Ricardo Ruíz, however a poor spring by Pereira and strong showing by Ruiz meant the 23-year-old would have to wait his chance to break into the majors. Pereira, Boise's 7th-ranked prospect, has put together a good, albeit down year in Salt Lake City, slashing .300/.375/.493. "I'm speechless," Pereira told Treasure Valley Sports. "Two years ago I was in college and now I'm facing guys I've been watching since I was a teenager." When asked what it means to be playing in the same outfield as Dennis French and Félix Román, Pereira said "Crazy. Just crazy. They spent time working with me during the spring and gave me so much encouragement. Being around them just makes me want to be better."

The much anticipated arrival of Rodriguez is certainly not surprising, as the 21-year-old will be asked to add some offense to one of the weakest hitting infielders in the Brewster. The 13th-overall pick in the 2041 Draft, Rodriguez has been a steady-rising prospect, currently ranked 30th-overall in the BBA by Baseball News Network. Rodriguez offers a strong bat and athleticism with defense that some grade out as average. Over the past two years in 159 games in Triple-A, the youngster owns a batting line of .292/.370/.434. "I'm ready, baby. Whatever I can do to help this team, I'm going to do it," Rodriguez told reporters after learning of his promotion. "I'm up here for good, I can tell you that. Boise fans, get ready to pencil 'Rodriguez, 2B' into your scorecards for a long time."

When asked why the moves were made, Boise GM Joe Lederer said "Well, there's no downside, really. We're a game under .500 and two games back of the last Wild Card spot. We need to win games and these kids I believe will help us. And if we fall short, at least they were able to get fifty or so big league games under their belt. These boys have long careers ahead of them...it's not just about 2044."

To make room for the three rookies, utility infielder Jack Douglas was placed on the IL (dead arm), outfielder Jude Carter was sent down to Salt Lake City and reliever Juan De La Cruz was designated for assignment and put on waivers.

Image The three rookies have this waiting for them in the Atlantic City visitors'
clubhouse when they dress up for their big league debut on July 21st.

Re: Tater Talk: 2044.010 – Trio of Tots Summoned to Big Leagues

Posted: Sun Oct 11, 2020 10:40 pm
by Lane
Ughhh... Eugenio what? Haha

Re: Tater Talk: 2044.010 – Trio of Tots Summoned to Big Leagues

Posted: Mon Oct 12, 2020 9:31 am
by tylertoo
jleddy wrote:
Sun Oct 11, 2020 10:22 pm
"I'm up here for good, I can tell you that. Boise fans, get ready to pencil 'Rodriguez, 2B' into your scorecards for a long time."
Crossing that line from confidence to bragging just might earn him a fastball on his rear end one day.

Re: Tater Talk: 2044.010 – Trio of Tots Summoned to Big Leagues

Posted: Mon Oct 12, 2020 10:41 am
by jleddy
tylertoo wrote:
Mon Oct 12, 2020 9:31 am
jleddy wrote:
Sun Oct 11, 2020 10:22 pm
"I'm up here for good, I can tell you that. Boise fans, get ready to pencil 'Rodriguez, 2B' into your scorecards for a long time."
Crossing that line from confidence to bragging just might earn him a fastball on his rear end one day.
Given the rate of beanballs this year, it wouldn’t surprise me if “one day” becomes “Day One”.

Re: Tater Talk: 2044.010 – Trio of Tots Summoned to Big Leagues

Posted: Mon Oct 12, 2020 11:20 am
by HoosierVic
I hope Eugenio goes on to a long, great career, because I so want to see Asseldonk on a Hall of Fame plaque ...

Re: Tater Talk: 2044.010 – Trio of Tots Summoned to Big Leagues

Posted: Mon Oct 12, 2020 12:14 pm
by niles08
These are three good prospects. I don't know if I am more excited for Asseldonk or Bubbles.

Re: Tater Talk: 2044.010 – Trio of Tots Summoned to Big Leagues

Posted: Mon Oct 12, 2020 1:10 pm
by Dington
Is Rodriguez a West Ham fan?

Re: Tater Talk: 2044.010 – Trio of Tots Summoned to Big Leagues

Posted: Mon Oct 12, 2020 1:20 pm
by recte44
HoosierVic wrote:
Mon Oct 12, 2020 11:20 am
I hope Eugenio goes on to a long, great career, because I so want to see Asseldonk on a Hall of Fame plaque ...
This

Re: Tater Talk: 2044.010 – Trio of Tots Summoned to Big Leagues

Posted: Mon Oct 12, 2020 2:49 pm
by jleddy
Dington wrote:
Mon Oct 12, 2020 1:10 pm
Is Rodriguez a West Ham fan?
No, the nickname is his Soundcloud name.