IF/OF Juan Simpson
B/T: S/R
Age: 20
Current: 3/2/4/3/5/7 (Con/BABIP/AvK/Gap/Pow/Eye)
Potential: 5/5/5/4/6/8
IF/OF Range: 8/5
IF/OF Error: 6/6
IF/OF Arm: 7/7
TDP: 5
SPD: 5
STL Ag: 5
STL Ab: 3
BR: 6
With the 29th overall pick in the first round, the Surfers picked twenty year old corner infielder/outfielder Juan Simpson, out of 3M Miners College. Simpson is a switch hitter and shows a positive split against left handed pitching. At the plate, his excellent eye and above average power should make up for subpar contact abilities. Scouts rave about his intangibles, he has demonstrated a high work ethic, well above average grades in the classroom, and has indicated that he’s willing to contribute to any potential BBA team in whatever way they see fit.
His development is about average for his age, so we anticipate seeing him in Rookie ball for at least part of the 2059 season. Given his work ethic though, don’t be surprised if he moves up through the minor league system relatively quickly and joins the Surfers big league squad within a few seasons.
Primarily a SS in college, the Surfers have announced the selection as IF/OF, so it’s impossible to tell what their plans for him are. He would likely have to see improvement in his fielding to play SS at the BBA level, but assuming he reaches his offensive potential, it’s easy to see him as a regular 2B or utility player with the Surfers.
OFP: 60 - 1st Division SS
Likely: 50 – 1st Division IF/OF
BBA ETA: 2061
Round 2 / Pick 62
IF John Cook
B/T: S/R
Age: 20
Current: 6/5/6/4/2/2 (Con/BABIP/AvK/Gap/Pow/Eye)
Potential: 8/7/8/5/2/3
IF/OF Range: 7/4
IF/OF Error: 7/6
IF/OF Arm: 7/7
TDP: 6
SPD: 5
STL Ag: 4
STL Ab: 4
BR: 6
With the 62nd overall pick in the second round, the Surfers picked twenty year old infielder John Cook, from the Coca Cola Splash collegiate program. Cook is a switch hitter and shows a positive split against left handed pitching. At the plate, he’s a very different hitter than first round selection Juan Simpson. Cook has excellent contact ability but has a subpar eye and very little power. In observing his collegiate play, scouts note that he’s confident and relaxed on the field, and demonstrates a consistently high work ethic. No doubt, the development team in Long Beach is looking forward to working with Cook to improve on his eye and power.
As with Simpson, his development is about average for his age, so we anticipate seeing him in Rookie ball for at least part of the 2059 season. If he is successful from the jump, look to see him rise quickly through the system, until he reaches a point where his poor eye holds him back. Improvement in this area of his hitting could be the difference in seeing him at the BBA level or not, or at least in a regular role.
Primarily a 3B in college, the Surfers have announced the selection as IF, so it’s impossible to tell what their plans for him are. As things look now, he would be a below average SS at the BBA level, but could do very well at 3B or 1B. With some improvement in his jumps in the outfield, we could also see him work in the outfield corners to improve his versatility.
OFP: 55 - 1st Division 3B
Likely: 45 – 1st Division UTIL
BBA ETA: 2061
Round 3 / Pick 99
IF Austin Purss
B/T: S/R
Age: 19
Current: 4/2/7/2/2/3 (Con/BABIP/AvK/Gap/Pow/Eye)
Potential: 5/4/7/4/2/4
IF/OF Range: 8/8
IF/OF Error: 6/6
IF/OF Arm: 6/5
TDP: 4
SPD: 4
STL Ag: 3
STL Ab: 1
BR: 5
With their third round pick (99 overall), the Surfers selected nineteen year old infielder Austin Purss, from the Australia Kangaroos (college) program. Purss is a, wait for it… switch hitter and shows a very slight negative split against left handed pitching. As expected for a third round selection, Purss projects to be a significantly worse hitter than Simpson or Cook. Purss will need improvements in contact and/or power to have a shot at being a regular in a BBA lineup. Scouts are optimistic though that his drive for financial gain will fuel improvements in his play.
If signed, he would likely start the season at Cayucos (Rookie League) and spend most or all of the season there. He will need significant work in the minor leagues, and we wouldn’t be surprised to see him bounce around a fair amount, looking for the right fit with a minor league coaching staff.
Primarily a LF in college, the Surfers have announced the selection as IF/OF, indicating that defensive versatility will be key to his success. As things look now, he would be a below average SS at the BBA level, but could do very at any other infield position. He also projects to be a good corner outfielder, and while he is young he should be able to play CF in a pinch.
OFP: 50 – 2nd Division SS
Likely: 35 – 2nd Division UTIL
BBA ETA: 2063
