2062.03 - Letter from Ert Plabes (Director of Development Labs) to Bhujabalin Padmesh (Team Trainer) (dated 2/1/2062)

[R.Umali]

Bhujabalin,

I appreciate the tickets and vouchers for me and my staff. And extra special thanks that you included the work study students. Indeed, Dev Lab has been quite the attractive work study option for undergrads and graduates. We were able to make a case for some more funding from the University and while we can't increase capacity - that has something to do with the BBA governing body, which all Dev Labs must abide by - we can have more coverage, including observations extending into the season.

To that end some welcome news: we'll be able to send Jeannie Longo to Peoria for extended stays to watch Al Schumann and the result of our Improve Defense at LF program. She'll be sending reports to us on a regular basis.

And we'll be able to work with Razvan Chilom who I understand underwent an RP conversion. One of our work study applicants is on intramural softball and has expressed an interest in undertaking this work, which will most likely be observational. What does an RP conversion entail? Is it something we can do here at Northwestern?

By now, you've already received the final reports on the Group A guys. Tony Cochran's "poor" result does need some context. While my staff and I stand by our estimates that his power output and general eye rating - combining reflex, body control, and bat speed - both went down, I think this might be more reflective of his true talent. It's disappointing. And you can imagine the frustration we felt. I, personally, was struck by it considering how well Tony did two years ago.

I think the result, and what's changed, is related to his attitude. I think he is bored. Two years ago, he was the model subject going through our plate discipline program. Then he went and had a terrible season in A-ball. Then a year ago was our first attempt at putting him through the Quality of Contact program, which as you'll recall, did not end in a positive result. A demotion to Short-A and then that team makes the playoffs and he hits over .300. He split his time in 2060 and found a bit of his power in A-ball. It was, and is, hard to build correlations with our work and his performance.

Point is: I don't think he's ever going to hit for average. The upside: I do think you have a 30-home run guy in your hands. At the BBA level.

Now having met your other young outfielder, Dave Matthes, and now having Omar Robles over here as part of Group B, I can recognize that quandary you guys are in. Because here I am telling you that my recommendation - despite his poor showing at Dev Lab - is to promote Tony to the BBA while also knowing that you have capable and proven outfielders already. And to anticipate your question, I do not think Tony improves while sitting on the bench and playing every 5 or 6 days. This guy needs to be challenged on a daily basis.

I'm unsure if a jump to AAA Rockford is enough of a challenge. For Tony, and frankly a lot of the athletes we see here - Adam Hines is a great example, but also Joey Yoon of the Black Bears - the mind and the mindset play a much bigger role.

See you on Opening Day. I hope we get a chance to talk.

Ert