Las Vegas led the league in hitting last year, but was almost last in home runs. They wanted to change their offensive identlty and have done so. Mostly due to a couple of rookies, one a trade acquisition who is major bumper who just keeps bumping; one a long time prospect who has decided that his time is now. Let's take a look at the position player group for 2065.
"All In" (these players have already made the team) (11)
Ricardo Castillo (C)
Rafael Herrera (C)
For the sake of commenting, we'll group these two together. In reality, they could not be more different. The two of them need to play a whole lot better this year or the catcher position will be a giant void again. Though Herrera theoretically offers more with the bat in terms of contact, the Hustlers have leaned more towards giving Castillo the first shot to play a little more given his power and (again theoretically, given last year's numbers) better defense.
Alonso Flinn (1B)- He became the player the Hustlers hoped he'd be last season. A solid 3 WAR player and sparkplug type.
Doug Funk (DH)- Here's the "long time prospect who has decided that his time is now". Here's what we're talking about:
José Cervantes (SS)- Vegas took a HUGE gamble when they shipped off Randy Wright and decided that this guy would be their new shortstop. Obviously, the hitting comparison is no contest to Wright. It's the defense the Hustlers love. Let's see how this one plays out.
Roberto Delgado (COF)- A commenter recently said regarding Delgado that they had given up on him being an everyday player. So did the Hustlers, to be quite frank. But then Tankut Saltik was hurt, and then he sucked. Meanwhile, Delgado kept playing well, despite a litany of lingering injuries following his major one in 2064 (broken bone in elbow, 7 months):
- Screenshot 2025-11-21 161347.png (21.85 KiB) Viewed 81 times
Roberto Hampton (OF)- A picture is worth a thousand words.
- Screenshot 2025-11-21 162032.png (6.91 KiB) Viewed 81 times
José Aguilar (2B/IF)- Vegas keeps hoping he'll be better. But why? He's a perfectly good backup infielder and that's really all they need from him.
António Edison (3B/IF)- The Hustlers are hoping that a combination of the addition of Alvarado and another year of experience will be the jolt Edison's career needs. He's only 22 years old, he's only 22 years old. He can still be the star they thought he'd be.
Eduard Faktorovich (3B/IF)- Certainly has the skills to be an everyday player but the Hustlers don't need him to be. And no one seems to want to trade for him. It's a pickle.
Sloan Ritchie (COF)- Ritchie has been a solid hitter for average, with good extra base power. He's not a home run hitter, and that somehow degrades him as a player. Still, 3.5 career WAR at age 21 playing part-time? I'm sure most GM's would welcome a player like that.
"I'll Call" (let's see what happens- this is the competitive set) (4)
Dusty Henry (1B)- The emergence of Funk means Henry is probably ticketed back to Milwaukee (AAA). That doesn't mean the Hustlers aren't still high on him. There's just no room.
Jose Escolerd (2B)- The man without a position. Doesn't turn the double play well enough to play second base regularly. Not enough arm to play third base. Bat might not play enough to play first base. Despite being an above average runner with decent speed, not enough range or arm for the outfield. Not sure what to do with him. Last option year.
Alex Bolling (3B/1B)- He's out of options. There's no room for him on the roster as it stands. Who wants him? Will he pass through waivers?
Pete Lewis (COF)- Great power, held his own last year. He's going to have more time to make his mark in Milwaukee to start the year.
Ridha bin Suhail (OF)- Last option year. Doesn't look like he's ever going to develop as he's now 26 years old. At best, he's a reserve outfielder. More likely than that, he's a guy whose spot on the 40-man roster is quite tenuous.
"Outsider Bet" (Non-Roster Invitees) (6)
Claudio Morgan (C)- Old pal, still sticking around. He's upper minors depth.
Reynaldo Marroquín (1B)- Profiles as a decent bat, but not a great defensive player. More AAA depth.
Aaron Adams (2B)- The Hustlers were nervous about losing him in the Rule 5, but he's still here.
Rhys Yabsley (2B)- Rewarded with a spring spot because of his organizational soldier status. He hits. That's clear. Where he plays? Dunno.
Isvasa Sashi (SS)- Man, oh man, are the Hustlers short on quality shortstop depth.
Anastasio Hodge (COF)- Hodge hopes to be another big piece in the future lineup puzzle. He continues to develop steadily. This is going to be a key season for him. The Hustlers expect big things as he moves to the upper tiers of the minors.
"Muck" (Injured) (0)
None
"Fold" (already sent out of big league camp) (2)
Juan Sánchez (1B)- Can't play the field at all. Doesn't hit for much power. But this dude can flat out hit, especially against LHP. I mean, he's fresh out of college with a partial year in the minors and these are his ratings now:
