I’m bored at work so I figured I’d copy Gregg and Ron’s format and review the 2057 draft. At times I’ve thought this draft had the chance to be a historic success for San Fernando, even if that didn’t necessarily mean for players in a Bears uniform.
Major BBAers
Jorge Nava and Ramón Rodríguez were the key prospects in the package that landed us Sammy McNeill in 2058. Nava is currently the Jimmies #2 starter, having established himself over the past two seasons as somebody who will eat innings at an above average rate. I’m starting to question whether he’s ever going to fully develop into his ace potential but he’s a good starting pitcher. Rodriguez exploded onto the BBA scene with 60 home runs as a 22 year-old during the talent depression that existed in 2061. He currently resides in AA for Charm City and it’s fair to wonder whether he’ll ever be an everyday player again considering how much young talent is out there in the corner outfield.
Roberto Delgado was traded to Las Vegas in a deal that brought back Máximo Gousto who we eventually shipped off to Montreal for Qutuz Mahdi. He was worth 2.1 WAR in 333 PAs for the Hustlers last year, although one must wonder if that will be his career pinnacle as he gets consumed by a faulty knee.
Jim Sitton is SFB’s everyday center fielder. The scouts indicate he has another gear he could unlock to go from steady regular to all-star potential.
Manny Trujillo is now in his sixth season as the Bears’ backup catcher. I’m getting tempted to move on from the 29-year-old, but as a captain he has as much value off the field as he does on it.
Minor BBAers
Felipe Ledesma is currently in the Boise rotation with an ERA north of 10.00 so it remains to be seen how much more BBA rope he receives. He was part of the package that returned Yuu Suzuki in a trade with the Mad Popes.
Steve Morris served as the Bears’ right field short side platoon partner for two seasons, a .960 (!) OPS in 2061 (standards were *so* much lower for hitters in 2061—see Ramón Rodríguez) and a .597 OPS in 2062.
Still Hangin’ Around
We traded Jim Pollard but he recently returned via a minor league free agent contract. I think there’s still a decent chance he reaches the show with his solid glove at second base and left-handed swing. Cisco Rosa is taking forever to develop but he’s played well in AA and his individual pitch ratings still show great potential.
Jesús Reyes is currently burning his final option year in AAA on Sacramento’s 40-man roster. I don’t see a future where he reaches the BBA but maybe he makes it as an emergency injury replacement.
Stephen Moorhouse and António García offer the brightest futures as current members of the San Fernando 40-man roster. Moorhouse has 60 potential and made a few top 100 prospect lists. I’ve been flirting with the idea of swapping him out with Aggur Lugono and would have already made the switch if he had more strongly defined platoon splits. António García got a cup of coffee last September and should see at least a few years as a useful middle reliever but alas, for now he has options remaining.
Lastly, we have a couple of organizational soldiers: Awdia Iman in AAA when he’s not on the DFA carousel, and Aurelio Cardenas in the A level bullpen.
