2007 Debut Thread

[Pat]

Now is the time.

The Bats need a spark. This veteran team continues to hover around .500 and that's just not good enough.

I'm calling up top hitting prospect 2B Danny Romero. My scout, OSA and Romero himself think he is ready. He's one of the top players in AAA and was on the club last September. Despite struggling last year, he tore it up in Spring Training but I sent him down because I gave others a chance to win the 2B job but they all fumbled the ball. Romero is a future DWI fielder and has the bat to be one of the best middle infielders in baseball.

I'm also calling up another 22yr old in RP Alex Cruz. Acquired in the Syracuse deal last year, Cruz hits 101 on the gun and has a 71% groundball. He has control issues but my bullpen is becoming desperate.

I'd prefer to keep them in the minors until September but I fear if I wait that long I might miss the playoffs.

Cruz could easily be a miss. My scout only sees him as projecting to average middle relief but he has him 8-7-3 potential and my middle relief has been a revolving door...which has lead to one of the worst bullpens in the IL. And when you consider that my closer, two setup men and #1 MR have all been very good, it tells you a lot about those last few guys getting innings.

I have high expectations for Romero even if he doesn't hit great this season. My 2B duo this year, Cy Gray and Johnny Ingle, have combined for an OPS around .600. He should be able to hit above that, I hope...and my scout has his defensive ratings at 8-8-3-7 and a 8 at 2B, so he should provide a boost on defense as well.

And both are leaders...might light a fire under these vets.

[Carlos]

The push is being made with new recruits to the BLB squad.

A.J. Hightower is our top ranked prospect (#14 Prospect) and will be making his next start for the Denver Bulls. A.J. made the Horizon League All Star Game and is 8-2, 3.14 ERA with 98 strikeouts in 83 innings pitched. He came over in the trade that sent Marshburn to Dallas.


Oscar Gaxiola will join A.J. in the Bulls's rotation. Oscar leaves AAA with a 6-3 record and 2.65 ERA with an 85:12 K:BB ratio in just over 88 innings pitched. The former 2nd round pick also made the Horizon League All Star team and has been a member of the Bulls organization since 2000 when he was 18-years-old.

Henry Rodrigues has mashed his way out of AAA. With a Futures leading 13 HR and 55 RBI, he'll forgo his chance to win awards at the lower level to claim ownership of the DH spot in Denver.

Leo Martinez will bring his .336 AAA average to Denver as well. He was the prospect Denver demanded in exchange for taking on Maldonado's 2007 salary. The switch-hitting infielder is expected to play 1B and take over the leadoff spot until Dave Perkins returns from injury and is promoted.


Coming up next: The aforementioned former 2006 third overall pick, RF Dave Perkins. Perkins is currently out with a torn quad from running the bases. With a .351/.438/.515 slash, we are likely to let him join the big club without rehabbing in AAA.

July 19, 2007 is the day to expect Perkins manning RF in Rocky Top.

[funclown]

Well were not very good, but think for these kids there's nothing else to learn.

2B/SS Tony Infante - Age 22
2002 Drafted 1.22 PAW

http://www.simgamingnetwork.com/blb/...ayer_9121.html

Pawtuckets first rounder in 2002 would be the last for many seasons, but looks like we round something in this former INTL High Schooler. Looked lost first few season in A ball and then got dealt in a package for a quickly aging Derek Tucker. The Dino's brought him up a nice pace up to AAA as far back as 2005, then was traded back to Pawtucket along with a couple of picks for J. Burns. Batted .314 in his first season of AAA in 2006 and until this past month was batting well over .300 again. Gained some experience at SS last season, but we feel his end position will be 2B. Scouting ratings are 6-6-2-4-6.

C Todd Robideau - Age 22
2003 Drafted 3.15 PAW

http://www.simgamingnetwork.com/blb/...ayer_5150.html

Todd got a brief look in 2005 as we made a last ditch effort at the playoffs with an injury riddled team. Since he will qualify for New Brew this season just an update. 2006 finally got a chance AAA and did very well hitting .286 with 20 hr's in almost a full season. Improved his defense behind the plate while showing some signs of eye improvement. Scout ratings: 5-6(7)-6-4-4. Probably be batting #4 or #5 in the order this season. [/QUOTE]

Since one is a switch hitter and one a lefty playing home won't be to they're liking but eventually the stadium improvements will come. Besides, can't bring every single kid up at the same time without expecting growing pains! Nice seasons for them to learn.

[tomr1962]

Injuries have forced SS Manny Becerra 2.5 2005 to the BLB level. Currently batting .376 in AAA we will settle for .276. He has been between 30-50 in the league prospect list so we expect good things.

Willie Rosales 1.5 in 2005 is now a fixture in Seattle currently hitting .294. Expect many .300 plus season from Willie. New Brew for 2007?

[tomr1962]

Cracker wins Rookie of the month

[Z]

Jarod "Sunshine" Davidson, who came over in the Migdonio Manhos trade two seasons ago, has joined the Guides.

The 24 year old had a 1.92 ERA with a league-leading 38 saves at AAA.

I expect him to be an important piece of our bullpen next season.

[Pat]

Adrian Pulido's (DVS) debut was maybe the best...ever?

[umd]

Adrian Pulido's (DVS) debut was maybe the best...ever?

He is gonna be pretty good.