Many around the WPK have been waiting for years to see Chris Heisler accomplish big things. The first overall draft pick of the 1976 draft out of Fresno State has been in the top 20 of the prospect ratings for years, though his peak status on that list was as the #12 best prospect way back in the off-season of 1977.
The 24-year old outfielder had an unspectacular rookie season for the Houston Cavaliers in 1980 and then missed most of 1981 with a torn ACL, though he did come back late season and played pretty well though in just 13 games.
He has developed into an outstanding defensive center fielder with excellent speed and a well-balanced contact/power bat profile. And he is on pace for a 3.5 WAR season, which, while not tremendous does indicate movement in the right direction.
And certainly there are flashes of great talent, like yesterday when he collected just the second batting cycle of the season in the WPK and the first in Houston Cavaliers history.
Concerns remain about his ability to stay healthy but if he can and if he continues to develop towards his potential, he has a chance to give the expansion Cavaliers one of the best young outfields in the game in combination with the current #4 best prospect Alex Raymos (this kid is going to win some MVP's, I predict) and the 1981 SJL Rookie of the Year, 25-year old right fielder Matt Wright.
And, of course, they also still have future Hall of Famer Lazaro Lowndes out there in the present, who reached the 3,000 career hit mark earlier this season and is on pace for about a 3 WAR season at the age of 35.