[ayaghmour2]

SS Tom Brownleaf (321st Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 8th Round, 125th Overall (1943)
Alma Mater: Durant Lions

A natural shortstop, our 8th Rounder Tom Brownleaf spent most of his season at second, because 2nd Rounder Al Clement was getting most of the reps there. Since both are 18 and figure to spent a lot of time together, Brownleaf may have to move over to second. He looked much better there then at short, with a 1.107 efficiency in 386 innings compared to .972 in 115 innings on the other side. His glove was far better then his bat, as the young switch hitter hit a pitcher like .201/.286/.336 (59 OPS+) with 3 doubles, 2 triples, 6 steals, 7 homers, and 25 RBIs. He had to deal with a lot of tougher pitchers, so I can excuse this performance as long as he has a nice start to next season. I expect him to spend all next season in La Crosse, and he'll get time at all three infield spots next season. Depending how long Al Clement stays in La Crosse he may get a lot of time at short, where I do think he'll be capable. He has good speed which should at least lead to decent range which will help if he never hits for much power. Brownleaf has a nice hit tool, and I expect him to eventually cut down the strikeouts. He had 70 in just 74 games, which may end up being a career eye. Same thing is likely for the homers, but he is pretty strong so some more time in the weight room could do him well. Some pop in his bat could improve his potential from bench role to starter, but being a switch hitter with a good glove is the best way to get a bench role at the big league level.

3B Steve Jones (322nd Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 5th Round, 76th Overall (1938)
Alma Mater: Topeka State Braves

The daily lineups sabotaged Steve Jones' debut, as he was supposed to start in one of our last double header. Instead, the 26-year-old will have to earn another callup next season to make his big league dream a reality. The former 5th Rounder is known more for his glove then his bat, as he hit just .245/.344/.305 (82 OPS+) with 11 doubles, 6 homers, and 50 RBIs in 569 trips to the plate. Jones has spent most of his minor league career at short, but he's played at least 750 innings at third, short, and second with above average efficiencies at each spot. Jones isn't much of a hitter, but he makes up for it with a good eye and a fair amount of infield hits. Jones is a good presence in the clubhouse as well, but I'd be very surprised if he ever gets a shot of regular playing time. And if that happens, we probably got decimated with injuries or enlistments.

LF Harry Harris (323rd Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 7th Round, 108th Overall (1939)
Alma Mater: DuPont Manual Crimsons

It was another missed season for the soon-to-be 23-year-old switch hitter, who was enlisted in the army. The switch hitter hasn't played since 1941, and the then 20-year-old hit .299/.403/.417 (127 OPS+) in 131 games down in La Crosse. Harris has more versatility then most corner bats, appearing in 30 games at third and 52 out in right. He was actually drafted as a third basemen, but we had far more depth in the infield so he's spent most of his time on the grass. Harris will probably get to skip up to AA or A, and he could end up working his way up very quickly. It might be hard for him to secure regular playing time, but he offers more with the bat then most depth pieces. I know we'll have a ton of good fielders on our bench already, which will work in Harris' favor.

RHP Stan Flanders (328th Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 10th Round, 157th Overall (1941)
Alma Mater: New Haven Bulldogs

A catcher at New Haven, we drafted Stan Flanders with the intent to make him a pitcher, but with thin rosters he's gotten to catch some innings too. It's just 120.2 so far, but I expect that to continue to increase if we have smaller innings limits in A ball. Having a rotation member who can function as a third catcher allows the Legislators to pinch hit and run a backup catcher if he's not starting the game. He didn't hit much, but after just 10 innings in San Jose, he excelled in his 24 starts with Lincoln. Flanders went 10-4 with a 3.57 ERA (133 ERA+), 1.36 WHIP, 48 walks, and 35 strikeouts. He was worth a career best 3 wins above replacement and could potentially make the move up to Mobile. A bit of a soft tosser, Flanders sits in the mid 80s with his fastball, which is effective because of the spin and where he places it. His curve and change need improvement, and without it he may be forced into a relief role. That may not be a problem, as relievers aren't too valuable, and one that can catch is a huge plus. It gives us a lot more flexibility, as most pen guys won't crack 40 innings in a season.

RHP Fred Thaxton (339th Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 7th Round, 97th Overall (1939)
Alma Mater: Tallmadge State Terriers

After a great season in Mobile last year, Fred Thaxton had a chance to debut before a call from the Navy derailed that plan. The 25-year-old won't be a prospect when he returns, making things tough for the former 7th Rounder to debut. A three pitch pitcher, Thaxton has a really good change up, and he locates his high 80s fastball and cutter well. He's not a big strikeout arm, and since he isn't the hardest worker, I don't expect him to be aided by a velocity boost. OSA thinks he could be a number 5 while Tom Weinstock just a spot starter, but he could have been nice depth to have next season as I'm sure we'll get hit by injuries again.