OOTP Developments Forums - View Single Post

ayaghmour2 · 11-26-2022, 06:05 PM

LHP Bret Rogers (64th Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 1st Round, 12th Overall (1944)
Alma Mater: Wenona Braves

Our first round selection in the most recent draft, Chicagoan Bert Rogers had a rough first season, going just 1-7 in 10 starts across 66.2 innings pitched. He walked (33) more batters then he struck out (26) while sporting elevated ERAs and WHIPs at 5.26 (66 ERA+) and 1.89. That doesn't worry me too much, as he didn't turn 18 until mid August, and he's a hard worker who should use this tough start as motivation for an intensive offseason regimen. The skinny lefty doesn't throw too hard yet, sitting in the 85-87 range with his fastball, but it's the worst pitch of his three. His slider and curve have tremendous break and he does a great job keeping the ball on the ground. Rogers is still very raw as a pitcher, but he has great upside, projecting to fill the middle of a rotation. It won't be any time soon, but I think the local kid will be well worth the wait.

CF Don Lee (95th Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 2nd Round, 28th Overall (1940)
Alma Mater: Lincoln High School Lions

Well, he finally hit the wall... After slashing .288/.424/.465 (156 OPS+) with 20 doubles, 6 triples, 7 homers, 15 steals, and 45 RBIs in 79 games with the Blues, "Rap" Lee got a much deserved call to the big leagues. It didn't quite pan out as expected, as he didn't hit much better then Orlin Yates, batting just .206/.287/.304 (70 OPS+) in 116 trips to the plate. This was Lee's first sample ever with an OPS+ or WRC+ below 130, and that came in his only other sample of less then 200 PAs. Another concerning aspect of his debut was his play out in center, as he accumulated a -2.9 zone rating and .947 efficiency in just under 200 innings out in center. He's never been a great defender, but with how he hit he'll need to either regain his offensive form or provide at least average defense. I do expect Lee to up his line a little, as he still managed to walk (12) twice as often as he struck out (6), and he's managed to do better then that in each of his previous stops. As much as I'd love to add a center fielder, the market is as barren as ever, so Lee will have a shot to take the starting job from Orlin Yates. Even if he doesn't win the job, we don't have many guys capable of playing center, and he could find himself in the short side of a platoon. He'll be just 23 to start the season, so Rap is far from a finished product despite being wise beyond his years. His teammates love him and he's a natural born leader who always gives 100%. These intangibles will ensure a roster spot for seasons to come, but so will his speed, eye, and hit tool.

RF Jimmy Hairston (122nd Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 4th Round, 61st Overall (1943)
Alma Mater: Bowman Mohawks

Most of the La Crosse teens struggled, but Jimmy Hairston put together a strong season in spite of a lack of power. After slugging 10 longballs in 68 games for the Lions last season, Hairston hit just 4. His .266/.342/.413 (112 OPS+) triple slash was far more impressive this year, and his 124 WRC+ was the best on the team. A lot of his homers last season were doubles, with 29 after 4 last season. Hairston had to fill in for injuries earlier in the year, so 38 of his 368 PAs came in San Jose, but I don't think he's ready for that. If he works hard over the offseason he could start the season back with the Cougars, but I think he's best served getting one more go down in La Crosse. He hits the ball hard and to all fields, and at 6'2'' he should be strong enough to hit home runs. Hairston will turn 20 before Opening Day, so he's far from a finished product, but he'll have to work hard if he wants to be an every day big leaguer.

RF Tom Jovin (126th Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 2nd Round, 28th Overall (1944)
Alma Mater: Pocahontas Chiefs

Our 2nd Round pick this season, Tom Jovin had an excellent high school career, but struggled at both B and C levels at the plate. He didn't have an extra base hit in 54 PAs with the Cougars while hitting just .261/.359/.307 (87 OPS+) with 4 doubles and 7 RBIs. A natural right fielder, Tom Jovin actually spent more time in center as we had a ton of corner outfielders down in La Crosse. He faired rather well despite being far better suited for a corner, but OSA is crazy enough to say he profiles as a "potential elite center fielder" for a contender. I think they're just looking at his bat, as Jovin has quick hands and could hit for power at the big league level. His plate discipline projects well too, but he's still struggling with off-speed pitches. He's a big baseball guy who loves to play every day, but he tends to keep to himself. He reminds me a lot of Rich Langton, but I hope he'll be quiet instead of intimidating like the 10-year vet.

RHP Charlie Kelsey (130th Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 9th Round, 140th Overall (1940)
Alma Mater: Lancaster Buckskins

This year's absurd jumper, Charlie Kelsey is somehow our 10th ranked prospect after making the jump from A ball to AAA. Kelsey managed to have his best season yet, going 9-4 with 15 saves, a 2.03 ERA (176 ERA+) and 1.05 WHIP. He struck out 38 and walked 22 in 88.2 innings, which was far better then I would have expected for the 22-year-old. Since he was drafted five seasons ago, he'll actually be Rule-5 eligible, meaning I might have to protect him. I'm not sold on him being a top prospect, but he has a green arrow up to the majors and I'm sure somewhat would select him. I'd rather sell him to help us with our cash troubles, but if he sticks in the organization he'll have a chance to secure a relief role behind Ben Curtin. Chances are he'll function as the stopper in Milwaukee as he can be optioned while others can't, but if our staff gets hit by injuries, he'd be a top candidate for a call up.

11-26-2022, 06:05 PM	#951
ayaghmour2 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Mar 2018 Posts: 3,140	Top Prospects: 6-10 LHP Bret Rogers (64th Overall) Acquired: Via Draft: 1st Round, 12th Overall (1944) Alma Mater: Wenona Braves Our first round selection in the most recent draft, Chicagoan Bert Rogers had a rough first season, going just 1-7 in 10 starts across 66.2 innings pitched. He walked (33) more batters then he struck out (26) while sporting elevated ERAs and WHIPs at 5.26 (66 ERA+) and 1.89. That doesn't worry me too much, as he didn't turn 18 until mid August, and he's a hard worker who should use this tough start as motivation for an intensive offseason regimen. The skinny lefty doesn't throw too hard yet, sitting in the 85-87 range with his fastball, but it's the worst pitch of his three. His slider and curve have tremendous break and he does a great job keeping the ball on the ground. Rogers is still very raw as a pitcher, but he has great upside, projecting to fill the middle of a rotation. It won't be any time soon, but I think the local kid will be well worth the wait. CF Don Lee (95th Overall) Acquired: Via Draft: 2nd Round, 28th Overall (1940) Alma Mater: Lincoln High School Lions Well, he finally hit the wall... After slashing .288/.424/.465 (156 OPS+) with 20 doubles, 6 triples, 7 homers, 15 steals, and 45 RBIs in 79 games with the Blues, "Rap" Lee got a much deserved call to the big leagues. It didn't quite pan out as expected, as he didn't hit much better then Orlin Yates, batting just .206/.287/.304 (70 OPS+) in 116 trips to the plate. This was Lee's first sample ever with an OPS+ or WRC+ below 130, and that came in his only other sample of less then 200 PAs. Another concerning aspect of his debut was his play out in center, as he accumulated a -2.9 zone rating and .947 efficiency in just under 200 innings out in center. He's never been a great defender, but with how he hit he'll need to either regain his offensive form or provide at least average defense. I do expect Lee to up his line a little, as he still managed to walk (12) twice as often as he struck out (6), and he's managed to do better then that in each of his previous stops. As much as I'd love to add a center fielder, the market is as barren as ever, so Lee will have a shot to take the starting job from Orlin Yates. Even if he doesn't win the job, we don't have many guys capable of playing center, and he could find himself in the short side of a platoon. He'll be just 23 to start the season, so Rap is far from a finished product despite being wise beyond his years. His teammates love him and he's a natural born leader who always gives 100%. These intangibles will ensure a roster spot for seasons to come, but so will his speed, eye, and hit tool. RF Jimmy Hairston (122nd Overall) Acquired: Via Draft: 4th Round, 61st Overall (1943) Alma Mater: Bowman Mohawks Most of the La Crosse teens struggled, but Jimmy Hairston put together a strong season in spite of a lack of power. After slugging 10 longballs in 68 games for the Lions last season, Hairston hit just 4. His .266/.342/.413 (112 OPS+) triple slash was far more impressive this year, and his 124 WRC+ was the best on the team. A lot of his homers last season were doubles, with 29 after 4 last season. Hairston had to fill in for injuries earlier in the year, so 38 of his 368 PAs came in San Jose, but I don't think he's ready for that. If he works hard over the offseason he could start the season back with the Cougars, but I think he's best served getting one more go down in La Crosse. He hits the ball hard and to all fields, and at 6'2'' he should be strong enough to hit home runs. Hairston will turn 20 before Opening Day, so he's far from a finished product, but he'll have to work hard if he wants to be an every day big leaguer. RF Tom Jovin (126th Overall) Acquired: Via Draft: 2nd Round, 28th Overall (1944) Alma Mater: Pocahontas Chiefs Our 2nd Round pick this season, Tom Jovin had an excellent high school career, but struggled at both B and C levels at the plate. He didn't have an extra base hit in 54 PAs with the Cougars while hitting just .261/.359/.307 (87 OPS+) with 4 doubles and 7 RBIs. A natural right fielder, Tom Jovin actually spent more time in center as we had a ton of corner outfielders down in La Crosse. He faired rather well despite being far better suited for a corner, but OSA is crazy enough to say he profiles as a "potential elite center fielder" for a contender. I think they're just looking at his bat, as Jovin has quick hands and could hit for power at the big league level. His plate discipline projects well too, but he's still struggling with off-speed pitches. He's a big baseball guy who loves to play every day, but he tends to keep to himself. He reminds me a lot of Rich Langton, but I hope he'll be quiet instead of intimidating like the 10-year vet. RHP Charlie Kelsey (130th Overall) Acquired: Via Draft: 9th Round, 140th Overall (1940) Alma Mater: Lancaster Buckskins This year's absurd jumper, Charlie Kelsey is somehow our 10th ranked prospect after making the jump from A ball to AAA. Kelsey managed to have his best season yet, going 9-4 with 15 saves, a 2.03 ERA (176 ERA+) and 1.05 WHIP. He struck out 38 and walked 22 in 88.2 innings, which was far better then I would have expected for the 22-year-old. Since he was drafted five seasons ago, he'll actually be Rule-5 eligible, meaning I might have to protect him. I'm not sold on him being a top prospect, but he has a green arrow up to the majors and I'm sure somewhat would select him. I'd rather sell him to help us with our cash troubles, but if he sticks in the organization he'll have a chance to secure a relief role behind Ben Curtin. Chances are he'll function as the stopper in Milwaukee as he can be optioned while others can't, but if our staff gets hit by injuries, he'd be a top candidate for a call up.