OOTP Developments Forums - View Single Post

ayaghmour2 · 01-22-2023, 12:08 AM

I still have a few things up in the air, so I wanted to wait to post, but we did make a second deal after the White semi-blockbuster. In an effort to bolster our lineup depth, we acquired one of Tom Weinstock's absolute favorite players, Ray Struble in exchange for glove first outfielder Ed Neal. Now let me make it clear, "Tadpole" is the farthest thing from a star, but that's not to say he's without his use. Recently turned 31, Struble has gone along way since being selected with the 370th pick in the 1932 draft, but the path to get there wasn't what I'd call direct. He spent his first four seasons in the Saints organization, but was cut prior to Spring Training in 1937. He then latched on with the Pueblo Mountaineers, where he spent the next three seasons. He was an every day starter in his first and third season, and after hitting .315/.385/.438 (115 OPS+) with 42 doubles, 6 triples, 6 homers, and 92 RBIs with a whopping 62 steals. He also played a very strong center field, and caught the eyes of the Sailors organization. That offseason he was acquired for a former 7th Rounder Jake Riley.

Struble spent most of the season in AAA San Francisco, but got a September callup and hit .265 with 2 doubles, 9 RBIs, and a steal in 41 trips to the plate. He played occasionally the next two seasons, before earning the starting center field job in 1943. He was worth nearly 3 WAR in 97 games, hitting .258/.309/.349 (97 OPS+) with 15 doubles, 5 triples, 2 homers, 9 steals, and 45 RBIs while offering solid defense out in center. Unfortunately he has yet to reach that level of production, and Struble is hitting just .228/.278/.372 (78 OPS+) with 14 doubles, 6 triples, 7 homers, 5 steals, and 53 RBIs in 85 games with the Sailors this season. A career .242/.294/.336 (80 OPS+) hitter, his value comes in his defensive ability, as Don Lee and Orlin Yates are the only capable center fielders on the active roster. I'm not worried that either of these guys will get hurt, but Cliff Moss loves spending time on the IL and Rich Langton tends to make a trip or two himself. To keep Moss healthy, Lee might see some time in right, and with Struble now on the roster we'll still have two capable options in center. Yates has been awful at the plate, just a .191 average and 58 OPS+, and his time as a Cougar may be running out. He's three years older then Struble, and while he has the advantage defensively, he offers far less at the plate. They'll get to compete for the backup center fielder spot, and unless Struble really struggles, it should be his.

01-22-2023, 12:08 AM	#996
ayaghmour2 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Mar 2018 Posts: 3,010	Trade News! I still have a few things up in the air, so I wanted to wait to post, but we did make a second deal after the White semi-blockbuster. In an effort to bolster our lineup depth, we acquired one of Tom Weinstock's absolute favorite players, Ray Struble in exchange for glove first outfielder Ed Neal. Now let me make it clear, "Tadpole" is the farthest thing from a star, but that's not to say he's without his use. Recently turned 31, Struble has gone along way since being selected with the 370th pick in the 1932 draft, but the path to get there wasn't what I'd call direct. He spent his first four seasons in the Saints organization, but was cut prior to Spring Training in 1937. He then latched on with the Pueblo Mountaineers, where he spent the next three seasons. He was an every day starter in his first and third season, and after hitting .315/.385/.438 (115 OPS+) with 42 doubles, 6 triples, 6 homers, and 92 RBIs with a whopping 62 steals. He also played a very strong center field, and caught the eyes of the Sailors organization. That offseason he was acquired for a former 7th Rounder Jake Riley. Struble spent most of the season in AAA San Francisco, but got a September callup and hit .265 with 2 doubles, 9 RBIs, and a steal in 41 trips to the plate. He played occasionally the next two seasons, before earning the starting center field job in 1943. He was worth nearly 3 WAR in 97 games, hitting .258/.309/.349 (97 OPS+) with 15 doubles, 5 triples, 2 homers, 9 steals, and 45 RBIs while offering solid defense out in center. Unfortunately he has yet to reach that level of production, and Struble is hitting just .228/.278/.372 (78 OPS+) with 14 doubles, 6 triples, 7 homers, 5 steals, and 53 RBIs in 85 games with the Sailors this season. A career .242/.294/.336 (80 OPS+) hitter, his value comes in his defensive ability, as Don Lee and Orlin Yates are the only capable center fielders on the active roster. I'm not worried that either of these guys will get hurt, but Cliff Moss loves spending time on the IL and Rich Langton tends to make a trip or two himself. To keep Moss healthy, Lee might see some time in right, and with Struble now on the roster we'll still have two capable options in center. Yates has been awful at the plate, just a .191 average and 58 OPS+, and his time as a Cougar may be running out. He's three years older then Struble, and while he has the advantage defensively, he offers far less at the plate. They'll get to compete for the backup center fielder spot, and unless Struble really struggles, it should be his.