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ayaghmour2 · 02-15-2023, 08:30 PM

SS Bill Perrin (164th Overall)
Acquired: Via Trade with Detroit (1945)
Drafted: 5th Round, 78th Overall (1945)
Alma Mater: Eastern Crusaders

One of the four pieces in the Art White trade, Bill Perrin was a guy I had my eye on in the draft, but instead opted to go with Jim Mako in the 4th. Had the Dynamos not used their 5th Rounder on him, we might not have had Rupert Heinbaugh or Alex O'Dailey in the system, but instead we have the whole group. Perrin ranks higher then the previously mentioned trio, and the highest of his three prospects we added. Despite being just 18, I had him pushed up to San Jose, and let's just say... It did not go well...

I didn't have any expectations due to his age, but almost anything is better then the .124/.201/.149 (3 OPS+) batting line he produced. He had just 3 doubles in 134 trips to the plate, and he had 50 strikeouts to just 12 walks. Despite that, Perrin never let that get him down, and the Cleveland Heights native was still the first man to the park and last one to leave. A dedicated "baseball rat" like himself will be a favorite in whatever clubhouse he participates in next year. We have too many talented low minors guys, so I expect guys like Perrin will get shuffled back and forth between La Crosse and San Jose to see who can stick. Perrin may not show it yet, but I think he has the tools to be an impressive infielder both in the field and at the plate. He's a disciplined hitter who should draw plenty of walks, and as a hitter he has the perfect combination of bat speed and barrel control. He's handled short well so far, and while I'm not sure he'll ever be more then average there at the big league level, the bat may make up for it. Eventually, we'll stop seeing shortstops like Skipper Schneider, Charlie Artuso, Jim Hensley, and Harry Barrell who can do everything, giving guys like Perrin a fair shake. He's definitely a project, but if I was a betting man, I'd put my money on Perrin developing into a quality big leaguer.

LF Clyde Parker (166th Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 7th Round, 103rd Overall (1945)
Alma Mater: Liberty Bluejays

Clyde Parker is what I like to call Leo Mitchell lite, as this year's 7th Rounder could be an excellent big league hitter. One of the few prospects from this class who actually hit a bit, Parker managed to post average numbers at both La Crosse and San Jose, despite not putting the ball in play as much as I would have thought. A three year starter at Liberty, Parker hit .512 or better in each of his three seasons, he hit just .218 with La Crosse and .225 with San Jose. I definitely expect him to hit for higher averages later on, but he more then made up for it with his extra base power. Parker hit 16 doubles, 7 triples, and 5 homers in his 67 games, allowing him to produce WRC+ of 109 and 108 at his respected levels. Having turned just 19 in September, he more then held his own against tough competition, and has a chance to start next season in the Cougars opening day lineup. A bat first prospect, Parker isn't a bad defensive corner outfielder, but the brunt of his production will come at the plate. The lefty hits to all fields, sending liner after liner over the infield, and when he really gets a hold of a mistake, he as a ton of pull side home run pop. He has a good eye and can run a bit, giving him multiple ways to beat a defense. He's got ways to go, but he's got a higher ceiling then most prep picks and he's extremely hard working. He has the tools and potential to flourish in the big leagues, and there are very few youngsters in our system who project to hit better then him.

2B Bob Schmelz (193rd Overall)
Acquired: Via Trade with Detroit (1945)
Drafted: 1st Round, 11th Overall (1942)
Alma Mater: Dravosburg Flyers

Another one of the pieces acquired in the Art White deal, Schmelz was serving in the army. He got himself an early discharge, making his first of twenty appearances on the 3rd of September. With callups, a spot was open in Lincoln, and well I knew he'd be overmatched, the soon-to-be 21-year-old had a better chance then most of our other youngsters that are old enough to serve their country, but not buy a beer. As expected, Schmelz struggled with the competition, as he had to face some pitchers in their 30s during him time with the Legislators. He finished just 13-for-75 with 3 doubles, a homer, and 7 RBIs. This produced a 48 WRC+, but pales in comparison to his -7.6 zone rating and .742 efficiency at the keystone. But the best part is, he doesn't have a down arrow! For a guy who hasn't picked up a bat since he was 17, I would have honestly expected much worse. Don't get me wrong, Schmelz isn't going to set the world on fire, but with a chance to shake off some rust and a chance to face more age appropriate competition I think he'll preform well. The numbers game may bounce him down to San Jose, but I really want him facing A ball pitchers next season.

Schmelz is a bat only prospect, likely Ray Ford level defense at second, so he may have to transition to first base. We don't have many first base prospects, leaving potential at bats for someone like Schmelz to take. Even if he doesn't play every game at one position, I'd be comfortable splitting time between first and second, allowing more players to get involved in the lineup. He'll still get six or so starts a week, and he'll hit to earn his spot. He's a little short for first, but he's strong and hits the ball hard, projecting to hit around .300 while maintaining a high on-base percentage. He doesn't really strike me as a home run hitter, but in our park a lot of well hit balls will leave the yard. He's really young and carries plenty of risk, but he has plenty of upside in a position we generally don't hold much depth.

LHP Lefty Jones (205th Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 5th Round, 207th Overall (1943)
Alma Mater: Wilsonville Wildcats

1945 was a tough season for Lefty Jones, who was pushed a bit too hard this season. After going 8-5 with a 2.96 ERA (118 ERA+) and 71 strikeouts in 13 starts with San Jose, he spent his season getting hit hard in A and AA. Most of the innings came in Lincoln, where he went just 4-12 with a 5.62 ERA (73 ERA+) and 1.85 WHIP with 83 walks and just 43 strikeouts. Walks have always caused Lefty trouble, but his strikeouts were never this low. His 2.5 K/9 was a personal low, and other then his 25.2 innings with the Commodores this season, he's never held one below 5. I'm not concerned yet, but 1946 will be a big season for him. He'll likely get a more fair shot at A ball next season, but the numbers game has a chance of sending him down a level. It's tough for side armers to pitch every day, but his tools are enticing enough to make it work. He has a solid high 80s cutter and his slider is devastating for lefties. The trouble will be the change. If he can use it effectively against righties, Jones can toe the rubber every five days. The issue now is his command, as he can't locate any of his pitches, leading to high pitch counts and short outings. Jones has plenty of risk, and considering we already have two on the big league staff, a third would seem like overkill. He's a bit before his time, as in a modern day league he'd be a deadly lefty late inning arm, but instead, he'll be lucky to get more then a handful of big league starts.

SS Al Clement (207th Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 2nd Round, 29th Overall (1943)
Alma Mater: De Pere Redbirds

It was a tale of two seasons for Clement, who raked with the Cougars and scuffled against the Legislators. His first third came in San Jose, where he hit an excellent .329/.394/.478 (154 OPS+) with 7 homers and 21 RBIs. The rest came in Lincoln, where his line dropped to .252/.306/.325 (70 OPS+). The former 2nd Rounder combined for 10 doubles, 5 triples, and 53 RBIs, which does leave some to be desired. He did swipe 37 bases, as speed is a huge asset of his, but I expected more doubles and triples. He's not putting the ball in play enough yet, and he's also been striking out far more then he's walked. When he's fully developed, scouts expect above average contact and eye tools. He'll hit his share of extra base hits, but we'll be lucky to get five homers from him in a season. His speed more then makes up for it, and while he hasn't played great defense yet, he doesn't turn 21 until March and has plenty of time to improve. I think he'll be a strong shortstop, and he's handled second and third, but I may mix in some center field next season. He definitely has the speed for it, so if short proves difficult, he has plenty of fallback positions where he should be plus or better. His versatility will earn him a big league spot, but a starting role is tough to come by on the Cougars.

02-15-2023, 08:30 PM	#1018
ayaghmour2 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Mar 2018 Posts: 3,010	Top Prospects: 11-15 SS Bill Perrin (164th Overall) Acquired: Via Trade with Detroit (1945) Drafted: 5th Round, 78th Overall (1945) Alma Mater: Eastern Crusaders One of the four pieces in the Art White trade, Bill Perrin was a guy I had my eye on in the draft, but instead opted to go with Jim Mako in the 4th. Had the Dynamos not used their 5th Rounder on him, we might not have had Rupert Heinbaugh or Alex O'Dailey in the system, but instead we have the whole group. Perrin ranks higher then the previously mentioned trio, and the highest of his three prospects we added. Despite being just 18, I had him pushed up to San Jose, and let's just say... It did not go well... I didn't have any expectations due to his age, but almost anything is better then the .124/.201/.149 (3 OPS+) batting line he produced. He had just 3 doubles in 134 trips to the plate, and he had 50 strikeouts to just 12 walks. Despite that, Perrin never let that get him down, and the Cleveland Heights native was still the first man to the park and last one to leave. A dedicated "baseball rat" like himself will be a favorite in whatever clubhouse he participates in next year. We have too many talented low minors guys, so I expect guys like Perrin will get shuffled back and forth between La Crosse and San Jose to see who can stick. Perrin may not show it yet, but I think he has the tools to be an impressive infielder both in the field and at the plate. He's a disciplined hitter who should draw plenty of walks, and as a hitter he has the perfect combination of bat speed and barrel control. He's handled short well so far, and while I'm not sure he'll ever be more then average there at the big league level, the bat may make up for it. Eventually, we'll stop seeing shortstops like Skipper Schneider, Charlie Artuso, Jim Hensley, and Harry Barrell who can do everything, giving guys like Perrin a fair shake. He's definitely a project, but if I was a betting man, I'd put my money on Perrin developing into a quality big leaguer. LF Clyde Parker (166th Overall) Acquired: Via Draft: 7th Round, 103rd Overall (1945) Alma Mater: Liberty Bluejays Clyde Parker is what I like to call Leo Mitchell lite, as this year's 7th Rounder could be an excellent big league hitter. One of the few prospects from this class who actually hit a bit, Parker managed to post average numbers at both La Crosse and San Jose, despite not putting the ball in play as much as I would have thought. A three year starter at Liberty, Parker hit .512 or better in each of his three seasons, he hit just .218 with La Crosse and .225 with San Jose. I definitely expect him to hit for higher averages later on, but he more then made up for it with his extra base power. Parker hit 16 doubles, 7 triples, and 5 homers in his 67 games, allowing him to produce WRC+ of 109 and 108 at his respected levels. Having turned just 19 in September, he more then held his own against tough competition, and has a chance to start next season in the Cougars opening day lineup. A bat first prospect, Parker isn't a bad defensive corner outfielder, but the brunt of his production will come at the plate. The lefty hits to all fields, sending liner after liner over the infield, and when he really gets a hold of a mistake, he as a ton of pull side home run pop. He has a good eye and can run a bit, giving him multiple ways to beat a defense. He's got ways to go, but he's got a higher ceiling then most prep picks and he's extremely hard working. He has the tools and potential to flourish in the big leagues, and there are very few youngsters in our system who project to hit better then him. 2B Bob Schmelz (193rd Overall) Acquired: Via Trade with Detroit (1945) Drafted: 1st Round, 11th Overall (1942) Alma Mater: Dravosburg Flyers Another one of the pieces acquired in the Art White deal, Schmelz was serving in the army. He got himself an early discharge, making his first of twenty appearances on the 3rd of September. With callups, a spot was open in Lincoln, and well I knew he'd be overmatched, the soon-to-be 21-year-old had a better chance then most of our other youngsters that are old enough to serve their country, but not buy a beer. As expected, Schmelz struggled with the competition, as he had to face some pitchers in their 30s during him time with the Legislators. He finished just 13-for-75 with 3 doubles, a homer, and 7 RBIs. This produced a 48 WRC+, but pales in comparison to his -7.6 zone rating and .742 efficiency at the keystone. But the best part is, he doesn't have a down arrow! For a guy who hasn't picked up a bat since he was 17, I would have honestly expected much worse. Don't get me wrong, Schmelz isn't going to set the world on fire, but with a chance to shake off some rust and a chance to face more age appropriate competition I think he'll preform well. The numbers game may bounce him down to San Jose, but I really want him facing A ball pitchers next season. Schmelz is a bat only prospect, likely Ray Ford level defense at second, so he may have to transition to first base. We don't have many first base prospects, leaving potential at bats for someone like Schmelz to take. Even if he doesn't play every game at one position, I'd be comfortable splitting time between first and second, allowing more players to get involved in the lineup. He'll still get six or so starts a week, and he'll hit to earn his spot. He's a little short for first, but he's strong and hits the ball hard, projecting to hit around .300 while maintaining a high on-base percentage. He doesn't really strike me as a home run hitter, but in our park a lot of well hit balls will leave the yard. He's really young and carries plenty of risk, but he has plenty of upside in a position we generally don't hold much depth. LHP Lefty Jones (205th Overall) Acquired: Via Draft: 5th Round, 207th Overall (1943) Alma Mater: Wilsonville Wildcats 1945 was a tough season for Lefty Jones, who was pushed a bit too hard this season. After going 8-5 with a 2.96 ERA (118 ERA+) and 71 strikeouts in 13 starts with San Jose, he spent his season getting hit hard in A and AA. Most of the innings came in Lincoln, where he went just 4-12 with a 5.62 ERA (73 ERA+) and 1.85 WHIP with 83 walks and just 43 strikeouts. Walks have always caused Lefty trouble, but his strikeouts were never this low. His 2.5 K/9 was a personal low, and other then his 25.2 innings with the Commodores this season, he's never held one below 5. I'm not concerned yet, but 1946 will be a big season for him. He'll likely get a more fair shot at A ball next season, but the numbers game has a chance of sending him down a level. It's tough for side armers to pitch every day, but his tools are enticing enough to make it work. He has a solid high 80s cutter and his slider is devastating for lefties. The trouble will be the change. If he can use it effectively against righties, Jones can toe the rubber every five days. The issue now is his command, as he can't locate any of his pitches, leading to high pitch counts and short outings. Jones has plenty of risk, and considering we already have two on the big league staff, a third would seem like overkill. He's a bit before his time, as in a modern day league he'd be a deadly lefty late inning arm, but instead, he'll be lucky to get more then a handful of big league starts. SS Al Clement (207th Overall) Acquired: Via Draft: 2nd Round, 29th Overall (1943) Alma Mater: De Pere Redbirds It was a tale of two seasons for Clement, who raked with the Cougars and scuffled against the Legislators. His first third came in San Jose, where he hit an excellent .329/.394/.478 (154 OPS+) with 7 homers and 21 RBIs. The rest came in Lincoln, where his line dropped to .252/.306/.325 (70 OPS+). The former 2nd Rounder combined for 10 doubles, 5 triples, and 53 RBIs, which does leave some to be desired. He did swipe 37 bases, as speed is a huge asset of his, but I expected more doubles and triples. He's not putting the ball in play enough yet, and he's also been striking out far more then he's walked. When he's fully developed, scouts expect above average contact and eye tools. He'll hit his share of extra base hits, but we'll be lucky to get five homers from him in a season. His speed more then makes up for it, and while he hasn't played great defense yet, he doesn't turn 21 until March and has plenty of time to improve. I think he'll be a strong shortstop, and he's handled second and third, but I may mix in some center field next season. He definitely has the speed for it, so if short proves difficult, he has plenty of fallback positions where he should be plus or better. His versatility will earn him a big league spot, but a starting role is tough to come by on the Cougars.