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ayaghmour2 · 01-24-2024, 07:10 PM

RF Jimmy Hairston (110th Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 4th Round, 61st Overall (1943)
Alma Mater: Bowman Mohawks

The first time up didn't go so well, as after hitting .267/.378/.267 (75 OPS+) in July, he was optioned after an 0-for-2 start to August. But when Jimmy Hairston was called back up after the Century League ended, he went 3-for-7 with a homer and three walks and runs driven in. That led to a surprisingly above average .282/.408/.359 (106 OPS+) in his first 50 FABL plate appearances. It demonstrates the danger of a small sample, as the larger portion was truly impressive.

Hairston made 361 trips to the plate for the Blues, and hit an impressive .316/.427/.502 (142 OPS+) with 20 doubles, 10 homers, and 52 RBIs. Hairston led the Blues with his 160 WRC+ and drew 55 walks while scoring 54 runs. While not enough time to be considered an MVP type season, he was one of the more valuable players on the team. Surprising enough, that's what Dixie Marsh expects of Hairston in the future, saying he has the "potential to be a cornerstone player as a right fielder." I'm not sure I agree with that, but former scout Tom Weinstock was a big fan when he was drafted 61st in 1943. But while he has plenty of outstanding qualities, he's no Ralph Johnson. Or Bill Barrett and Bobby Barrell. They all play his position and the next level down are all quality players in their own right. He's good but not a star, a guy that will hit for a high average and draw a lot of walks. He'll strike out some too, but he seems to have mastered the skill of consistency. There's not many players like him, but I think a best case scenario for Hairston would be a right handed Al Tucker. High average, double digit pop, and strong walk and strikeout rates. Tucker is someone I'd love to add to our lineup, as the soon-to-be 37-year-old won the Fed batting title by hitting .362/.435/.474 (135 OPS+) as every Pioneer pitcher pitched like they faced a lineup with him in it. The Carlos Montes trade opens a roster spot for guys like Hairston, who have a chance to earn a spot in the lineup. If he's as good as Dixie thinks he is, we'll have a star on our hands, but I'd settle for a capable short side platoon outfielder who can come up with a few clutch pinch hit home runs.

LHP Buster Clark (122nd Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 4th Round, 61st Overall (1949)
Alma Mater: Santa Cruz Pirates

Believe it or not, since we finish second place so often, Buster Clark was drafted with the exact same pick as Jimmy Hairston, just six whole years later. Currently the second highest ranked prospect of our draft class, the young southpaw wowed with a 104-to-9 strikeout-to-walk ratio as a senior at his California high school. The San Francisco kid pitched often, starting eight games and relieving seven, finishing 5-0 with a 0.78 ERA and 0.75 WHIP. He wasn't nearly as effective with us, as in a matching 69.1 innings pitched, Clark was 5-3 with a 5.71 ERA (82 ERA+) and 1.60 WHIP. FIP thinks he was quite unlucky, as his 4.39 (93 FIP-) was actually above average for the UMVA. FIP likes guys like him, as even with his high ERA he maintained a 3.3 K/BB. Clark struck out 70 hitters, just over a batter an inning in his 11 starts. Most guys he's facing aren't used to pitchers who can throw five pitches, especially a slider as good as his. When paired with a high 80s sinker he's extremely effective, and I don't ever expect him to deal with home run problems. He's going to be extremely effective against lefty sluggers, and he's exactly the type of guy I'd target in a modern game, as he's the perfect fallback lefty pen specialist. He's best used as a starter, but I agree with Dixie that his stuff would work best in relief. Like most teenagers, his arsenal is in need of refinement, and that will determine if he can be a reliable big league starter. The curve and splitter both project to be plus pitches, but it will take some work. This offseason will be a big one for him, as if he puts together a strong offseason he could open up in San Jose. He'll 19 in November, and any velocity would quicken his rise up the system. He seemed to wear out as the season went on, allowing five or more runs in each of his last three starts, so it will be interesting to see how he holds up in a full season. That could be reason to give him the first few months off, but if all goes well he ends next season on a new team.

1B Cal Rice (143rd Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 10th Round, 158th Overall (1945)
Alma Mater: Farmington Tigers

I never really expected to do this, but after Billy Biggar (who was added as well) was taken in the Rule-5 Draft last offseason, I didn't want to risk a similar situation with Cal Rice. A former 10th Round Pick, Rice has had a nice rise of the prospect ladder, and in 139 games split between Lincoln and Mobile, he slugger a personal best 13 homers. That's encouraging for the 6'3'' lefty, who has the build of a prolific slugger. He has a fluid swing and makes good contact, with the potential to hit around .300 in the majors. That hasn't happened yet, as at 22 he's far from fully developed, but he posted WRC+ of 112 and 113 in similar samples. What was most interesting was his discipline, as he improved his walk and strikeout numbers after his promotion. In 312 plate appearances with the Legislators, he drew 20 walks and struck out 48 times, but in 273 PAs with the Commodores he managed to walk (32) more then he struck out (30). That would be a welcomed bonus from Rice, who technically stands as the heir apparent to Red Bond at first. Him and Biggar could even form a platoon, and both will be in camp this spring. I don't think Rice is ready, maybe two seasons out, but next year will be big for him. If he can get to AAA, that would put him in line for a starting role in 1951, but as long as Bond is producing there's no reason to rush the New Hampshire to the Windy City.

CF Bob Allie (126th Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 3rd Round, 36th Overall (1948)
Alma Mater: Millville Middies

Our third round pick last season, Allie spent the first few months of his season practicing with the Lions training staff, and he was ready to go when the UMVA season came around. In 45 games he hit an impressive .400/.453/.559 (147 OPS+) with 9 doubles, 4 homers, and 29 RBIs. "Alley Cat" was also 10-for-13 on stolen bases, and scored 30 runs in his 161 plate appearances. That earned him a promotion to San Jose, where he didn't find near the success. Sure, he was successful in his only stolen base attempt, but he posted a putrid 255/.250/.319 (49 OPS+) in 48 trips to the plate. As bad as that is, I'm hoping that he'll come into the new year invigorated, and ready to hold down an outfield spot long-term. With his speed, I'd love for him to stick in center, but he hasn't had much success early on. As things stand now, he'll remain there come Opening Day, with Harley Dollar an option to take some starts away from him. Regardless of position, he'll cover an outfield spot, as his bat is plenty exciting too. He hits the ball hard and makes plenty of contact, and with his speed good things happen when he puts the ball in play. I don't think he'll ever walk much, and power doesn't project to be a big part of his game, so a lot of his staying power hinges on the defense in center. He may not have the bat for a corner, but if he gives you good defense in center I like him as the leadoff or eighth hitter. At the top, he can get in scoring position for the heart, and at the bottom the pitcher can bunt him over. If all goes right, he'll be a coveted asset, but there's a lot of work to be done with his approach at the plate.

LF Clyde Parker (146th Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 7th Round, 103rd Overall (1945)
Alma Mater: Liberty Bluejays

No longer a top 100 prospect, Clyde Parker dropped towards the end of the season, but that didn't stop me from giving him one of our 40-man roster spots. I'd love for the 23-year-old to play in Cuba this Winter, as he's coming off a great season at the plate. He spent most of the year in Mobile, where he slashed .323/.395/.476 (129 OPS+) with a 146 WRC+ in 418 trips to the plate. Combined with his 57 September plate appearances with the Blues, he tallied 29 doubles, 2 triples, 10 homers, 62 RBIs, and 49 walks in a quality all-around season. The recently turned 23-year-old was worth exactly three wins above replacement, and the potential Leo Mitchell clone could eventually replace him if he puts everything together. As a hit-only prospect, Parker will need to either have streaks where he's unstoppable or a quiet consistency, and the Cuban Winter League is the perfect place to showcase that. That will also determine where he starts next season, as I'm prioritizing at bats over level. He needed to come cover a lineup spot for the Blues, so he could find himself back in AA to begin the 1950s. With a crowded outfield picture it may be tough for him to find playing time, but if he starts hitting and we aren't winning, don't put it past me calling him up sometime next season.

01-24-2024, 07:10 PM	#1307
ayaghmour2 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Mar 2018 Posts: 3,011	Top Prospects: 11-15 RF Jimmy Hairston (110th Overall) Acquired: Via Draft: 4th Round, 61st Overall (1943) Alma Mater: Bowman Mohawks The first time up didn't go so well, as after hitting .267/.378/.267 (75 OPS+) in July, he was optioned after an 0-for-2 start to August. But when Jimmy Hairston was called back up after the Century League ended, he went 3-for-7 with a homer and three walks and runs driven in. That led to a surprisingly above average .282/.408/.359 (106 OPS+) in his first 50 FABL plate appearances. It demonstrates the danger of a small sample, as the larger portion was truly impressive. Hairston made 361 trips to the plate for the Blues, and hit an impressive .316/.427/.502 (142 OPS+) with 20 doubles, 10 homers, and 52 RBIs. Hairston led the Blues with his 160 WRC+ and drew 55 walks while scoring 54 runs. While not enough time to be considered an MVP type season, he was one of the more valuable players on the team. Surprising enough, that's what Dixie Marsh expects of Hairston in the future, saying he has the "potential to be a cornerstone player as a right fielder." I'm not sure I agree with that, but former scout Tom Weinstock was a big fan when he was drafted 61st in 1943. But while he has plenty of outstanding qualities, he's no Ralph Johnson. Or Bill Barrett and Bobby Barrell. They all play his position and the next level down are all quality players in their own right. He's good but not a star, a guy that will hit for a high average and draw a lot of walks. He'll strike out some too, but he seems to have mastered the skill of consistency. There's not many players like him, but I think a best case scenario for Hairston would be a right handed Al Tucker. High average, double digit pop, and strong walk and strikeout rates. Tucker is someone I'd love to add to our lineup, as the soon-to-be 37-year-old won the Fed batting title by hitting .362/.435/.474 (135 OPS+) as every Pioneer pitcher pitched like they faced a lineup with him in it. The Carlos Montes trade opens a roster spot for guys like Hairston, who have a chance to earn a spot in the lineup. If he's as good as Dixie thinks he is, we'll have a star on our hands, but I'd settle for a capable short side platoon outfielder who can come up with a few clutch pinch hit home runs. LHP Buster Clark (122nd Overall) Acquired: Via Draft: 4th Round, 61st Overall (1949) Alma Mater: Santa Cruz Pirates Believe it or not, since we finish second place so often, Buster Clark was drafted with the exact same pick as Jimmy Hairston, just six whole years later. Currently the second highest ranked prospect of our draft class, the young southpaw wowed with a 104-to-9 strikeout-to-walk ratio as a senior at his California high school. The San Francisco kid pitched often, starting eight games and relieving seven, finishing 5-0 with a 0.78 ERA and 0.75 WHIP. He wasn't nearly as effective with us, as in a matching 69.1 innings pitched, Clark was 5-3 with a 5.71 ERA (82 ERA+) and 1.60 WHIP. FIP thinks he was quite unlucky, as his 4.39 (93 FIP-) was actually above average for the UMVA. FIP likes guys like him, as even with his high ERA he maintained a 3.3 K/BB. Clark struck out 70 hitters, just over a batter an inning in his 11 starts. Most guys he's facing aren't used to pitchers who can throw five pitches, especially a slider as good as his. When paired with a high 80s sinker he's extremely effective, and I don't ever expect him to deal with home run problems. He's going to be extremely effective against lefty sluggers, and he's exactly the type of guy I'd target in a modern game, as he's the perfect fallback lefty pen specialist. He's best used as a starter, but I agree with Dixie that his stuff would work best in relief. Like most teenagers, his arsenal is in need of refinement, and that will determine if he can be a reliable big league starter. The curve and splitter both project to be plus pitches, but it will take some work. This offseason will be a big one for him, as if he puts together a strong offseason he could open up in San Jose. He'll 19 in November, and any velocity would quicken his rise up the system. He seemed to wear out as the season went on, allowing five or more runs in each of his last three starts, so it will be interesting to see how he holds up in a full season. That could be reason to give him the first few months off, but if all goes well he ends next season on a new team. 1B Cal Rice (143rd Overall) Acquired: Via Draft: 10th Round, 158th Overall (1945) Alma Mater: Farmington Tigers I never really expected to do this, but after Billy Biggar (who was added as well) was taken in the Rule-5 Draft last offseason, I didn't want to risk a similar situation with Cal Rice. A former 10th Round Pick, Rice has had a nice rise of the prospect ladder, and in 139 games split between Lincoln and Mobile, he slugger a personal best 13 homers. That's encouraging for the 6'3'' lefty, who has the build of a prolific slugger. He has a fluid swing and makes good contact, with the potential to hit around .300 in the majors. That hasn't happened yet, as at 22 he's far from fully developed, but he posted WRC+ of 112 and 113 in similar samples. What was most interesting was his discipline, as he improved his walk and strikeout numbers after his promotion. In 312 plate appearances with the Legislators, he drew 20 walks and struck out 48 times, but in 273 PAs with the Commodores he managed to walk (32) more then he struck out (30). That would be a welcomed bonus from Rice, who technically stands as the heir apparent to Red Bond at first. Him and Biggar could even form a platoon, and both will be in camp this spring. I don't think Rice is ready, maybe two seasons out, but next year will be big for him. If he can get to AAA, that would put him in line for a starting role in 1951, but as long as Bond is producing there's no reason to rush the New Hampshire to the Windy City. CF Bob Allie (126th Overall) Acquired: Via Draft: 3rd Round, 36th Overall (1948) Alma Mater: Millville Middies Our third round pick last season, Allie spent the first few months of his season practicing with the Lions training staff, and he was ready to go when the UMVA season came around. In 45 games he hit an impressive .400/.453/.559 (147 OPS+) with 9 doubles, 4 homers, and 29 RBIs. "Alley Cat" was also 10-for-13 on stolen bases, and scored 30 runs in his 161 plate appearances. That earned him a promotion to San Jose, where he didn't find near the success. Sure, he was successful in his only stolen base attempt, but he posted a putrid 255/.250/.319 (49 OPS+) in 48 trips to the plate. As bad as that is, I'm hoping that he'll come into the new year invigorated, and ready to hold down an outfield spot long-term. With his speed, I'd love for him to stick in center, but he hasn't had much success early on. As things stand now, he'll remain there come Opening Day, with Harley Dollar an option to take some starts away from him. Regardless of position, he'll cover an outfield spot, as his bat is plenty exciting too. He hits the ball hard and makes plenty of contact, and with his speed good things happen when he puts the ball in play. I don't think he'll ever walk much, and power doesn't project to be a big part of his game, so a lot of his staying power hinges on the defense in center. He may not have the bat for a corner, but if he gives you good defense in center I like him as the leadoff or eighth hitter. At the top, he can get in scoring position for the heart, and at the bottom the pitcher can bunt him over. If all goes right, he'll be a coveted asset, but there's a lot of work to be done with his approach at the plate. LF Clyde Parker (146th Overall) Acquired: Via Draft: 7th Round, 103rd Overall (1945) Alma Mater: Liberty Bluejays No longer a top 100 prospect, Clyde Parker dropped towards the end of the season, but that didn't stop me from giving him one of our 40-man roster spots. I'd love for the 23-year-old to play in Cuba this Winter, as he's coming off a great season at the plate. He spent most of the year in Mobile, where he slashed .323/.395/.476 (129 OPS+) with a 146 WRC+ in 418 trips to the plate. Combined with his 57 September plate appearances with the Blues, he tallied 29 doubles, 2 triples, 10 homers, 62 RBIs, and 49 walks in a quality all-around season. The recently turned 23-year-old was worth exactly three wins above replacement, and the potential Leo Mitchell clone could eventually replace him if he puts everything together. As a hit-only prospect, Parker will need to either have streaks where he's unstoppable or a quiet consistency, and the Cuban Winter League is the perfect place to showcase that. That will also determine where he starts next season, as I'm prioritizing at bats over level. He needed to come cover a lineup spot for the Blues, so he could find himself back in AA to begin the 1950s. With a crowded outfield picture it may be tough for him to find playing time, but if he starts hitting and we aren't winning, don't put it past me calling him up sometime next season.