[ayaghmour2]

More transactions! This time, a pair of coaches and a catcher who's actually pretty competent! While still not a guy with FABL experience, recently turned 34-year-old Bill Plunkett was a mainstay of the independent Minneapolis Lumberjacks, spending 12 seasons with the organization before they folded when FABL admitted the Millers. At first, the former Pioneer 4th Rounder was a reserve catcher, but in each of the last seven seasons he made at least 110 starts. Plunkett is coming off a 4.1 WAR season, playing against teams like our Milwaukee Blues, and hitting a strong .263/.376/.426 (121 OPS+) with 19 doubles, 17 homers, and 74 RBIs. That 121 OPS+ matches his AAA career OPS+, as he's hit .268/.370/.422 in nearly 5,000 PAs. A disciplined slugger, he's drawn 661 walks to just 399 strikeouts, and deposited 141 balls in the seats. Add in 188 doubles, 565 runs, and 672 RBIs, and it's clear to see the value Plunkett brings to the table, even if he has yet to debut for a FABL team.

In the same league, Alex O'Dailey hit .259/.342/.428 (110 OPS+), which gives you some idea of the type of hitter he is. A fair bit better, then my former 5th Rounder, he's got a better arm and similar ability catching and blocking, but his on-base skills are what sets him apart. On the big league club, only Bill Irvin has a better eye, and he's on pace or slightly above Byron Burnett and Gene Case. Then in terms of avoiding Ks, just Bobby Martinez has him beat, while George McKee and Mooney Vetter are about at his level. He doesn't put it in play as much as those guys, so don't expect a high average, but he's still way better then the non-Chappy Sanders backstops in our organization. In an ideal world, Chappy starts with Plunkett as the backup, and since he's a lefty and Plunkett a righty, I can see Plunkett taking starts against southpaws if Chappy can't handle them. While far from an ideal catching group, I'm a little more confident then I was, and we can survive an injury or two should they occur.

On the coaching staff, I replaced our pitching coach and trainer, picking up Earle Robinson and Ed Reed. No, not that Ed Reed...

This Ed Reed is a trainer, and if there's one thing he does well, it's prevent injuries. In fact, well is an understatement, as aside from preventing leg injuries, where he's just "outstanding," he's "legendary" when it comes to arm, back, and other, so we may never have another injury every again. Or at least I hope so! Of course, he's not perfect, else he wouldn't be available to sign, as he doesn't do a good job rehabbing or preventing fatigue. The fatigue issue gives me some pause, and sure Jack Gibson is currently rehabbing, but hey! Who needs rehab if you never get hurt!?

Unlike Reed, Robinson both played professionally and has prior coaching experience, and I remembered him from his Cleveland days. From 1938 to 1943, he pitched on some poor Foresters teams, going 12-19 with a 4.21 ERA (87 ERA+), 1.57 WHIP, and 112 strikeouts. After that, he spent a little time with the Conquistadores and Bulls of the GWL, and he began coaching during the 1952 season. That year he spent with the Savannah Privateers, followed by a year with the Tulsa Roughnecks, and then four with the Austin Violets. The last four seasons came with the Louisville Derbies, so his stint as our pitching coach will be his first time coaching at the FABL level. Now 46, he has a chance to spend a few decades as a FABL coach, though he's not quite the quality of coach I love. He's "just" "excellent" and not anything better, but we didn't have a great pitching coach and the only better option wouldn't sign. He may not stick here forever, but I'm excited to see what he can do with our staff.