Players/Positions to watch
SS Max Hatcher
2B Position
This team is potentially going to live or die at the production they get out of their middle position. Hatcher was called up for part of last year and struggled immensely. The team had Pablo Soto at shortstop much of last season so Hatcher is certainly a downgrade. Hatcher does provide some offensive spark though with great pop to his bat that should hit some out of the park. No questions, Hatcher’s ability to play defense has been his road to the BBA.
At 2nd base, the team had Chris Workman who is now a member of the Brooklyn Robins and who provided 2.3 WAR value last season. The team signed German Perez in the offseason and also have Pedro Gutierrez as options but neither seem like great options at this point. Cristo Meza may be the best option at this position but he, like Hatcher, has a very limited bat. Prospect Julio Chavez may be the only solution in the minors for this team at shortstop or 2nd.
Sleepers
Pitcher Bonaventure Hambermas
Pitcher Hector Mata
Pitcher Randall Thomas
Three pitchers that Charm City did very well this offseason that are on super cheap contracts and should provide some decent return for the Jimmies. We have discussed Hambermas and how his resigning may have been a steal for the team, and the same with Randall Thomas who may be a sneaky starting pitcher or a good option out of the bullpen.
We haven’t discussed Hector Mata very much. Mata was a rule 5 pick meaning he must be on the roster all season or be returned to the team selected from. Mata is 24 years old and throws hard averaging 96-98 mph and does a good job of keeping the ball on the ground which should suit the strong defensive infield for Charm City well. Mata cracked the majors first last season pitching in 12 innings to a large 13.14 ERA but 12 innings is like watching the opening credits for a TV Show and declaring it no good before giving it a chance. Mata does have some control issues but has good movement on his pitches and has the ability to make batters miss. And if he doesn’t work out? He gets sent back. No harm done on this move that could work very well in Charm City’s favor.