A quick glance in the mirror

[Leones]

LaPena.png

With July wrapping up it's time to take a quick look back at this year's draftees to see how they're doing so far:

1. SP Nick Duncan (round 1, 22 overall) TAU R
Nick has only recently recovered from biceps tendinitis he picked up in May. He's slotted to get the next start for the Taniwha against the Hobart Devils. We're eager to see how he performs.

2. RF Bob Camacho (round 2, 55 overall) YAS SA
Camacho found himself immediately slotted into S-A ball and has shown early promise. He's posted a 2.0 WAR including 11 HR and 32 RBI His SLG and OBP are a bit down from his college numbers but he's expected to make the adjustment as he progresses. Coaching staff are impressed with his game changing speed ability to make contact and hit for power.

3. SS José Maldonado (round 3, 82 overall) TAU R
Maldonado finds himself eclipsed by the talented Decheng Jia and being the second shortstop on the depth chart. With only 12 AB his numbers reflect the lack of play needed for improvement. The club system is deep at SS so it will require a real effort on his part if he wants to break through. For now he's a project who has the luxury of time to work things out in the rookie league.

4. C Ed Park (round 4, 110 overall) YAS SA
Park has slotted in nicely to the Storks plans and has taken the starting catcher duties for the club. Projected to be an average player he nonetheless has posted a 1.5 WAR with a notable .807 OPS and .276 AVG. He's got a great arm as advertised, 17 PO on 22 TC; but needs to polish his defense a bit with a -1.7 ZR. So far he looks to be a backstop who will contribute for a long time.

5. SP Josh Witty (round5, 138 overall) TAU R
He's put up a 3-1 record in his first campaign so far. Clearly a player who is having to make some adjustments after posting some strong numbers as a high school player. This is a step up mentally and physically but so far he seems put to the task.

That rounds out the top 5. Who's caught our eye past beyond those?

* SP José Ibarra (round 19, 528 overall) NAS A
Ibarra made the jump direct from college to A level ball where he's been a pleasant revelation. From the second spot in the rotation he's managed a 2-0 record with a 2.05 ERA. In 26.1 IP he's not given up any HR though he has walked 9. His K/9 and WHIP show another player who's struggling a bit at a higher compete level, but the club is very happy with his effort to date.

[Lions]

Camacho's power certainly looks real. Ibarra may be in the rotation, but he's only made 1 start so far. Fun to see those super late round guys do something.