The Daily Jumper - 2034
Posted: Mon Aug 30, 2021 8:41 pm
Breakdown of hitters likely to be on Coqui roster opening day:
CATCHER
Dan Collins - Veteran had his best year since coming to the Imperial League (.317 OBP) after developing a good relationship with hitting coach Juichi Matsumoto, who re-joined the team last year. He and Ju-chan Park combined for 41 doubles and 12 home runs last year while providing solid defense.
Ju-Chan Park - The team captain and the best defensive catcher but age 36 now.
Valentin Medrano - Coqui traded for the former LDBI star to add depth and insurance. Medrano hit .300 with a .355 OBP in limited action with Niihami-shi last year and will likely rotate in allowing (hopefully) more pitch hitting and running at the position.
INFIELD
Roberto Salazar (SS) - Although he has troubles staying healthy, Dracula is an all-star caliber top-of-the-order guy when in uniform. Has 418 career steals and a career .353 OBP.
Oscar Wetherby (3B) - Will take over the position full time after proving himself an everyday player last season with a .312 OBP against righties. Crushed lefties, slugging .504 last year. Can also play second and short.
José Gonzales (2B) - Primary platoons versus righties whom he hit .276 against last year. Always a threat to steal. One of the top glove men at his position.
Henry Davis (2B/SS/LF) - Team was very pleased with the Davis signing last year. As a role player had a career high 11 HRs and a .731 OPS vs. lefties while playing stellar defense.
Hae-young Pak (2B/1B) - Free agent signee has a career .452 OBP.
Tracy Young (1B) - Earned an all-star berth with hot start but slumped the second half (.245, 18 HR).
Lee Stone (1B) - Was underwhelming after coming over from West Virginia last year. Has big league power but struggles with contact and strike zone.
OUTFIELD
Wally Glasser - Emerged as a top centerfielder last year, hitting .296 with 28 doubles and 61 stolen bases.
José Aguilera - Successful first year in San Juan hitting .297 with 72 stolen bases.
Kelvin McDonald - Coming off two of his best seasons; .298 with a career high .366 OBP last year. Has had back-to-back 30-30 doubles-steals seasons (40 SB last year).
Jorge Pagán - More of a DH, had his season cut short to injury but is the team's best home run hitter per at bat. Career .255, .320, .459 batter.
ON THE BUBBLE:
Brandon Robertson (1B) - Once promising 2031 rookie suffered a torn labrum in 2032 but seemed to hit stride in AAA last year with a .772 OPS.
Joe Kenny (OF) - Free agent 34-year old brings some leadership and a career .319 OBP.
Bernardo Ríos (OF) - Free agent 31-year old has had a couple poor seasons but could fill a need against right-handed pitching and thrive under San Juan's basestealing tuteledge.
CATCHER
Dan Collins - Veteran had his best year since coming to the Imperial League (.317 OBP) after developing a good relationship with hitting coach Juichi Matsumoto, who re-joined the team last year. He and Ju-chan Park combined for 41 doubles and 12 home runs last year while providing solid defense.
Ju-Chan Park - The team captain and the best defensive catcher but age 36 now.
Valentin Medrano - Coqui traded for the former LDBI star to add depth and insurance. Medrano hit .300 with a .355 OBP in limited action with Niihami-shi last year and will likely rotate in allowing (hopefully) more pitch hitting and running at the position.
INFIELD
Roberto Salazar (SS) - Although he has troubles staying healthy, Dracula is an all-star caliber top-of-the-order guy when in uniform. Has 418 career steals and a career .353 OBP.
Oscar Wetherby (3B) - Will take over the position full time after proving himself an everyday player last season with a .312 OBP against righties. Crushed lefties, slugging .504 last year. Can also play second and short.
José Gonzales (2B) - Primary platoons versus righties whom he hit .276 against last year. Always a threat to steal. One of the top glove men at his position.
Henry Davis (2B/SS/LF) - Team was very pleased with the Davis signing last year. As a role player had a career high 11 HRs and a .731 OPS vs. lefties while playing stellar defense.
Hae-young Pak (2B/1B) - Free agent signee has a career .452 OBP.
Tracy Young (1B) - Earned an all-star berth with hot start but slumped the second half (.245, 18 HR).
Lee Stone (1B) - Was underwhelming after coming over from West Virginia last year. Has big league power but struggles with contact and strike zone.
OUTFIELD
Wally Glasser - Emerged as a top centerfielder last year, hitting .296 with 28 doubles and 61 stolen bases.
José Aguilera - Successful first year in San Juan hitting .297 with 72 stolen bases.
Kelvin McDonald - Coming off two of his best seasons; .298 with a career high .366 OBP last year. Has had back-to-back 30-30 doubles-steals seasons (40 SB last year).
Jorge Pagán - More of a DH, had his season cut short to injury but is the team's best home run hitter per at bat. Career .255, .320, .459 batter.
ON THE BUBBLE:
Brandon Robertson (1B) - Once promising 2031 rookie suffered a torn labrum in 2032 but seemed to hit stride in AAA last year with a .772 OPS.
Joe Kenny (OF) - Free agent 34-year old brings some leadership and a career .319 OBP.
Bernardo Ríos (OF) - Free agent 31-year old has had a couple poor seasons but could fill a need against right-handed pitching and thrive under San Juan's basestealing tuteledge.