Lakers Movers and Shakers
Posted: Tue Nov 10, 2020 2:27 pm
Noah Hill letting people know he wants the shortstop job in Duluth!
Noah Hill (AAA) is a versatile, talented player who, in all probability, will make his PEBA debut this season. Making 41 appearances for Racine in 2031, Hill returns for more development but looks to be about ready to take over at shortstop for the Warriors. If Hill can show enough range to play shortstop and develop a little more offensive punch expect him to receive the call.
Also able to play third base and left field respectably, the 22 year old could move into any of those positions but with the other young players coming up right behind him, shortstop looks like the best place for Hill if acceptable defense can be played.
After 14 games, the Alberta native has 20 hits in 55 at bats with a double, triple, 2 homers and 11 runs scored.
Freddy Ortiz (AAA) can also play multiple positions (2B, 3B, SS), currently working at second base with Racine. Defense and getting on base will be his game and as a second baseman, he might be able to do those two things very well. If Hill and Ortiz work well together up the middle with Racine, look for them to advance together and form a dynamic combination for most of 2031.
After 14 games Ortiz is 13 for 58 with a double, a homer and a .362 OBP.
Sergio Rosas (AAA) has blitzed through the Duluth system since being selected in the third round of 2030. His quick advancement seems more for perceived ability than production on the field. As far as run, field and throw the 23-year-old Cuban can really stand out on the field of play. If he can find himself on base more than 35% of the time Rosas could be a nice addition to the Warrior outfield.
After 14 games, Rosas is 18-57 with 2 doubles and 3 home runs.
John Neville (AAA), yes that John Neville. He played in the Duluth system last year, combining AA and AAA stops to put together a nice 118.2 inning season, was released and re-signed as a minor league free agent. There is not much about Neville that says “call him up” but he is off to a nice start at Racine.
3 starts, 2 wins, 3.86 ERA, 18.2 innings, 21 strikeouts and 1 walk. Keep on chuckin’ John.
Twenty-six-year-old Roberto Valdez did not earn the first base job during the spring, but he is off to a fast start in Racine. After winning the USCBA COL Regional MVP with the Minnesota Lucky Rodents in 2027, Valdez was the 45th overall selection and went on to earn an SS-A All-Star selection that same year. Add to that a NAFTA A All-Star selection, Platinum Stick Award, and Outstanding Hitter Award in 2029, and a 2030 All-Star selection, Duluth moved quickly to pick up the 6’7” 235 pound Valdez when he was cut loose. After last year’s AA season, he won a Great Northern Cup with the Den Bosch Dykes.
Valdez currently has played 14 games in Racine and is 17-56 with 3 doubles and 3 homers. His first base play does need to improve if he wants to be something more than a left- handed bat off the bench.
Jim Fish has made three starts in Racine and is making a case for a quick call-up. Twenty-one innings, 13 hits given up, 18 strikeouts and no walks. An 0.62 Whip. Fish was basically banished to the bullpen in 2027 but is looking good as a starter. Hope we can avoid making a move early, but it is nice to have the 30-year-old performing well in AAA.
Young left-hander Hiroya Ishikawa is making a case to be a short reliever. The 23-year-old was claimed off waivers two months ago and dropped onto the Racine roster where he has 7.2 innings of brilliant work striking out 8, walking 1 and allowing no runs. Bullpen depth is important, and the undersized lefty appears to be a nice addition.
Jose Ramirez underwent surgery for a labrum issue and will not be available until after the All-Star break so his chance of battling for the third base job in Duluth is now looking more like 2032. Ramirez hit .409 in spring training after belting 55 home runs over the last two seasons of minor league ball. Ramirez was a 3-time college all-star with the Central Florida Wicked Witches and the 35th overall selection in the 2029 draft after winning the Platinum Stick Award that same season.
Noah Hill (AAA) is a versatile, talented player who, in all probability, will make his PEBA debut this season. Making 41 appearances for Racine in 2031, Hill returns for more development but looks to be about ready to take over at shortstop for the Warriors. If Hill can show enough range to play shortstop and develop a little more offensive punch expect him to receive the call.
Also able to play third base and left field respectably, the 22 year old could move into any of those positions but with the other young players coming up right behind him, shortstop looks like the best place for Hill if acceptable defense can be played.
After 14 games, the Alberta native has 20 hits in 55 at bats with a double, triple, 2 homers and 11 runs scored.
Freddy Ortiz (AAA) can also play multiple positions (2B, 3B, SS), currently working at second base with Racine. Defense and getting on base will be his game and as a second baseman, he might be able to do those two things very well. If Hill and Ortiz work well together up the middle with Racine, look for them to advance together and form a dynamic combination for most of 2031.
After 14 games Ortiz is 13 for 58 with a double, a homer and a .362 OBP.
Sergio Rosas (AAA) has blitzed through the Duluth system since being selected in the third round of 2030. His quick advancement seems more for perceived ability than production on the field. As far as run, field and throw the 23-year-old Cuban can really stand out on the field of play. If he can find himself on base more than 35% of the time Rosas could be a nice addition to the Warrior outfield.
After 14 games, Rosas is 18-57 with 2 doubles and 3 home runs.
John Neville (AAA), yes that John Neville. He played in the Duluth system last year, combining AA and AAA stops to put together a nice 118.2 inning season, was released and re-signed as a minor league free agent. There is not much about Neville that says “call him up” but he is off to a nice start at Racine.
3 starts, 2 wins, 3.86 ERA, 18.2 innings, 21 strikeouts and 1 walk. Keep on chuckin’ John.
Twenty-six-year-old Roberto Valdez did not earn the first base job during the spring, but he is off to a fast start in Racine. After winning the USCBA COL Regional MVP with the Minnesota Lucky Rodents in 2027, Valdez was the 45th overall selection and went on to earn an SS-A All-Star selection that same year. Add to that a NAFTA A All-Star selection, Platinum Stick Award, and Outstanding Hitter Award in 2029, and a 2030 All-Star selection, Duluth moved quickly to pick up the 6’7” 235 pound Valdez when he was cut loose. After last year’s AA season, he won a Great Northern Cup with the Den Bosch Dykes.
Valdez currently has played 14 games in Racine and is 17-56 with 3 doubles and 3 homers. His first base play does need to improve if he wants to be something more than a left- handed bat off the bench.
Jim Fish has made three starts in Racine and is making a case for a quick call-up. Twenty-one innings, 13 hits given up, 18 strikeouts and no walks. An 0.62 Whip. Fish was basically banished to the bullpen in 2027 but is looking good as a starter. Hope we can avoid making a move early, but it is nice to have the 30-year-old performing well in AAA.
Young left-hander Hiroya Ishikawa is making a case to be a short reliever. The 23-year-old was claimed off waivers two months ago and dropped onto the Racine roster where he has 7.2 innings of brilliant work striking out 8, walking 1 and allowing no runs. Bullpen depth is important, and the undersized lefty appears to be a nice addition.
Jose Ramirez underwent surgery for a labrum issue and will not be available until after the All-Star break so his chance of battling for the third base job in Duluth is now looking more like 2032. Ramirez hit .409 in spring training after belting 55 home runs over the last two seasons of minor league ball. Ramirez was a 3-time college all-star with the Central Florida Wicked Witches and the 35th overall selection in the 2029 draft after winning the Platinum Stick Award that same season.