12/2/2012: Reno, NV – The Reno Zephyrs have been mired in failure for what seems like an eternity. The not-so-lovable-losers have managed to lose more than 100 games in each of the last five seasons. The Zephyrs front office has been busy drafting and trading in an effort to reverse the losing ways.

Yesterday saw the team take another step in towards the goal. Reno selected first baseman Lonnie “Thumper” Davis from the San Antonio Calzones of Laredo in the PEBA Rule 5 draft. Many times, these types of moves go largely unnoticed due to the fact that teams are essentially selecting from someone else’s garbage pile, but Reno hopes to reap a significant reward from this selection.

Davis, 25, split 2015 between the Calzones and Triple-A Joplin Red Racers. At one time, Davis was a highly regarded hitting prospect. The 6-foot-3, 210 lb. right-handed hitting prospect was originally drafted by the Omaha Cyclones in the 12^th round of the inaugural PEBA draft. He has a career OPS of .806 and has notched 147 home runs over nine seasons covering over 1,000 games and 3,452 AB – all but 96 games and 347 AB coming in the minors. “Thumper” has hit 42 home runs and 108 RBI in 555 career Triple-A at bats.

There is no doubt that his star has lost a lot of luster over the last couple seasons but, barring injury, a team like Reno can nearly guarantee 500 AB for the young slugger. Considering his Rule 5 status, his potential, his age, his league minimum contract, and Reno’s lack of options at first base, Lonnie “Thumper” Davis will get a very long leash to succeed or fail. What more can a 25-year-old former top prospect ask for?