Looking at SBLm Rookie Bats

Sun Aug 16, 2020 1:02 am

Magglio Renteria

The Pittsburg rookie has absolutely shown out in his rookie season in the SBLm. Oh, you don't believe me? Try the 3rd highest batting average in the league and a top 5 OPS? He leads all rookies in average, and OPS. Wait... you still need more proof? Rentetia's 4.1 WAR nearly sniffs the top 5, as a rookie. Yeah, being a rookie, he isn't perfect. His weakness? It is really weak. His zone rating of -11.4 is quite horrendous. However, he more than makes up for it. Pittsburg got a stud. They can only hope he sticks around for next season.

Kobe Honda

Unfortunately, Kobe regressed just a little bit as the season progressed. But really, you didn't expect him to bat .380 + for the whole season? Still he managed to slash a respectable .261/.335/.370 for the season. Of course, he needs to either work to raise his slugging or on base abilities. Neither his OBP to SLG% are high enough to offset how low the other is. Fortunately, Kobe's value is buoyed by more than just a hot bat. He provides a + glove in center field and could be among the favorites for the Gold Glove award.

Home Run Kid

What a misleading name. How does the Home Run Kid manage only 13 bombs on the season? HRK batted for contact? What is this place. Fortunately, fans aren't going to complain about a .280/.348/.392 slash line. Of course, more significant power would be a great addition to his game. He has been a contributor to the unbelievable Sherbrooke team. However, his defense was not good. He will need to improve in that regard, or become a great enough hitter that people forget he even plays defense.

Thomas Rose

This guy fell, and fell some more in the s1 draft. It was amazing watching some of the players drafted over him. He obviously entered the season with a desire to prove the GMs wrong. I believe he did just that. He slashed .290/.351/.401 and wasn't a complete turnstile on the defensive end. Chicago fans didnt have much to cheer for on offense. Thomas Rose was able to provide some much needed on base ability to a team that desperately needed it.