But for the low slot feature, the #2 pick thing plus Elias/Sig in selecting front office stick this one as the most interesting of the comps.
Of course Bregman said "I'm not tired" and played 3 pro months after signing, perhaps knowing the big league team was ready for him as a finishing touch. I don't expect Kjerstad at that level, but hope he can chase it if the read was right.
The aggregate Bregman minors line: ~600 PA of 300/390/500, and more walks than K's. The eye plus ascending OPS each level was quite a combo. Best case where he's 90% of Bregman not 60%, I feel like First Half 2022 could still be in play.
Certainly in the first 1-2 months of minor league year, these two guys showing quickly if they can that they're just plain better than whatever understandably moderate starting assignment they get will govern a lot of the overall excitement gauge heading towards '22.
Yep...and yea, it’s if all goes well.
If “all doesn’t go well” I think it’s worth questioning the pick almost immediately (unless he gets hurt).
When you draft what you feel is an advanced college bat, there should be no struggling in low A. I’m not saying he needs to have a 1000 OPS right off the bat because obviously there will be an adjustment but he needs to perform at a relatively high level.
I saw on MLB last night he also integrated the South Atlantic League in 1953.
I knew passing the Babe was early in the season, but this was really my first time skimming B-Ref, appreciating he ended his Age 39 1973 only just down by 714-713. Of course, he had just had a 40 HR season and >1.000 OPS, so yeah, pretty good chance.
Been a long time but I think I heard a story as a kid that he batted wrong handed when he first started playing, but had strong enough wrists he could manage anyway.
I agree this is the “if all goes according to plan” scenario.
It’s worth remembering that as recently as 2017 we had a 2016 draftee go from hi A to AA to the majors in one season — 3rd rounder Austin Hays. Of course, he had some major hiccups after that.
I especially enjoy reliving the highlights of a win. When I stay up late and watch the postgame while my wife is sleeping, the next day she’ll ask me what I did last night and I tell her I was watching the game and then “Gloatfest.”
Fair point. Fans come with expectations and really aren't needed to maximize profits. It probably pays more to be terrible than it does to carry a high payroll, and even if times were normal it's unlikely there would be many fans in the stands.