Forecasting the Fisher Cats 2015 Infielders

Mar 3, 2015; Dunedin, FL, USA; A general view of Florida Auto Exchange Park prior to a spring training baseball game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Toronto Blue Jays. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

1B/3B

The Fisher Cats will welcome back K.C. Hobson, who’ll play 1st base, and Andy Fermin, who’ll play 3rd. Depending how things shake out in Buffalo, Andy Burns may start the year back with the Fisher Cats. It is safe to assume that this will be the case since he is currently listed on their roster. With four first baseman on the Bisons roster, we can expect one of them will share AB’s with Hobson.

K.C. Hobson 1st base

The 24 year-old Hobson hit 19HR in 2013 for the Blue Jays High-A ball. He was expected to continue to hit for power in 2014, but regressed. What changed? Hobson strike out increased upon being promoted, his saw a dip in his ISO from .199 to .130, he hit more line drives at Double-A and less fly balls. He hit 11 more line drives in 2014 and 31 less outfield fly balls. In 2015, Hobson will show a good eye at the plate, should hit more home runs but will continue to struggle with his average.

Andy Fermin 3rd

The 25 year-old Florida native never seems to get a full-time gig. The most games he’s played is 59GP in Bluefield in 2011. Maybe 2015 will be his year…maybe not. Fermin will spend most of his time at the hot corner, but can also play 2nd base (17GP in 2014). He owns a 2.62 RF and .936 FPCT at 3rd and 4.56 RF and .985 FPCT at 2nd. Despite hitting 5HR in 38GP, Fermin hits a lot of ground balls. About 45% of contact made by Fermin went for a ground ball. I would love to see what player Fermin would be if he ever received full-time AB’s.

Andy Burns 3rd

I already covered Andy Burns (Bisons Forecasting). If he starts the year with the Fisher Cats, we can expect Burns to start the year off stronger than he did last time. Burns will force his way onto the Bisons roster before too long.