Forecasting the Fisher Cats 2015 Infielders

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2nd/SS

The Fisher Cats infield situation is cloudy. Jon Berti has nothing left to prove in NH and Munenori Kawasaki, Ramon Santiago, and Ryan Schimpf are all pencilled to start the year with the Bisons. Kevin Nolan finished the year with Buffalo (21 GP) and has played 222 games at Double-A. Depending on what happens with Ryan Goins will directly influence where Nolan lands.

Devon Travis 2nd

The 13th round selection of the Detroit Tigers will be challenging for the Blue Jays everyday 2nd base job this spring. If he’s not successful in his bid to win the 2nd base job, then there is a 50/50 chance that he starts the year in NH. My bet is he starts the year in NH and will quickly move up to Buffalo.

Jorge Flores SS

Flores split time between Dunedin and NH, splitting time at SS and 2nd base in 2014. The 5’5″ native of Mexico is an excellent fielder, showing good range, arm, and glove. He committed 12 errors and had a .951 FPCT at SS in 2014. Flores won’t strike out much (12.2%), but he also doesn’t walk much either (5.0%). He does what you want from a guy that doesn’t have much power, he puts the ball in play. Last year with the Fisher Cats he had a BABIP of .337, he hit line drives at rate of 16.0% and registered 27.6%  outfield flyballs, but when Flores steps to the plate you can expect he will be looking to create something. He hits close to 48.6% of his batted balls into the ground, but only hit into 7 double plays last year.

Jon Berti 2nd

Berti will get everyday at-bats by splitting time in LF and 2nd base. Berti should start the year in Buffalo, but what should happen and what will happen aren’t always the same thing. Berti plays good D, hits and runs well enough to be considered for a roster spot on a major league bench , and show enough plate discipline to enter the conversation as a legitimate prospect. Unfortunately, with Devon Travis now in the mix and lack of excitement around him, Berti seems destined to fill the utility role.