Catcher Aquired At Trade Deadline
After a great deal of speculation, rumors, and unanswered phone calls, the California Crusaders finally issued a press release announcing that they have agreed to a trade with the
Buffalo Bisons.
The deal involves minor league pitchers
Fei Shui, the Crusaders' #1 ranked pitching prospect according to SISA, and California's first round pick this year
Zorg 'Deuce' Göbelbecker, an 18 year old closer with an extremely high ceiling.
In exchange for the two pitchers, the Crusaders will receive 23 year old
C Tommy Aucoin. Aucoin, a rookie currently batting .260/.292/.363 for Buffalo, is expected to be given the starting catcher position immediately, as the team has been looking to replace
Carlos Becerra (.217/.287/.263) for quite some time, as his contract expires at the end of the year and he's been putting up pretty horrible numbers this season - he's ranked last in the
GUBA Positional Ranking.
Aucoin projects out as a well above average hitting catcher, with a 4/4/3/4/5 talent set. A line of .300/.375/.450 isn't out of the question for him if his plate discipline continues to develop, but he's holding his own now as a rookie and (as pointed out by RoyalPJ) is a right handed pull hitter playing in a park where
a certain other pull hitting righty is on his way to the hall of fame.
No, I'm not saying Aucoin is the next Forest. It would be nice, sure, but I'll be happy if he gives me a .750 OPS for the next 4 or 5 seasons.