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Jose Marmolejos Born: 1/2/1993 Ht. 6’1″ Wt. 185 Bats: L Throws: L Career Stats |
An elbow injury delayed the start of the “the Orange’s” 2017 campaign and perhaps sapped his power a bit (.495 SLG% in ’16 vs. .458 in ’17), but otherwise his steady climb continued with his fifth .800+ OPS campaign since 2012. He actually played in LF more than 1B in 2017 but with a similar build and athleticism to Tyler Moore, he is probably better suited to 1B. With Matt Skole departed from the organization, it seems near-certain Marmolejos will rise to Syracuse. |
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Aldrem Corredor Born: 10/27/1995 Ht. 6’0″ Wt. 202 Bats: L Throws: L Career Stats |
The 22-y.o. Venezuelan pretty much makes this list (as does the next guy) because there are so few viable first baseman in the Nats system. This has been a problem now for quite some time but seems to be unnoticed outside of our little bubble. Last year was Corredor’s first year north of Florida, but earned a spot in the South Atlantic League all-star game. However, he faded in the second half so it’s not a given he’ll move up to Potomac. |
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Chance Shepard Born: 11/8/1994 Ht. 6’1″ Wt. 210 Bats: L Throws: L Career Stats |
With a very strong chance of following in Connor Simonetti’s footsteps (a 2017 Watchlist pick who was released after just six games for Auburn), Chance Shepard will have to make hay and make it fast as he’ll most likely be a 23-y.o. in Low-A, which is old for the level as he has been the past two summers. Shepard was signed as an NDFA in 2016 as a catcher but converted to 1B last summer. He was second on the Doubledays in both HR’s and slugging percentage. |