Hammer Time - 7 Mar 2059

[Jess64]

Getting Back Into The Swing of Things To Prepare For a New Season

(Jerusalem, IR) The Hebrew Hammers had a busy off-season as newly appointed General Manager Jesse Stollings burnt the candle at both ends, in the middle and along the edges as he reviewed the numerous resumes of the large free agency pool for the GBC/BBA as he worked to fill the minor league rosters. He definitely put some miles on his travel card as he flew across the globe to work out players and have those vital 1-on-1 conversations.

The hard work and long hours seem to have paid off as the Hammers went from having about 20 players in the whole minor league system to having almost completely full rosters and more impressively, the #1 farm system in the GBC. After numerous calls and emails, Stollings finally agreed to introduce the top players in the system to the press.

The system is being led by #3 prospect, 24-year old 2B Oliver Martinez . The youngster will start the season with AAA Cape Town where he will continue to hone his skills in the hopes of impressing Stollings enough to earn a spot on the Hammers. His big bat potential can definitely be an advantage but he will have to continue to work on his ability to put the bat on the ball to increase his chances of getting a call-up.

Martinez is joined on the Cape Town roster by #7 21-year old left-fielder Zaid bin Nabil who also brings the potential to be a big hitter to the organization. Zaid will need to make major improvements in his abilities on the field to match his batting skills to make sure he will be able to make the jump to the big show. But the potential is there for sure and we are excited to watch him develop.

These 2 are joined by 3 pitchers to round out the top 5 players in the minor league system.

22-year old Amaka Zev will start the season with the Tokyo Magic. But the #9 prospect has a strong arsenal of a slider, a splitter and a cutter that will keep batters on their heels as they try to get on base with him on the mound.

23-year old Leonard Squillari is currently on the roster with Cape Town. But the a strong curveball, cutter and changeup could see this #14 prospect on the Hammers roster before the season is over.

The trio is closed out by the 15th ranked prospect, Isra'il bin Yoonus who is currently in the rotation for the Belo Horizonte Tenentes but that is more than likely going to change pretty quickly. This 25-year old has a strong work ethic and is considered very intelligent. His arsenal of 5 pitches (fastball, slider, curveball, changeup and forkball) means he can easily work his way up the system as the season progresses.

The men were friendly and answered the questions they were presented with (these will be shared before the season starts) but it was very obvious they were ready to get to work and do their part to bring glory to the Hebrew Hammers organization, from the top to the bottom.